“The last bell that rung was different from the other,” suggested Ben Ludlow.
“The jingling bell is the speed-bell,” replied the captain.
“It means ‘Go faster,’ don’t it?”
“Not at all. If Dory should ring it now, it would mean ‘Go slower.’”
“It can’t mean both slower and faster,” reasoned Ben.
“Why not? If the boat is going full speed it means ‘Slow down:’ if she is going at half speed it means ‘Full speed.’ The gong-bell, one stroke, means ‘Start her’ if she is not turning her screw, or ‘Stop her’ if she is going ahead. Two strokes of the gong means ‘Back her.’”
At equal intervals the whistle of the Sylph sounded, and this fact soon excited the attention of the curious pupils. They wanted to know what it was for. The captain explained that it was to warn any vessel of the presence of the steamer, so that neither craft should run into the other. Steamers used their whistles, and sailing-vessels a horn. But no horn or whistle was heard during the rest of the trip.
The next sound that attracted the attention of the pupils was the speed-bell, which was quickly followed by the gong; and the screw ceased to turn. At a single stroke of the large ship’s bell, Bates, standing upon the rail, at the forward gangway, heaved the lead.
“No bottom!” shouted the leadsman. Dory rang the gong, and the steamer went ahead at half speed.
“Does he mean to say there is no bottom to the lake in this place, Captain Gildrock?” asked Dave Windsor.