CHAPTER VII
Stranded
"Looks something like a river, sir," remarked Hepburn, as the unlovely waterside buildings at Reading were left astern, and the Olivette gained the broad reach where the Kennet joins the Thames.
"Looks are sometimes deceptive," rejoined Mr. Armitage, who was standing behind Hepburn in the wheel-house. "There's a tricky spot just beyond Sonning. I'll tell you where when we come to it. Because a river's wide it doesn't necessarily mean that it's deep. Edge a little over towards the tow-path."
Sonning was duly admired and left astern. At about a mile below the far-famed lock the Scoutmaster renewed his caution.
"See that broad stretch ahead, Hepburn?" he asked. "That's shallow water. The deep channel runs hard to port, passing those two little islands on your starboard hand. Give her all the helm you can, because the current's pretty strong."
As a precautionary measure Mr. Armitage told Roche to stand by the reversing-lever. It was as well that he did so, for as the sharp bend became visible Hepburn gave the Olivette full starboard helm.
The boat responded, but the current setting hard against her broadside was too strong for her. By the time she had turned the requisite eight points her bows were on a line with the little islands.
"Stop!" shouted Alan. "Full speed astern."
The Olivette quivered under the reverse action of the propeller, and gathered sternway so quickly that she was in danger of ramming the right bank stern foremost.