GUESTS AT THE LIGHTHOUSE.
In a month Dave Fletcher was established at the light on Black Rocks as assistant-keeper--a position that would bring him a far handsomer salary than could any present clerkship at Shipton. This berth was not secured without a struggle by Dave's friends, as several candidates were willing to take the duties and profits of the place.
"You've got the place, though others wanted it," said the keeper, returning from town one day and wiping his round, red face with his handkerchief. "News came to-day. I don't know but you would have lost it, but they say a friend of yours interceded and told them up and down you must have it any way."
"Who was it?"
"Somebody that said he had seen you run a saw and knew you could run a lighthouse. That's what folks tell me he said."
"Oh, Squire Sylvester!"
"Yes. Queer feller; but he isn't all growl, though he does look like it, maybe."
Some time after this there were visitors at the light. One was expected, the other was not. The first was Bart Trafton, brought by the light-keeper one soft, sunny April day. Bart was very much interested in the lantern.
"Bart was very much interested in the lantern of the lighthouse." Page 159