The Olivette's clutch was put into control, and, under Flemming's practised helmsmanship, the motor-boat ranged up alongside the unmanageable dinghy. Desmond, leaning over the side, grasped the painter and took a turn round the starboard bollard for'ard, while Rayburn hooked the stern as the dinghy swung in towards the high side of the Olivette.
"Come on board," exclaimed Mr. Armitage authoritatively. "You'll soon be all right."
The boy attempted to obey, but lurched awkwardly as if he had no control of the limbs. Two of the Sea Scouts leapt into the dinghy, and literally hauled its occupant on board the boat.
"Take him down below out of the sun," said Mr. Armitage. "He may have a touch of sunstroke. If it's only sea-sickness, give him a piece of lemon to chew. All right, Desmond, pass the painter aft."
The Olivette regathered way, the dinghy riding comfortably astern, with her bows high out of the water. On her backboard were the words: "Gregory—Abbotsbury".
"He's a bit out of his reckoning," observed Mr. Armitage. "Abbotsbury is a good fifteen miles to the nor'ard. He'd never be able to row back that distance."
"What do you propose to do with him?" inquired Mr. Graham.
"Put into Brixham and land him, I expect," replied Mr. Armitage. "We can't put back to Abbotsbury very well. For one thing, it's well out of our course and there's no harbour. We might find if we went there that there'd be too much swell to effect a landing, and we would then have to carry on into Lyme Regis or Bridport—both inaccessible at low water. I'll find out more about the youth, and see what he wants to do. Come along, Graham. We may hear an interesting story."
The two Scoutmasters found the rescued youth sitting up on one of the fo'c'sle cots. Apparently the slice of lemon had had the desired effect, for his face had lost the greenish hue and looked well sunburned. He was talking to Desmond and Rayburn, asking them numerous questions concerning the Olivette and her crew.
"Well, my lad," began Mr. Armitage briskly, "let's have your story. How came you so far out to sea?"