"Stand by with the Red Ensign and Code Pennant, Rayburn," ordered Patrol Leader Woodleigh.

The Olivette had passed Start Point, and was approaching the low-lying extremity known as Prawle Point, on which is built a Lloyd\'s signal-station.

The Southend lads watched the operation of "making her number" with deep interest. They had often heard and read of vessels proclaiming their names and destination by this means, but this was the first occasion on which they were about to see the "real thing".

Rayburn, the Olivette\'s "bunting tosser" had brought the signal-locker close to the base of the mast. Deftly he toggled the ensign above the red and white striped pennant and hoisted it. Then he drew four flags from the locker.

"That\'s our number," he explained to the temporary crew.

"\'K J V T\'—that\'s not a number," observed Findlay, who knew the International Code Flags by heart.

"Isn\'t it? It is," rejoined Rayburn. "They are letter flags, but they form a number all the same. They tell the signal-station that we are the Olivette of London. Stand by with the signal-book, Hepburn." The Sea Scout signalman had the four flags together, and was now watching Prawle Point station through his binoculars.

Promptly the shore station hoisted the answering pennant, just "at the dip", to show that the signal was seen, and their "close up" indicating that the message was understood.

A E L W and A E N U followed in quick succession.

"They mean Southampton and Plymouth," explained Rayburn. "Our port of departure and the port we\'re bound for. Southampton is considered our port, since Keyhaven comes in that district. Now give me V O X."

"What does that mean?" asked Desmond.

"\'I am going to semaphore to you \'," was the reply. Rayburn glanced over his shoulder at Gregory, who was sitting on the raised cabin-top with his eyes fixed shoreward. "Mr. Armitage gave me instructions to report the picking up of young Gregory at West Bay. I think there\'ll be a rather astonishing reply." Taking up a pair of hand-flags, Rayburn awaited the acknowledgment from Prawle Point and then began to semaphore the message.

"Have picked up dinghy with \'Gregory, Abbotsbury\' on her transom. One person in her is now aboard. Propose landing him at Plymouth. Please telephone information to Gregory, Abbotsbury, Dorset."

Presently the long arms of the shore semaphore began sending out the reply:

"Boy escaped from Borstal Institute, Portland, yesterday night. Keep him on board until arrival at Plymouth. Will inform police there, who will take necessary action."

"Message received," replied Rayburn, then, turning to Findlay, he exclaimed: "Haul down!"

Meanwhile Woodleigh, standing just behind Rayburn, had written down the message as the latter dictated in a low voice the astounding news. Then, without giving any sign that might arouse Master Gregory\'s suspicions, the Patrol Leader went aft and handed the written report to Mr. Armitage.

"By Jove, Graham!" exclaimed the Scoutmaster. "How\'s that for character-reading? The young blighter is an escaped Borstal boy. I wonder what he was sent to Portland for?"

"Better not ask him," rejoined Mr. Graham. "He might give trouble. It\'s rather a wonder he didn\'t get the wind up when we commenced semaphoring."

"Perhaps he is in a bit of a funk," said Mr. Armitage. "However, that\'s his affair. I\'m not going to spoil his few hours of unauthorized liberty unless he cuts up rough. There\'s Salcombe, lads. A snug harbour but a tricky place to enter. Bolt Head\'s just on our starboard bow. The next few miles is a magnificent bit of coast."

The Olivette was now fairly close to shore............