“The keeper looked hard at me with his fishy eyes, and then continued.
“‘He has been here twice before,’ he said.
“‘Well, suppose he has,’ snapped Jackson.
“‘If you can get another man, get him. I don’t want to be here when he comes again.’
“I looked at Jackson and saw his face contracted into a frown. ‘It’s some sailor’s joke,’ said he. ‘Nobody but a fool would send a message tied to the leg of an albatross.’
“‘It’s a joke I don’t like, an’ I’d like you to take us away.’
“‘Well, joke or no joke, you’ll have to stay until I get some one to take your place,’ and Jackson filled his pipe and smoked vigorously.
“I must have been dozing in my chair, for it was quite late and the fire in the stove almost out, when I was aroused by a peculiar sound.
“I noticed Jackson start up from the table and then stand rigid in the centre of the room.
“There was a deep moaning coming from the water that sounded like wind rushing through the rigging of a ship. Then I heard cries of men and the tumbling rush of water, as if a vessel were tearing through it like mad. Jackson sprang to the door and was outside in an instant. I followed, but the old keeper sat quietly smoking.