I love to be a help to these good people so appreciative of any kindness shown them. To our dismay we learned the next day the facts from men who were patrolling the island with guns bent on shooting anyone who showed signs of being the culprit. I have rarely been at anything more intense, more in dead earnest. Mr. Sawtelle deeply affected and evidently tired from two nights vigil addressed the meeting and then Dr. Smythe. Strange enough to feel the sense in this dear haven of rest that we must lock our doors, keep lights burning and show we are alert because the culprit thus far has confined his abominations to unoccupied houses.
Today there is change.
The lantern was put merely to show to any prowler that people were about. All the villagers are gossiping of course. Yesterday, to add to our excitements, we had an accident to our boat. Finally we found the sloop was not materially injured so we went back to the float and after colloquy, in which I saw Clarence, white as a sheet, had been horribly frightened. As he calmed down it seemed best to turn home immediately and give up our call at Mrs. Tweedy's house, Mrs. Pryor having come to greet us at the dock.