Meaning of "put in place a line of crossing stones"

Question

She ran from the passage, not minding that her footsteps were heard, not minding that the door to the yard banged loudly, that hearing it they would know she’d been listening. She ran into the woods, down to the stream, where only a few days ago she had helped her papa to put in place a line of crossing stones.

Does it mean: to put the stone that was for crossing over in their place? Does "crossing stones" mean: the stones for walking on them?

Source: The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor

Answer 1

Yes, you are correct in both your guesses.

Put in place could be replaced by the simpler lay or place.

Crossing stones are usually called stepping stones, at least in the UK. I have never heard crossing stones (although the meaning is clear).