“Split-Rock light is south-south-west from Juniper, and we steer this course by compass for one hour and two minutes. At the end of that time, if we are all right, we hear the horn at Split Rock. When we have got the bearing of the light, we head her south by west, and run two and three-quarters miles to the mouth of Beaver River; which we do in thirteen and three-quarters minutes.
“Then Dory will strike the bell for the deckhand
to heave the lead, or, in other words, see how deep the water is. If we get ten feet at this stage of the water, we are in the channel. We steer east-south-east, and keep sounding all the time. If the leadsman should report a less depth, we stop the steamer, and find where the channel is. We may have to get out a boat to ascertain. When we get fairly into the river, we can see the shores through the fog. If we can’t, we have to feel our way up.”
The evening was quite chilly on the lake; and Captain Gildrock had taken the boys into the forward cabin, as they were not provided with overcoats. He had hardly finished his explanation before a long whistle above them excited their interest.
“Perhaps you will have a chance to see how we work the steamer in a fog,” said Captain Gildrock, looking at his watch. “It is about time we were up with Split Rock, and very likely Dory cannot find the light.”
The captain left the cabin, followed by all the boys. As soon as they reached the forecastle, Dory rang the bell to stop her. The fog had blown up from the southward; and the Sylph was
completely enveloped in it, so that nothing could be seen from her deck.
“Here we are,” said Captain Gildrock, as he led the way to the hurricane-deck. “You can’t see half a ship’s-length ahead. I was afraid this southerly wind might blow up a fog.”
The deck-hand was standing on the rail at the forward flag-pole, trying to penetrate the thick mist that shrouded the shore. Dory gave another long whistle. By this time the steamer had come to a standstill, and nothing more was to be done until the pilot found out where he was. The boys gathered on the hurricane-deck around Captain Gildrock, who did not say any thing to the young pilot, or even go near him.
“Can you see any thing, Bates?” called Dory to the deck-hand.