The Carlisle independent., 1917-04-12

1ula Tn Either of These Books!" swamped, failed to notice the other 1 launch which ran under the lee of the l lighthouse barely ten minutes after l their departure. Out of it scrambled i Mahlin and Satsuma. Clambering up i the rocky footpath, they reached the keepers modest dwelling Night had fallen and from the summit of the white tower which rose above them a 1 great beam of light stabbed the gark- ness at recurrent intervals. The keep CT answered Mahlin's knock and irf- vited them inside, for the bowling of l the wind made conversation outside almost impossible.
 Gan you tell me where I can find a Mir 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"
 s'Fitzmaurice seems to've become might popular all of a sudden re- marked the keeper You're the sec ond party in half an hour that's been after him. He ain't 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 is land?"
 He has, though I did my best to discourage him. It's lucky for them they've got this light. to guide them Without it, on such night as this. they wouldn't have a chance in a nil- lion"
 Well, I'm not going to risk it. said l Mahlin. That's certain. But I'm afraid you'll have to put us up for the night. I'll be glad to pay you for your 1 trouble
 I'm afraid I cant make you very comfortable said the keeper, but I'll give you the best I've got. l 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 youF inquired Mahlin.
 T am tonight" was the answer. I've got an assistant, but he's been l feeling poorly of late so he went over l to the city on the tender this morning l to see a doctor Now, just make 1 yourselves at home, please. I've got to go up to the light for a few min utes. With such a gale as this blow ing we cant take any chances of any 1 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 1 Fairweather ascend the winding stairs | leading to the great light which. fsf above them, sent it's guiding rays out over the angry waters, for, as be 1 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 from the door which led to the tower, 'out with the light That young pup of a naval officer won't feel so blamed uppish when he finds himself and his lady friend drifting on the rocks and no light to steer by
 
 Before he had left the lighthouse half a mile behind, Hope was bitterly representing himself for his foolhardss ness in attempting to make the cross ing to Middle island, for the wind had risen until it was sister to a cyclone and they had all that they could do to keep the little launch, already part. ly filled with water, from being cap sized by the mighty combers which broke over it. But they struggled dog. gedly on, knowing that they need have no fear of rocks so long as they kepS squarely astern the light which wink ed so encouragingiy at them from Southeast island.
 Suddenly Morissey gave a cry of alarm. The light, sir!" he gasped. Its gone out!'
 He was right: the life-saving beacon had been suddenly extinguished. In vain they searched the darkness for t. It did not reappear. And, with nee- ther light nor compass to guide them, Hope knew that they were helpless and at the mercy of the storm
 At that moment, from somewhere to the eastward of them, a sudden fiery glow, incredibly dazzling, illumt mated, for brief moment, angry seq and inky sky, and to their ears came. an instant later, a crash like an e1- ploding powder mill. The Sea HaWt had found the floating mine!
 (TO BE CONTNUED.)