CHAPTER XII
A Misunderstanding Cleared Up
Instinctively the eyes of nearly all on board the Olivette turned towards the object of the policemen's presence. Gregory had spotted the representatives of the Law too. Mr. Graham, regarding him from a distance of about twenty feet, fancied that his jaw dropped slightly and that his face became a darker tint. Beyond that Gregory gave no indication of either fear or defiance.
Presently the crowd parted as the stalwart men in blue advanced towards the quay-side with the obvious intention of crossing the deck of the Unity and boarding the Olivette.
Even then Gregory did not shift his position. Desmond, watching him out of the corner of his eye, wondered what the wanted youth was going to do. It seemed improbable that a hardened young criminal would give in tamely while a chance remained to attempt to escape.
"I think that if I were in his place," soliloquized Desmond, "I'd jump into the dinghy and scull for the other side of the harbour like blue blazes. Perhaps he'll dish the bobbies yet."
Mr. Armitage advanced to the rail to receive the two policemen.
"You know what we're here for, sir?" remarked one of the men.
The Scoutmaster nodded.