The Sea Scouts careered about the harbour for nearly half an hour, and then brought the dinghy alongside and switched off the ignition.
"Will she start up again?" queried Mr. Sadler. In reply Jock gave the fly-wheel a sharp pull over. The engine fired immediately.
"She's yours," said the late owner, carelessly stuffing the five one-pound notes that Mr. Graham had given him into his pocket. "But tell me: what was wrong?"
"The plug, sir," replied Findlay.
"But it was a brand new one," rejoined Mr. Sadler.
"Yes, sir," explained Jock. "But the central rod was a little loose. There was the correct clearance between the points when the plug was out of the cylinder. When it was screwed home the rod touched one of the points, so there was no spark-gap."
"Well, good luck to you and your engine," said Mr. Sadler. "You deserve it, and the tip is well worth knowing. I'll order another outboard of the same type to-morrow."