“Then I’ll do it. I want to see my sister. Her health is not very good, and the doctor said she might die in one of her spells. I’d feel safe to go if I knew you boys would stay here and help the new man if necessary.”
“We’ll see to things,” exclaimed Jerry. “It will be jolly fun to be partly in charge of the lighthouse.”
“Whatever happens, don’t forget two things,” cautioned Mr. Hardack.
“What are they?”
“The light must be lit at sunset, and it must be kept burning all night. It must revolve regularly, even if it has to be done by hand, and there must be a white flash and two red ones, at proper intervals. But, you needn’t worry about that. The machinery is in perfect order. The man will light the lamp, and start it going. It only has to be trimmed once in a while. I’ll be back before ten o’clock. When Jessica comes, she’ll get supper for you.”
Ned said nothing, but he looked as if that would be the best part of it all, while Chunky’s eyes lighted up at the mention of another meal.
Mr. Hardack was soon ready to go. He had to walk the entire distance, as there was no conveyance handy, but he said he did not mind that.
“I’ll introduce you to the new man,” he said, calling his helper from where he was still busy filling the lamps. “His name is John Elkwood.”
The assistant did not seem a very good natured chap. He only nodded to the boys, when Mr. Hardack introduced them, and, as he went back to his work, Jerry heard him muttering to himself.
“Well, I guess I’ll get under way,” said the keeper as he started off.