“Shall we try the upper or the lower lighthouse?” asked Jerry.
“The upper one,” suggested Bob. “We’ve seen the lower one, at least the light of it from a distance, but never the upper.”
So it was arranged. Early the next morning the boys were at the dock. As they unlocked the boathouse they heard a voice singing, as the owner trudged along the beach:
“It was on the isle of Nankum,
Near the land of Timbuctoo
That poor old Sam fell overboard one night.
There was a great commotion
In the middle of the ocean,
Sure he gave the sharks and whales a terrible fright.”
“Salt Water Sam!” exclaimed Ned.
“Avast and belay my hearties!” shouted the sailor, who was nothing if not good natured. “Whither away this bright, beautiful morning?”
“Up the coast,” replied Jerry. “We’re going to take a look at the other lighthouse.”
“Just the thing!” cried Sam. “I know lighthouses like I do the sea. It’s part of my business. I’ll go along, and we’ll combine business with pleasure.”
“How’s that, by catching another whale and exhibiting it?” asked Bob.
“It’ll be sharks this time,” the sailor went on. “Wait till I get my tackle and I’ll be with you.”