Part 31 (2/2)

My young readers need not be indignant at finding so brave and skilful an officer as Tony Weston in command of the little Dip, deeming it an insignificant position for him to occupy; for the tender was to be detailed on special duty, and the appointment was a marked compliment to his skill and judgment.

The system of signals established for the use of the fleet was very simple, and consisted of plain flags of red, white, blue, yellow, green, orange, and purple, each color being a distinct order. The discipline of the fleet was of a mongrel character, composed of naval and military tactics. When the squadron sailed in compact order verbal commands were given; and when the boats were too far apart for the word to be heard, signals were used. But these details will be better understood as the squadron proceeds on its voyage.

The boats were ranged in line, side by side, with the Zephyr on the right, the b.u.t.terfly on the left, and the Dip in the middle, each with its gay flags floating to the breeze. All the oars were in-board, and the clubs were waiting for the commodore's orders.

On board the Zephyr, a longer staff than she had formerly used was erected, on which, half way up, was placed her fly, and at the top the broad pennant--of blue, covered with silver stars. On this pole the signals were hoisted, when the pennant had to be lowered for the time.

All eyes were directed to the commodore, who was standing up in the stern sheets of the flag boat.

”Ready!” said he, in a voice loud enough to be heard the whole length of the line; and every boy grasped his oar.

”Up!”

It was a beautiful sight to observe the precision with which the oars were erected. A company of soldiers could not have handled their muskets with more unanimity.

”Down!” and in like manner the oars dropped into the water.

Those who have observed the manner in which a military officer gives his orders have discovered the secret of this pleasing concord of action.

Commands consist, except in a series, of two words; and dwelling for an instant on the first keeps all in a state of readiness to act the instant the second is given. Frank had studied the matter while witnessing the evolutions of the Rippleton Guards, and he had adopted the plan in the club. When the captain said ”shoulder,” the men knew what was coming; and at the word ”arms,” the evolution was performed. So with ”present--arms!” ”file--right!” ”left--wheel!” etc.; and to these observations he was indebted for the proficiency of his club, and of the fleet.

”Ready--pull!” he continued.

The stroke was very slow, and each c.o.xswain was obliged to keep his boat in line with the others, the flag boat regulating their speed.

When the squadron had reached the upper part of the lake, the pennant was dropped, and up went a red flag.

”Cease--rowing!” said all the c.o.xswains, except the Zephyr's.

Then the red flag was lowered, and a blue one was hoisted.

”In single line,” the c.o.xswain of the Bluebird, which was next to the Zephyr, interpreted the signal, and his boat followed the flag.

The others came into the line in proper order, and the squadron pa.s.sed entirely round the lake.

”Cease--rowing!” exclaimed the c.o.xswains, in concert, as the red flag again appeared.

Up went a green flag, and the line was formed; then a yellow, to form in sections of two. In this order the squadron pulled down the lake again, to the widest part, where various fanciful evolutions were performed--which it would be impossible to describe on paper. One of them was rowing in a circle round the Dip; another was two circles of three boats each, pulling in opposite directions. Then the boats were sent off in six different ways, forming a hexagon, with the tender in the center; after which they all came together so that their stems touched each other, in the shape of a star.

”Now, boys, we are ready for the voyage up Rippleton River,” said Commodore Sedley. ”I need not tell you that the utmost caution must be used. Watch the flags closely, and every c.o.xswain be very prudent.”

”Ay, ay!”

”Tony will lead in the Dip, and each boat will place a man in the bow to look out for buoys, which he will place over rocks and shoals.”

”Ay, ay,” answered the c.o.xswains.

”Now, Tony, you may go up and mark off the rocks at the mouth of the river.”

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