Meanwhile, Desmond and Bedford had hoisted one pig of ballast on to the yacht's deck by means of a double sling. The next operation was to transfer the heavy lump of iron from the yacht to the board in the stern of the dinghy. This was accomplished by means of the starboard runners.
"Now work along the chain, Findlay," continued Mr. Graham. "At that," he added, when about ten feet of chain rested on the board by the side of the pig of ballast.
Jock's next task was to lash the ballast to the chain, which he did by reeving the wire through a hole at each end of the pig and taking it round the chain, repeating the operation at least half a dozen times and finishing off with a reef-knot.
"Give way, Pat," ordered the Scoutmaster.
Hayes plied his oars vigorously. The dinghy gathered way. Slowly the chain tautened, and then the pig of ballast began to slide over the board, until, assisted by a vigorous push by Findlay, the mass of iron disappeared beneath the surface.
The chain, instead of taking a gentle curve, now dipped steeply, the additional weight causing the bight to lie upon the bottom of the channel.
"Now, that cable is not in anyone's way," explained the Scoutmaster. "Spell-ho for all hands for five minutes! You've earned it."
The short interval for rest was quickly over. Then the chain on the yacht's port quarter had to be treated in a similar manner.
This time the Sea Scouts carried out the work without any directions from their Scoutmaster, the Patrol Leader superintending the operation. Mr. Graham was keen on encouraging initiative in his lads, and on this occasion, as on many others, he had no cause to find fault. Everything had gone without a hitch, except, as Findlay remarked, the hitches on the cable. This done, the Sea Scouts returned to the guardship for dinner.
"Look, sir!" exclaimed Hayes, pointing with a rust-stained finger in the direction of the entrance to the creek. "There's a motor-boat coming right up. We've only just finished in time."