Cadet Jordan moved forward with some of his yearlings, who carried the heavy balks, or flooring timbers, on their shoulders. It was hot, hard work—-"thankless," as the young men often termed it in private.
These balks were laid across the first pontoon.
As quickly as the balks had been laid the detachment of lashers were at work securing the balks in place.
"Shove off!"
The first was floated to the mooring stakes and a second boat was moved into position.
"Chess!"
Another column of yearlings moved forward, each with a heavy plank on his shoulder. It was heavy, hot, hard and dirty work. Outsiders who imagine that the Military Academy is engaged in turning out "uniformed dudes" should see this work done by the cadets.
Almost with the speed of magic the planks were laid in an orderly manner forming a secure flooring over the balks.
The second boat was anchored, and then a third, a fourth. As the bridge grew Cadet Prescott walked out on the flooring that he might be at the best point for directing the efforts.
As the fifth boat reached its position, Dick turned to see that all was going well.