Down Channel
There was no sleep for either of the two Scoutmasters for the rest of that night. The still drowsy lads had to be attended to. Stratton, in particular, was in a bad way, while Roche complained of violent pains in his head. The others, beyond being rather scared at the peril they had undergone, were little the worse for their adventure.
"Wonder how it occurred?" inquired Mr. Jackson.
"I can't possibly imagine," replied Mr. Armitage. "I'm always very particular about lights, and, I am glad to say, none of the boys smoke, although I'm afraid I set them a bad example. The galley-stove is quite away from the engine-room. It beats me, but, when we examine the seat of the fire, perhaps we may find a solution to the mystery."
"We'm gettin' under way now, sir," shouted the skipper of the drifter. "Shall us pass a line ashore for you?"
Mr. Armitage turned to his companion.
"Might as well carry out our original plan, I think, and put her on the mud," he said. "The pair of us ought to be able to warp her out."
"Good enough," agreed the other.
The two Scoutmasters went on deck, swung out and lowered the dinghy, and threw a coil of rope into the stern sheets. Then, rowing off to a buoy near the centre of the harbour, they made fast the line from the Rosalie's bow.
"Cast off, please, and thank you," said Mr. Armitage to the crew of the drifter.