"Quite all right," replied Mr. Armitage hurriedly. "We all make mistakes sometimes."
It was nearly eight o'clock when the two Scoutmasters regained the Olivette. Although the rain had ceased it was now quite out of the question to think of the Southend Sea Scouts setting out on their long trek.
"We are sleeping on board to-night," announced Mr. Graham, after Mr. Armitage had briefly related what had occurred at the police-station. "If any of you fellows want to stretch your legs, let me recommend a stroll round the Hoe before it gets dark."
A little later a fisherman crossed the deck of the Unity and dumped a pailful of fish into the Olivette's well.
"Might come in handy like, mister," he said sheepishly. "Us—me an' my mates—wish tu make amends, in a manner o' speakin', for kicking up a shine. Us hopes you'll let bygones be bygones, sir, an' if you'm wantin' any assistance while you'm stoppin' at Plymouth don't 'ee be afraid tu ax any o' we."
CHAPTER XIII
The Trek
At eight o'clock on the following morning the Spindrift's navigation party "fell in" on the deck of the Olivette. Each member carried a couple of blankets rolled in a ground-sheet, haversack containing toilet requirements in the outer pocket, and rations in the inner one. In addition, Mr. Graham had a pair of binoculars slung across his shoulders, and carried a bundle of charts. Patrol Leader Desmond was responsible for the bulky volumes, The Channel Pilot, Lists of Lights, and the Admiralty Tide Tables. Findlay was additionally burdened with a camp kettle with a folding handle, while Hayes acted as "emergency man" to relieve the others of their additional gear in turn.
"Good luck and bon voyage!" exclaimed Mr. Armitage. "We'll keep a look out for you when you approach the Wight. We're generally cruising about there when we haven't any particular object in view."