"I know, Lorny; I know," he said. "But what can I do? The light can't be left untended—'specially a night like this. If somebody could get across the bay and run to the Upper Trillion station——"
"We can, Tobias! There is Ralph's Fenique"
"Yes, I cal'late she's there in the cove all right," he muttered. "But who's going to manage her? If I could go, I am free to confess I don't know much about handling that motor-boat. If Zeke was only here——"
He suddenly turned his gaze on Rafe Silver. But the momentary flash of confidence in his face faded almost instantly.
"Oh, sugar!" muttered Tobias. "Rafe can't run a motor-boat with a broken wrist."
"Tobias Bassett!" exclaimed the girl, getting to her feet with decision. "I can manage Ralph's boat. I can run the Fenique just as well as Ralph can himself. Ralph said so."
"Oh, sugar, girl! you couldn't get across the bay to-night in it. Alone? Why, I wouldn't hear to it. No, indeed!"
"Somebody must go, Tobias. Can't—can't this man go with me?" and Lorna pointed to the detective, who listened open-mouthed.
"What? Me?" he gasped, quite horrified. "I could not think of such a thing."
"I bet you couldn't," observed the lightkeeper, with disgust. "I cal'late you air too precious to have your hide risked where it might get scraped a bit. Humph! Tell ye what, Lorny: You and me will have to go."