"That's right," exclaimed his master approvingly.
"Can you tell me," he continued, addressing the two Sea Scouts, "why a dog almost invariably 'shakes hands' with his left paw? I don't know."
The skipper glanced at his watch.
"Tide will be making to the west'ard in half an hour," he remarked. "We'll begin to get under way."
Evidently Rex knew what was meant, for he descended from his resting-place and scrambled up the ladder into the cockpit.
"Where are we making for, sir?" enquired Craddock.
"Winkhaven," replied Mr. Clifton. "It's only a twenty mile run. I generally pay a visit there every summer. Then on to Mapplewick—my home. Righto, get to work, lads."
"Are you using the motor, sir?" asked Carline.
"No," was the reply. "I never make use of it except when absolutely necessary. Now, carry on as if I were not here. Let me see how you can manage entirely by yourselves."
It was a big order. The Sea Scouts were absolutely new to the yacht, but it put them on their mettle, which was exactly what Mr. Clifton wanted.