Rapidly the thin but strong wire was unwound until the end dangled within reach of the crew of the boat. In a trice one of the men grasped the wire and bent it round the tail of the skate.
"Haul in!" shouted Derek.
"Thanks, old man!" yelled the Blimp's pilot in reply. "When you've a chance, look us up at Netherton. We'll give you a joy-ride."
"Sure thing!" replied Derek. "I'm on it!"
The airship rose slowly, her crew still winding in the skate that was revolving rapidly at the end of the aerial; then, having gained possession of the novel catch, the Blimp bore swiftly southwards to resume her patrol, while No. 1164 B steadied on her helm and shaped a course back to the Bar Buoy.
Happening to glance aft, Derek was somewhat surprised to find a small black kitten in the after-cockpit.
"What's that animal doing on board?" he demanded.
"Our mascot, sir," replied one of the men. "The Adjutant's dog chased it on board just before we left the pier."
"No. 17 coming out, sir," reported the coxswain, pointing to a motor-craft that was approaching at high speed. Interest in the kitten was transferred to the oncoming boat.
"She's signalling, sir," continued the coxswain, as a man holding a couple of hand-flags mounted the plunging fore-deck.