Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
Late in the day, the storm increased to a gale of some little violence, and the captain decided to make for the nearest harbor. He had hoped to reach the home haven that night, but his policy was to meet disappointment rather than to run risks.
"Mebbe I hev a surprise up my sleeve fer you boys," Captain Lem said, his eyes twinkling as he saw their long faces on hearing the news of delay. "Wouldn't mind addin' a little excitement ter the end of the trip, would ye?"
"We're aching for it," returned Billy promptly. "This has been an awfully long day, you know, captain."
"Wal', ef I've got my bearin's all right, we'll spend the evenin' in a right cheerful place. That's all I kin say now, but you boys go collect your belongin's, so's we kin land fer the night ef my calc'lations hold good."
Just as the early darkness of the rainy night shut down over the rolling sea, the boys discovered a gleaming light, high and steady, not far off toward the Florida coast.
"Jimmy!" cried Billy excitedly. "Bet the captain is going to take us to a lighthouse for the night!"
"Can't be your uncle's light, Mark, where we saw the spongers on the way down," commented Chester thoughtfully. "We're too near home for that."
"I have an idea—-" began Hugh slowly.
"And so have I!" interrupted Alec, glancing at Mark.