The boys of the "Puffin" : A Sea Scout yarn

A wave‑crashed pier at Aberstour is the meeting place for Peter Craddock, the eager deputy Sea Scoutmaster, and a curious stranger with a camera and a thirst for adventure. Their chat over slimy ragworms sparks talk of foreign‑flagged vessels, customs inspections, and the elusive Scoutmaster Theodore Grant, who is away on a sailing expedition. The encounter hints at a larger mystery waiting just beyond the tide line, and the boys of the Puffin feel the pull of the sea’s hidden secrets.

Into this buoyant setting the sixteen excited Sea Scouts board their modest tug, ready for a summer of daring drills, treasure‑hunt clues, and unexpected encounters with fog banks and deserted steamers. Their camaraderie and the occasional mis‑spelt order keep the crew lively as they navigate both the waters and the puzzling antics of a newcomer who seems to know more than he lets on. The early chapters promise a blend of nautical know‑how and youthful curiosity, setting the stage for a series of lively escapades that will test their skill, bravery, and friendship.