Sea Scouts All: How the "Olivette" was won

by Percy F. Westerman

"You ought to have turned me out when you sighted the Maplin," continued the Scoutmaster.

"Yes," agreed Woodleigh; "but you were sleeping soundly, sir. I didn't like to disturb you."

Sitting on one of the lockers of the well was Mr. Murgatroyd, looking rather tired; but he had lost the greyish hue that accompanies the horrible sensation of sea-sickness.

"We've arrived, Mr. Murgatroyd," remarked the Scoutmaster cheerfully. "Sooner than we expected, you see."

"And a jolly little spot it is!" declared the owner. "Who's ready for breakfast? I'm as hungry as a hunter."

It was a jovial party that gathered round the long, folding table. In spite of the strenuous passage and the lack of an uninterrupted night's rest, the Sea Scouts were in high spirits. They realized that the Olivette had fought a battle with the elements, and that she had emerged triumphantly out of the ordeal.

"You'll be all right here with a crew who know this part of the coast," observed Mr. Armitage.

"Rather!" agreed Mr. Murgatroyd. "I wish, though, that some of you lads could remain, but I know that's out of the question. What are your plans?"

"We'll pack up and leave you as soon as possible," replied the Scoutmaster. "We'll catch the first train to Colchester, and then on to Yarmouth, get aboard the Rosalie fairly early, and then we'll make up arrears of sleep."

"Why not remain here until to-morrow?" asked the owner of the Olivette.