For the best part of forty minutes the Sea Scouts pulled steadily. The boat was heavy and beamy, but the lads by double banking three of the four oars, kept her going at a steady pace.
"We'll go back," decided Mr. Grant. "She doesn't appear to be anywhere this way. The rain's easing a bit. We may be able to see better presently."
"Light right astern, sir!" reported Brandon, almost as soon as the boat's head was turned in the direction of Sablesham.
Mr. Grant looked over his shoulder.
"Your eyesight's better than mine, Brandon," he remarked. "What sort of light?"
"White, sir."
Ten minutes later Brandon gave a whoop of joy.
"It's the Puffin, sir," he announced. "I know the bark of the motor."
No explanations were asked or given until the Puffin, with two boats towing astern, brought up in a secure berth in Sablesham Harbour.
There, in the cosy cabin, Scoutmaster and Sea Scouts crowded to hear the story of the Puffin's adventures.