“Well, I guess so! The sailors depend on seeing a white flash and two red ones when they get here. It means keep out. Why we even have an emergency apparatus, so that if the automatic one breaks we can turn the lenses by hand. The government doesn’t want any failure of the light.”
The boys were shown through the store room, near the kitchen, where the oil and other supplies were kept. The lighthouse was some distance from any settlement, and in stormy weather it was hard to get food and other necessities. So a goodly supply was kept in stock.
“I think we’d better be going,” remarked Jerry, as he looked at his watch and noted it was four o’clock. He wanted to get off with his chums and talk over matters.
“Don’t be in a hurry,” spoke Mr. Hardack. “We don’t get enough company as it is, do we Jessica?”
“No, indeed, uncle.”
“Did you ask if there was any mail?” asked the keeper, of his niece.
“Yes, I stopped at the post-office when I was out with Mr. Nixon, but there were no letters.”
“Strange; we ought to hear pretty soon now,” and the keeper seemed worried about something.
“I’m sure we’re much obliged for showing us the place,” put in Ned, and then he started out, followed by his chums. Mr. Hardack went down to the dock with them. On the way Jerry tried to get a look at Bill Berry, who was still busy filling lamps, but the man kept his back turned.