“Those are the starboard and port side-lights, sir, that are always run up at sunset when under way, and it is good for the new fellows to get used to their right position before they go to sea. I think you remember things by pictures in your mind better than you do by words. You see, sir, the boys have to light and lash these lamps in their proper places before every meeting; and then, when ‘Colors’ are over and the boatswain blows ‘stow away all gear’, the lamps and all other things have to be taken down and properly stowed away. That’s another thing, sir, I learnt from sea scouting that no one could ever pound into me on land. Before I went to sea I was the most disorderly lubber you ever set your eyes on; but on a ship there’s just so much space allowed to every man, and so every one is obliged to have a place for everything and everything in its place. Some fellows laugh at me now, but it makes me feel funny if I don’t find my shoe brush hanging on its own hook. If the fellows did not feel that way aboard ship, the whole place would be a mess and a litter in no time, and none of the gear would be in its place when needed; it would certainly cause delay and confusion, and might sometimes even be dangerous.
“These two groups on the right-hand side of the hall, where the green light is placed, are the two first sections of each division; and the other two, on the left-hand side as we face the door, are the two second sections of each division, on the same side as the red side-light. Of course, you understand, sir, that these are the four sections of a ship’s company as they stand on the deck of the Bright Wing,—each one being also the regular crew of one of the cutters or of the launch.”
Mr. Gray nodded assent, and then said with a laugh, “You mustn’t tell me anything more to-night, my boy, for I have taken in enough for one evening. You have given me a great deal to think about, and I am happy to believe that Dick—”
Just then the bugle rang through the hall, and, after a few sharp words of command from the scout master, the boys fell into formation for “trooping the colors.” Each section was represented by its color bearer and color guards, while the rest of the ship’s company were drawn up on either side fore and aft. At the word of command the section colors were marched up to the quarter-deck, two on each side of the national ensign, facing one another. Then the whole company present faced about towards the Stars and Stripes while the bugler sounded “Evening Colors.” At the final salute the section colors were smartly dipped, while every man’s hand was raised to his hat, and the color bearers marched down again to their places in formation.
All hands were then dismissed, and the formal activities came to a close. Only one thing remained to be done, and that was the stowing away of all gear. Mr. Miller stood with watch in hand while the boatswain piped the order, and Mr. Gray noticed Dick rushing across the hall to stow away the ship’s bell, while other boys were carrying the side-lights, the bill-boards, and all the other articles for which they were responsible. Presently Mr. Miller’s voice rang out: “One minute and fifty-two seconds! Record time!”
Just then Dick came running up to his father. “Well, Father, what do you say about the Bright Wing—don’t you think this is just about right?”
Mr. Gray assented smilingly and said: “I tell you what, Dick, if you will get this young man here to give you a little coaching before you go aboard,—well, I have nothing more to say.”
For about a second Dick seemed struck dumb with pleasure, while his eyes sparkled.
“Sure!” cried he, “won’t you, Jack? Say, when can I come around and see you? and may I bring Tom Sheffield and Chippie Smith along, too?”
Jack thought for a minute and then turned to Mr. Gray. “I will be glad to help them all I can, sir. Dick, you come around with the other fellows to-morrow after supper.”