The coxswains had written instructions from the commodore to keep red ones on the starboard side, and blue on the port side, going up the river, and _vice versa_ coming down.
The Zephyr took position near the rocks to see that every boat approached the channel in the right direction, as, if they did not, they would be sure to strike.

By these extraordinary precautions, the fleet passed through in safety, and three stunning cheers announced that the passage had been effected.
"Here we are, Charley," said Frank, as the Zephyr pulled ahead of the other boats.
"All safe, thanks to the skill and prudence of our commodore," replied Charles; and the reader will be struck with the modesty of his language.
"Where is Tony?
I don't see him." "Round the bend, I guess; but here are his buoys all along." "Signal man, hoist the blue," continued the commodore; and the fleet followed in single line.
"Here's the bridge; I fancy Tony knows the soundings here," said Charles.
"Ay, there is the rock on which Mr.Walker's chaise hung.

It is almost out of water, now." "Did you hear what Mr.Walker said when some one asked him why he did not sue the town ?" "No; what was it ?" "He said it was the luckiest day of his life when he pitched off the bridge." "Indeed!" "He has thought so much better of humanity since, and it introduced him to Tony Weston, whom he calls a hero in embryo." "Mr.Walker is a nice man--a whole-souled man." "That he is! How many men would have done for us what he did?
And I, in particular, have reason to be grateful to him," said Charles, with a sigh.

"I shall never forget him and your father, wherever my lot is cast." "That is manly of you, Charley.

But I am sure they have been abundantly rewarded by your devotion to duty since." "I have tried to do right." "You have done well; everybody says so." "I cannot soon forget what a fool I was to believe Tim's wicked lies.