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The framing was finished, and the stone posts or the foundation in the water were ready. Captain Gildrock had decided to have a submarine diver to make a sure thing of the chinking up at the bottom. It was thought best to make two cargoes of the foundations, especially as it was necessary to carry a considerable quantity of other stone.
Seven of the posts had been loaded upon the caisson, and the Sylph went up to tow it down. The derrick had been erected in the centre of it, and everything was ready to drop the foundations into their places. With the handling of the stone the students had nothing to do; but they manned the steamer, and moved the caisson as required. The experience obtained in towing the caisson from Burlington had fitted the boys for their work, and the tow was soon brought into position for setting the first post.