"Findlay will reeve a fresh one," rejoined the Scoutmaster. "Nip down below and shift your wet gear."
Aided by the flood-tide and the little outboard motor, the Spindrift was soon back at the anchorage from which she had taken French leave. This time there was no mistake. The crew took good care to see that the anchor was down properly, and in addition they laid out a kedge.
"Here we stop until we weigh for the Solent, lads," said Mr. Graham. "Unless the Harbour Master takes it into his head to make us shift our berth. Now, Findlay and Hayes, have you packed up ready for your train journey to Southampton?"
The two Sea Scouts pulled long faces. It was one of those occasions when they forgot the Scout precept "Keep Smiling ".
"No, sir, not yet," was the reply.
"I'm going ashore to telegraph to Bedford and Coles to join us here," continued the Scoutmaster. "But I've been thinking matters over. Bradley and the other fellows will be quite at home on the guardship at Wootton by this time. We can very well do with a larger crew, so I think you two will be better employed on the Spindrift than going back to Wootton."
"Thank you, sir, awfully!" exclaimed Jock, while Hayes began a horn-pipe on deck, which came to a rapid and premature end when his bare toe came in painful contact with a gun-metal cleat.
Accordingly, a telegram was dispatched to Sea Scout Frank Bedford, telling him to arrive at Kingswear at 7.30 p.m. on the following day and that Coles was to accompany him.
"Why did you say Kingswear, sir?" inquired Hayes, as they came out of the post office.
Mr. Graham pretended not to hear the question, and Hayes did not press the point.