[Illustration: "ALL CLEAR!" HE ANNOUNCED, EXHAUSTED AND TRIUMPHANT Page 105]
"Heave me a line," he called out breathlessly. "I'm all right—don't want to hang on to the boat—she's rolling too much—rope's hard as wire—I'm cutting it through."
Five times the plucky Sea Scout returned to the attack. Pieces of frayed grass rope drifting alongside gave evidence of the progress of his labours. Finally he broke the surface, with a short length of rope in one hand and his knife in the other.
"All clear!" he announced, exhausted and triumphant. "Give me a hand, Desmond."
He had not the strength left to clamber up the side, but willing hands caught him and hauled him on deck to the accompaniment of a rousing cheer from the Olivette's crew.
"Plucky lad, that!" exclaimed Mr. Armitage.
"Yes," admitted Mr. Graham proudly. "There is one thing in which the Southend Sea Scouts can give points to the Milford fellows, and I know you won't begrudge them that."
"No," rejoined Mr. Armitage. "Your lads have more than earned their passage."
And the welcome purr of the motor, as the Olivette once more forged ahead in her normal style, emphasized the justice of the Scoutmaster's sentiments.