"Yes; you have hauled it completely under the guard. The water is as clear as crystal," answered Ethan.
"Hold on a moment till I make fast this line!"
Thus far the experiment had been entirely successful, and Lawry's bosom bounded with emotion. The plan for raising the Woodville was his own, though he had been greatly assisted by Ethan, who had designed and constructed the derrick and windlass, thus diminishing the labor of the enterprise. The young pilot felt like a conqueror when he had placed the first cask in position.
Sculling the wherry back to the raft, he pulled the string attached to the toggle, and drew it out of the noose.
"Hoist away," said he.
"Hoist, it is," replied Ethan, as he took hold with him.
"All right!" shouted the young nautical engineer. "I feel like giving three cheers," he added.
"So do I; and we'll do it, when we get the sinker on the raft."
The stone post came up "in good order and condition," and the skids were placed under it, to keep it in position for the sinking of the second hogshead. The three cheers were given with a will, and they came from the hearts of the boys. They had labored patiently for three days in gathering the material and constructing the machinery for the raising of the steamer, and their first success was a real joy.
"Breakfast-time," said Lawry, as the horn sounded from the ferry-house.