“That’s one of the lightships around here,” replied Ralph. “There are a number of them strung along between here and Nantucket.”
“Rather a lonely life, staying on a ship like that,” remarked Spouter. “I wonder how often they get ashore.”
“Oh, it isn’t as lonely as it might be farther away,” answered Ralph. “I wish I had thought of it before—I’d have brought them some newspapers. Very often those going by throw newspapers aboard a lightship, for which the light men are very thankful.”
They had made out the island of Marthas Vineyard ahead of them, and it was not long before they approached one of the headlands known as West Chop.
“The other headland over to our left is East Chop,” explained Ralph. “And just beyond that is the town of Oak Bluffs. Between the two Chops is Vineyard Haven harbor.”
“I don’t see any oak bluffs,” commented Spouter, who had a keen eye for scenery and was watching the shoreline closely.
“I believe somebody said the oak bluffs were swept into the water long ago by a storm,” answered Ralph. “However, the town of Oak Bluffs is quite a nice one, and the place has a number of good summer hotels.”
The run into Vineyard Haven harbor did not take long, and soon the boys made a landing and went ashore. It was now close to noon.
“It’s too bad it’s so late in the season,” remarked Ralph, as they were riding along in a jitney they hired. “Nearly all of the summer hotels at Oak Bluffs are closed. But I think we’ll find fair accommodations somewhere in the town.”
They interviewed the jitney driver, who seemed to be a native of the island, and were directed by him to the only large hotel that was open. There the lads decided to remain for the night, taking the afternoon off to explore the place.