Sea Scouts up-Channel

by Percy F. Westerman

Raising the automatic he placed the muzzle against the cabin door and pressed the trigger. A deafening report shook the confined space. The air reeked of burnt cordite.

Another shot followed in quick succession, then, hastily setting the safety-catch of the pistol, the Scoutmaster thrust his shoulder against the door.

Already the two bullets had done their work. The hasp had been torn from the teak door, and it required very little effort to clear a way.

Into the cockpit rushed the Scoutmaster, the two Scouts hard on his heels.

Alarmed by the shots, the miscreant had run for'ard, evidently under the totally wrong impression that they were meant for him. Then, grasping the lever of the winch, he stood on the defensive, looking more like an infuriated beast than a human being.

"Drop that and give in at once!" said Mr. Graham sternly, pointing the muzzle of the automatic at the fellow's stomach. The safety-catch was still set, as the Scoutmaster knew, but he was also aware that a man, who will face the muzzle of a pistol without outward signs of fear, will begin to quiver and quake when the weapon is pointed at the buckle of his belt.

The boy dropped the lever and began to raise both hands. Desmond and Findlay ran for'ard to secure him, but with a yelp of rage the hardened youngster leapt overboard.

He reappeared half a dozen yards astern, waving his hands and yelling until he dipped for the second time. To all on board it was evident that he was unable to swim. The Spindrift, although running up into the wind, was still carrying a lot of way. Hayes in the dinghy was a cable's length astern, rowing strongly, but making slow progress owing to the drag of the outboard motor's propeller.

The Scoutmaster picked up a life-buoy and threw it to the drowning youth. So careful was he to avoid hitting the lad with the buoy, that it fell short.

Simultaneously, there were two splashes. Without waiting even to kick off their shoes, Desmond and Findlay had both "taken to the ditch" and were swimming strongly to the aid of the lad in distress.