"Let me see," Betty hesitated, "the first one is this:
"'Meeting steamers do not dread
When you see three lights ahead.
Port your helm and show your red.'"
"Here's a red lantern for you, Bill," interrupted Gerald, "and this is yours, Betty. Go on, why don't you? The next verse is about two steamers passing."
"Oh, I remember; say it with me, boys:
"'For steamers passing you should try
To keep this maxim in your eye.
Green to green or red to red,
Perfect safety—go ahead.'
"Then, boys, the third verse is about steamships crossing:
"'If to starboard red appear,
'Tis your duty to keep clear;
Act as judgment says is proper,
Port or starboard—back—or stop her.
"'But when on your port is seen
A steamer with a light of green,
There's not much for you to do,
The green light must keep clear of you.'"
By this time three voices were singing merrily: