The Fouled Propeller
A sudden jar that shook the Olivette from stem to stern promptly dislocated the trend of the two Scoutmasters' surmises. For thirty seconds or more the motors laboured heavily, until Warkworth, who was taking his trick in the engine-room, declutched and cut off the ignition.
The Sea Scouts on deck gave inquiring glances at Mr. Armitage; but, true to his principles of letting the lads act on their own initiative, he gave no solution for the cause of the mishap or any suggestion as to what ought to be done.
Presently Woodleigh grasped the reason for his Scoutmaster's silence. It was "up to" the Patrol Leader to act.
"Motor all right, Warkworth?" he inquired.
"Yes," was the reply. "I switched off because I fancy something's fouled the propeller. Send somebody down, and we'll try to turn the shaft round by hand."
Desmond volunteered to assist Warkworth. The removable floor-boards over the shaft were taken up, and both lads, by means of pipe wrenches, tried their hardest to turn the massive metal rod, which in ordinary circumstances could be moved with very little effort.
"Prop's foul of something," announced Warkworth.
Woodleigh and most of the Sea Scouts on deck were aft. By this time the Olivette had lost way and was rounding-to broadside on to the now slight breeze. Lying at full length, and leaning over the short counter, the Patrol Leader could discern the three-bladed propeller, its boss a couple of feet beneath the surface.
"There's rope wound round it," he declared, "about half a dozen turns. Get a boat-hook, somebody; I think I can get it off."