"Good," rejoined Mr. Collinson. "I thought you would. Now then, let's go into details."
CHAPTER V
A Gift worth Having
"Couldn't we have the boys in?" asked the Scoutmaster. "They'd like to hear all about your gift to them."
"If you like," agreed Mr. Collinson. "As long as we stick to facts, I don't mind; but don't make a song about what I've done. I hate having to hear my praises sung and all that sort of thing. After all, it's quid pro quo, or one good turn deserves another."
The Scoutmaster went into the charthouse and looked around. Desmond, Bedford, and Hayes were paddling around in the dinghy, Findlay was fitting up a fishing-line. Coles as "cook of the day" was in the galley.
The Scoutmaster gave a shrill blast on his whistle. "All hands!" he shouted from the head of the quarter-deck ladder.
The summons was smartly obeyed, and the five Sea Scouts fell in and awaited orders.
"Mr. Collinson wishes to have a palaver with you," announced Mr. Graham briefly. The lads filed into the saloon on the upper deck, where Mr. Collinson was sitting In a comfortable arm-chair in front of a large window that commanded an extensive view of the creek. His injured arm was in a sling, but, apart from that, he looked in perfect condition.