"This is fine," glowed Bob. "We're going to walk the bridge at midnight, aren't we?"
"Rush will have the bridge watch," explained Mr. Major. "You will take the deck just forward of and under the bridge. It is not hard work in good weather, but it gets to be rather lonesome at times. I shall be on duty in the pilot-house during your trick. If you are in doubt at any time be sure to call out to me."
Both promised that they would. It was with keen anticipation that the lads made their way forward from their cabins a few minutes before nine o'clock.
"Second watch changed," called the watch who was on the point of retiring.
"Aye, aye," answered the officer in charge in the pilot-house. All was dark in there so the men could see ahead, the windows of the captain's cabin having the shades pulled tight so that not a single ray of light could shine out ahead to blind the eyes of the lookouts.
"All clear ahead. Steamer heading up the lake off the starboard bow."
"All right," answered Steve as he took his place at the rail of the bridge. "I guess she won't run into us."
"Watch for that steamer's red light off to starboard," warned a business-like voice from the blackness of the pilot-house.
"I will," replied Steve.
"Say, 'aye, aye, sir.'"