"Nothin' to speak of," was the reply. "'E's nephew o' mine, an' his old mother do live at Dartmouth. Us'll pick him up when we loads up at Plymouth for Littlehampton!"
"Right-o," rejoined Mr. Graham. "We'll put him ashore. We'll send our dinghy."
Although the sea was calm, the Scoutmaster decided that it was not worth the risk to run the Spindrift alongside the schooner. Findlay jumped into the dinghy and rowed off, returning with the passenger.
The crew of the Spindrift were not particularly impressed at the appearance of the newcomer. He was a freckled, red-haired youth of about eighteen, with a loose lip, and greenish eyes that had a strained, worried look. He waved his hand to the Gloria as the schooner filled her top-sails and resumed her course.
The youth was not at all backward at asking questions. He wanted to know all about the Spindrift and her crew, where they came from and where they were bound for; why they weren't running the motor, and when did they expect to make Dartmouth?
On the other hand, he was very communicative when the Sea Scouts questioned him, and was as outspoken as the misjudged Gregory had been reticent.
Choosing the inshore passage inside the Skerries, Mr. Graham suggested that it was time for another meal. Findlay went below to light the stove and prepare the food, and, when he announced that all was ready, the crew and the guest went into the cabin, leaving Hayes at the helm.
"Keep her as she is, Hayes," cautioned Mr. Graham. "I'll be on deck to relieve you long before we open out Dartmouth Harbour."
The Sea Scouts were hungry; so was the stranger. There was food in plenty, but, owing to the shortage of fresh water, there was only one cup of cocoa for each person.
Suddenly, the passenger made a hurried exit into the cock-pit. The Sea Scouts looked at each other and grinned. They had seen similar precipitate rushes to the open air before. Even Mr. Graham raised his eyebrows knowingly.