The
rope was passed through the rings and the ends were joined by tying them
to a galvanized iron link. Then it was soaked for a while to shrink it
before it was set in place. After the rope had shrunk sufficiently, the
two stakes were driven into the bed of the river, one close to the bank
and the other far enough out to hold the rope belt clear of the bottom.
Both stakes were sawed off under water, just above the ring bolts, so that
they were hidden from sight. When we wanted to moor our boats we secured
their anchor ropes or "painters" to the link. A large stepping stone
marked the spot were the inner stake was driven, and standing on this
stone we were able to reach down and haul in on the lower strap of the
belt to draw the boat out a safe distance from shore, and then when we
wanted to use our boat again we would haul in the upper strap to draw the
boat in toward shore.
CHAPTER XIII.
WIGWAGGING AND HELIOGRAPHING.
Our tramp adventure was really quite a blessing to us, for it taught us
the necessity of a good signaling system between the Goblins' Platform and
the island and led to our learning how to wigwag, and later to the
construction of a heliograph. Uncle Ed, when he read of our experience,
sent us the U.
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