The Sea Scout fitted the plunger and primed the pump. Then he gave a dozen vigorous strokes, without the desired result.
"Pump's not working, sir," he declared.
The Scoutmaster looked to see what was amiss. The lower valve was adrift. It was of the double-mushroom pattern, with a flange in the barrel and a nut in the suction-pipe to keep the valve in its place. Removing the lower valve by means of a hooked rod, Mr. Graham found that the nut had come unfastened, and was probably half-way down the pipe. Without it the valve was lifted completely out of its resting by the suction of the plunger.
"That's awkward, sir," said Desmond. "The pipe's soldered to the barrel instead of having the usual union. What's to be done?"
"We can't go to sea with a pump out of action," rejoined the Scoutmaster. "What do you suggest, Desmond?"
"Unshipping the whole concern and taking it ashore to be set right, sir," was the reply. "It's a plumber's job."
"It would mean a day wasted," objected Findlay. "It's a pity to miss this fine weather."
"Then what do you suggest, old son?" asked the Patrol Leader. "If you've a stunt in the back of your mind, out with it."
"I'd scrap the lower valve," declared Findlay.
"But you must have one, Jock," interrupted Mr. Graham, "otherwise the pump won't act."