"We have something to say about that," Mr. Jenner interrupted. "We were bound for Indian Key, in the schooner Pelican, and when we found there was no light we determined to stand out into deep water till daylight. But we must have lost our bearings, for when the first flash of the light came, we saw that we were heading in shore. In two minutes more we should have been on the reefs."
"Yes, that light saved our lives by just about two minutes," said Dr. King. "So we ran down here to see what was the matter. When is your mate coming back from Key West?" he asked the keeper.
"In two or three days," the man answered.
"Then the boys shall stay and assist you till he comes," the doctor went on, "for Mr. Pinder will be unfit for duty for a month or more. The government will not pay you for that, boys," he added, laying a hand on each boy's head, "but Jenner and I will. When you get home you can pick out the best boat in the harbor; and you shall call her the Alligator Light, in memory of this night's good work."