The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1916-09-21

boat. there's some bad reers between
here and the other island. Keep this
light sstern OF you all the time. II
you get a quarter of a mile OF the
course youll be in a heap OF trouble -
As the keeper prophesied, the wind.
even during the few minutes that
they had spent ashore. had greatly
risen. and as they rounded the point
II struck them with a force and sud
denness which nearly capsized the III
tie launch. But II was too late to
turn bhck. To attempt to go about IN
the sea that was now running was but
TO invite disaster. Their only hope OF
safety lay in keeping the boat bow-oD
to the mountain-high waves which
were roaring down upon them. Small
wonder then that Hope and Morissey'
their every nerve strained to the task
OF keeping the boat from being
swamped, failed to notice the other
launch which ran under the lee of the
lighthouse barely ten minutes after
their departure. Out OF Il scrambled
Mahlin and Satsuma. Clambering up
the rocky footpath. they reached the
keepers modest dwelling. Night mad
fallen and from the summit OF the
white tower which rose above them
great beam OF light stabbed the dark
ness at recurrent intervals. The keep
er answered Mahlin's knock and in
vited them inside, for the bowling OF
the wind made conversation outside
almost impossible.
Can you tell me where | can find
Mr.. Fitzmaurice?" inquired Mahlin.
They told me at the offices OF the
coast survey that he was at work
over here making some maps or some
thing"
"Fitzmaurice seems to've become
might popular ali of q sudden" re-
marked the keeper. You're the sec
ond party in half an hour that's been
after him. He amt here, though. He
left this morning for Middle island"
Has Lieutenant Hope been here
looking for him." hazarded Mahlin.
That's the name he gave" said the
keeper.
And he's gone over to Middle To-
land?"
He has. though | did my best to
discourage him. It's lucky for them
they've got this light to guide them.
Without it, on such a night as this,
they wouldn't have a chance in a mil.
lion"
We'll. I'm not going to risk it." said
Mahlin. That's certain. But I'm
afraid you'll have to put US up for the
night Ill be glad to pay you for your
trouble"
I'm afraid | can't make you very
comfortable said the keeper. but
I'll give you the best I've got. | have
to be up all night tending the light,
so you can take my bed. and your
friend there can sleep in my assist
ants room, and I'll fix up bunk for
your boatman in the storeroom."
You're not alone here, are your
inquired Mahlin.
Il am tonight" was the answer
I've got an assistant, but he's been
feeling poorly Of late so he went over
to the city on the tender this morning
to see doctor. . Now, just make
yourselves at home, please. I've got
to go up TO the light for a few min.
utes. With such gale as this blow
ing we can't take any chances OF any.
thing going wrong with the light
there are too many lives dependent
on IT,"
But not on that night, nor for many
nights thereafter, did Keeper James
ascend the winding stairs
leading to the great light which, far
above them, sent its guiding rays out
over the angry waters, for, as he
turned to leave the room, a terrific
blow descended on his skull and he
Knew nothing more.
Now, Satsuma," called Mahlin.
dragging the keepers limp body away
rom the door which led to the tower,
out with the light! That young pup
If naval officer won't feel so blamed |
lppish when he finds himself and his
ady friend drifting on the rocks and
10 light to steer by"
Before he had left the lighthouse
lalf mile behind, Hope was bitterly
approaching himself for his foolhardi. |
less in attempting to make the cross
ng to Middle island, for the wind had |
'isen until II was sister to a cyclone
md they had all that they could do |
o keep the little launch, already part.
y filled with water, from being cap.
'ized by the mighty combers which
'roke over 1t. But they struggled dog
'edly on, knowing that they need have
10 fear Of rocks so long as they kept
astern the light which wink.
ID so encouragingly at them from
southeast island
Suddenly Morissey gave a cry OF
.larm. THE light. sir!" he gasped.
It's gone out!"
He was right: the life-saving beacon
lad been suddenly extinguished. In
ain they searched the darkness for H.
did not reappear. And, with nei.
her light nor compass to guide them.
lone knew that thew uara baInlo,a |