“But that does not give light enough to enable the pilot to see the shore on either side,” replied Jim.
“That is not what a lighthouse is for. The light it gives don’t amount to any thing half a mile from it. The light only marks certain localities. Now look up the lake all of you,” continued Captain Gildrock, pointing in the direction of Split-Rock light. “Do you see that light?”
“Yes, sir!” shouted Lick Milton. His name was T. Licking Milton, but he had a nickname.
The rest of the boys soon made out the light, and some of them shouted as loudly as the first speaker.
“Juniper Island light is on our right now. Dory will run on till the steamer is in range with this light and Split Rock, which is twelve miles and a half from here. Then he will head for the Split-Rock light, keeping Juniper exactly astern of him,” continued the captain.
“Why don’t he run for Split Rock now?” asked Ben Ludlow.
“He would run upon Quaker-Smith’s Reef, about four miles from here, if he did. Now, my boy, can you walk straight from where you stand to the flag-pole at the stem of the steamer?”
“No, sir, I cannot. That thing is in the way,” replied Ben, after he had looked the matter over.
“Precisely so: the capstan is in your way. Now go over to the side of the steamer.” Ben obeyed, and the boys watched the demonstration with interest. “Can you walk straight to the stem of the boat now?”
“Yes, sir, I can. There is nothing in my way.”