p his head under
cover. 'I got to look out,' said the cool scout to himself, 'or I'll
get that boathook on my nut yet.'

But once more fortune favoured the brave, and the boat slid into the
deep shadow of the old landing-stage, and Chippy was still
undiscovered. No sooner did they enter the friendly dusk than Chippy
released the painter, and let himself float without movement. The boat
pulled on a dozen yards to the stairs, and the scout swam gently to the
shelter of a great pile. Chippy now heard the rower fling down the
oars and spring out of the boat, and rush up to the stage above.

The second man poured a stream of jeers after his less resolute
comrade, then sat down, took the oars, turned the boat, and pulled away
down the creek, evidently bent on restoring the craft to its proper
anchorage.

The boat shot away and disappeared round the end of the stage, and
Chippy struck out for the stairs and crawled to land. He was by this
time pretty exhausted, and he sat for a few minutes on the lowest step,
to rest and draw a few easy breaths, while the water poured from him in
streams. As soon as he had recovered a little, he sprang up the steps,
and hurried homewards on his bare feet; for his boots were at the
bottom of the river, and he considered himself a very lucky scout to
think that he was not there beside them.

CHAPTER XXVI

CHIPPY MAKES HIS REPORT

The next morning Chippy turned up at Elliott Brothers' prompt to time.
He had had a big ducking, a rattle on his shoulder, and not much sleep;
but he was as hard as nails, and looked none the worse for his
adventure. He had also purchased a pair of boots from a pawn-shop in
Skinner's Hole. They were not up to much, for one and sevenpence was
the total sum the scout could raise; but they covered his feet in some
sort of shape, and he could do no more. Mr. Malins set him to work to
shake out and tie up a great heap of sacks in the basement, and when
Chippy had finished this task he went and took a peep at the clock in
the church-tower at the end of the street.

'Mr. Elliott's in by now,' muttered the scout to himself, and he
marched straight up to the office of the junior partner, and tapped at
the door.

'Come in,' called a voice; and in Chippy went, and closed the door
behind him.

Mr. Elliott looked up from the morning letters, with which he was busy,
and raised his eyebrows.

'Well, Slynn,' he said, 'and what may you want?'

Chippy stood