"Isn't?" replied Dave, taking a hint from Thomas
Trafton's significant look more than from any language. "What is it then?"
"Now, I don't believe it, mind ye. I try to stop it, but it is like trying to stop a sand-piper on the beach without a gun. Running after it don't bring it."
"Well, what is it? I know you wouldn't believe anything unfair, but I am bothered to know what it is."
"Why--and I thought you had better know it--they say things belonging to Government are given out from the lighthouse: 'misappropriated'--I believe that is the word."
"Long word! Well, who says it?" asked Dave sternly.
"Oh, I'm sorry to say I've heard a good many tell it who ought to know better."
"It is all a lie! Misappropriation! That good man Toby Tolman--as if he would do such a thing! Why, any one with a head might know better. Toby never would do it!"
"Of course he wouldn't, nor you neither. That is not the p'int, but how to stop 'em?"
Dave was silent. Then he broke out,--