As quickly as the balks had been laid the detachment of lashers were
at work securing the balks in place.

"Shove off!"

The first was floated to the mooring stakes and a second boat
was moved into position.

"Chess!"

Another column of yearlings moved forward, each with a heavy plank
on his shoulder. It was heavy, hot, hard and dirty work. Outsiders
who imagine that the Military Academy is engaged in turning out
"uniformed dudes" should see this work done by the cadets.

Almost with the speed of magic the planks were laid in an orderly
manner forming a secure flooring over the balks.

The second boat was anchored, and then a third, a fourth. As the
bridge grew Cadet Prescott walked out on the flooring that he
might be at the best point for directing the efforts.

As the fifth boat reached its position, Dick turned to see that
all was going well.

The yearlings, whose duty it was to carry the balks---"balk-chasers,"
they were termed unofficially---were standing idle, though alert.
They could not move until Mr. Jordan, of the first class, gave the
order.