"Don't make any excuses because you're eatin' a good deal," Uncle Zenas said as he gave the first assistant another portion of the broiled corned-fish. "I laid myself out on this supper so's you'd take hold with a will, for it's what you might call a party that we're givin' to Sonny."
"He's the one I was thinkin' 'bout when I figgered out my surprise," Mr. Peters added, speaking indistinctly owing to the fullness of his mouth.
"When's that comin' off?" Captain Eph asked.
"I reckon it'll be time when we've finished supper, an' the sooner the better 'cordin' to my idee, for if this nor'east wind ain't blowin' up a storm I don't know anything about the signs."
"It wouldn't surprise me if we had snow," the keeper said with an air of wisdom. "It's late enough in the season for somethin' of the kind, an' this day has been what you might call a weather-breeder."
"I should think it would be snug and comfortable here in a storm," Sidney said thoughtfully, and Captain Eph replied:
"So it is, Sonny; but somehow a man can't really enjoy it because of thinkin' of the many craft which must be off the coast battlin' with it."
"Have there ever been any wrecks on this ledge?"
"Bless your heart, yes, Sonny. Many a vessel went ashore here before the tower was built, an' we've had a wreck close at hand twice since, though neither of the craft struck this ledge. If the weather is changin', as Sammy says, it ain't very pleasant to be talkin' 'bout what's likely to happen whenever the light can't be seen. Ain't it time for you to show up your surprise, Sammy?"
"I reckon it is, Cap'n Eph, an' if all hands of you will sit over by this window, I'll start the show."