Meanwhile Warkworth and Hepburn, disregarding the Patrol-leader's instructions, backed the dinghy towards the swimmers, and it was with feelings of relief that Stratton saw the rescued animal lifted into the boat.
"Give way," he ordered, hanging on to the transom. "Tow me clear. You're too near the surf."
[Illustration: IT WAS WITH FEELINGS OF RELIEF THAT STRATTON SAW THE RESCUED ANIMAL LIFTED INTO THE BOAT]
It was not until the dinghy was in quite calm water that Peter got on board. He was so exhausted that Hepburn had to help him over the stern, while Warkworth crouched in the bows to prevent the dinghy dipping under the combined weight of the two Sea Scouts. They knew how to manage small boats, and the lessons learnt on the Solent served them in good stead.
Five minutes later the dinghy was hoisted out, and the three Sea Scouts with the trophy stood on Rosalie's deck.
"What a miserable little beast," exclaimed Flemming, regarding the soaking wet little pup.
"Look here, young fellah-me-lad!" said Peter, in mock reproof. "When I ask your opinion of my pup, you can give it; not before."