"Well, what is it?" inquired Phillips. Brandon tapped the pocket of his jersey. "It'll keep," he replied tantalisingly. "Now then, boys, look alive and get the job done! We want the place to look extra smart to-day." This was a hint that there was something in the wind. For the next half-hour the Sea Scouts--Patrol-leader included--worked like galley-slaves. When they had done, Brandon pinned the Scoutmaster's letter to the notice-board. The Sea Scouts crowded round eagerly. This is what they read:-- The Croft, Sablesham, 17th December. DEAR LADS, I am sorry, but all efforts on my part to get back on Friday have been futile. The business upon which I am engaged cannot be settled before Tuesday at the earliest. However, as I know you want to get afloat, a friend of mine, Mr. George Gregory, has kindly promised to take my place. He is Scoutmaster of the 2nd Sablesham Troop. I hope you'll be able to show him that the Aberstour Sea Scouts are at least as smart as his. Mr. Gregory is arriving by the 1.15 train. He tells me that he will be quite content with the accomodation on board the _Puffin_, and will sleep on board while he is at Aberstour. Cheerio, Yours Sea Scoutingly, THEO. GRANT. "Wonder what he'll be like?" asked Hopcroft. "Not a patch on our Scoutmaster," declared Carline loyally. "But we'll do all we can to help him." "I shouldn't be surprised----" began Peter Craddock. "Surprised what?" inquired Patrol-leader Brandon. "Nothing much, Frank," replied Peter. "A fellow spoke to me on the pier yesterday. He wanted to see Mr. Grant. Perhaps he was Mr. Gregory." "If so, you'll soon be able to make sure," rejoined the Patrol-leader. "Now, let's get on board and get the _Puffin_ ready." This took some time. The yacht had to be provisioned for the day's cruise, or rather with enough water and food for three days, this being one of Mr. Grant's precautions in the event of the yacht encountering bad weather that prevented her from returning to her home port. The petrol tank had to be filled, running gear overhauled, and sails hoisted. By this time it was nearly twelve o'clock. CHAPTER II A LONG PASSAGE AT the appointed time Scoutmaster Gregory arrived. He was a man of about thirty years of age, of medium height and of slim build. He had cheerful, open features and a jovial manner. Craddock saw at a glance that he bore not the slightest resemblance to the individual who had spoken to him on the pier. The Scoutmaster travelled light. His luggage consisted of a small handbag and a haversack.