Charlie and Georgie were staying at Appledore, one of the Isles of
Shoals, and, with two other little children, had many nice times fishing
and sailing.
The lighthouse is on White Island, which, as you see in the picture, is
a lonely and rocky place. It would be very dangerous for any ship to
come in from sea on that part of the coast, if it were not for the
friendly warning of the brilliant light.
One warm, sunny morning, Charlie and Georgie, with their papa and mamma,
and their two little friends, rowed across from Appledore, and landed on
the pebbly beach of White Island. Here the children ran about, and
picked up stones until they were tired; and then the whole party seated
themselves on some shaded rocks, and ate their lunch of crackers and
bananas.
While they were eating, an old white dog, belonging to the lighthouse
keeper, came up and made their acquaintance. Georgie shared his cake
with him; and it was amusing to see the old dog watching with eager eyes
every piece that went into any mouth but his own.
When lunch was over, the two older children, Charlie and Anna, led the
way; and all were soon climbing the winding stairs in the lighthouse
tower. When they reached the top, they found themselves in a small room
with windows on every side, and the great lamp in the centre. The
lantern is made of red-and-white glass, and turns around, so that first
a red, and then a white, light may be seen far out at sea.
The keeper explained how, after lighting the lamp, he wound up the
machinery which caused the lamp to revolve; and told them of the lonely
hours he had spent in the little room below the lamp, while the waves
dashed, and the storm beat outside.
[Illustration]
For many weeks in the winter he lives there all by himself, and sees no
one; but, in the summer time, there is hardly a day when he does not
have a boat full of visitors. He always gives them a hearty welcome, and
makes himself very agreeable. I suppose he feels as though he must make
the most of society while he can get it.
The children listened to his talk with great interest. With many thanks
for his kind attentions, they bade him "Good-by," and, intent on
collecting shells on another island near, stepped into their boat, and
were rowed away, leaving the man and his friendly dog to enjoy each
other's company.