"Ay, ay, sir!"
"Heave her up."
The pawls of the winch clattered merrily as the cable came home. Presently the big galvanized anchor appeared above the surface. Findlay promptly caught the gravity-band shackle with the lower block of the handy-billy, and in double quick time the "killick" was secured on deck.
By this time the Spindrift was forging slowly ahead, and the hitherto fully occupied lads had an opportunity of seeing the last of Dartmouth for no doubt a considerable time.
Within the harbour the water was as calm as a millpond, save for the rippling wake of the outward bound yacht. Outside, the sea was dancing under the influence of a light westerly breeze, which promised to grow in strength as the sun rose higher.
Sail was now set, and the engine switched off.
Desmond, as sailing master, told off Hayes for the first two hours at the helm.
"Keep the East Blackstone on your port bow," he cautioned. "When that's abeam, we'll set a compass course."
"May we fish, sir?" asked Findlay. "We heard last night that there are shoals of mackerel off the East Blackstone."
"Certainly," replied Mr. Graham. "Only take care to keep your hooks clear of the main and mizzen sheets!"