"I know precious little about a boat, Mr. Armitage," he declared. "It's up to you and your crew to teach me as much as I can grasp. You think it strange that I've bought a boat at my time of life, eh? It's never too late to learn, says the proverb, and I'm trying to prove that the old tag is right. Matter of fact," he added proudly, "I've had my licence endorsed three times; that's put a stopper on my driving a car. Now, carry on, Mr. Armitage. You're skipper, and I'm only a passenger. If I get in your way, push me out of it. If I should show signs of mutinous conduct, maroon me on an island—the Karsino, for preference, 'cause I've been there before."
Thereat, Mr. Murgatroyd went below to watch the operation of "starting up", while the Scoutmaster, having satisfied himself that the warps were in readiness and that the deck-hands knew what was required of them, made his way to the wheel-house.
Waiting until the engine was well warmed up, the Scoutmaster beckoned to Stratton.
"Take the wheel," he said as the Patrol-leader clambered upon the steering-platform. "Act entirely on your own. I'll stand by in case of accidents."
Feeling considerably "bucked" at being put in charge of the wheel, and at the same time conscious of a slight sensation of nervousness, Stratton turned the wheel hard over, first to port, and then to starboard, bringing the helm back to 'midships. Having ascertained the number of turns, he yelled:
"Let go, for'ard and aft. Touch astern."
Aided by the current, the Olivette did not take long to go stern foremost the length of the stage, but somewhat to Stratton's anxiety she did not answer readily to her helm. Very slowly she fell away to port, her bows just missing a barge moored on the left bank of the river, until her counter was within ten yards of the right bank.
"Stop. Easy ahead... Stop... Touch astern.... Stop!"
Roche, at the reversing lever, obeyed promptly. Unable to see what was going on outside, he rather wondered at the string of orders. It was a novel experience, acting as engineer, and relying solely upon the words of command of the coxswain.
With her after part in still water and the current boring against her bows, the Olivette swung round rapidly until her stem pointed obliquely down stream. Stratton had succeeded in turning her. With a feeling of elation he gave the order, "Easy ahead."