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With the whole broadside of Cape Cod to land upon, why was I washed ashore just at this particular spot? Answer: Because at this spot, at this time, Eastboro Twin-Lights needed an assistant keeper. I like the spot. It is beautiful. 'Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife. With your permission, I'll stay here. The leopard may or may not change his spots, but I sha'n't.
After a time he filled his pipe, lit it by the aid of the lantern, and smoked. There was silence aboard the Daisy M. The wind died away altogether. The fog gradually disappeared. From somewhere not far away a church clock struck the hour. Seth heard it and smiled. Turning his head he saw in the distance the Twin-Lights burning steadily. He smiled again. Gradually, slowly, the morning came.
Brown might have made some of these trips, but he did not care to. Solitude and seclusion he still desired, and there were more of these than anything else at the Twin-Lights.
If trouble came he was ready for it, and in the meantime he should do as he pleased. But no trouble came. That day, and for many days thereafter, the lightkeeper was sweetness itself. He and his helper had never been more anxious to please each other, and the house at Twin-Lights was to all appearances an abode of perfect trust and peace.
And whether you stay here ten minutes or ten years you've got to mind your own business. I won't have any hints or questions about me from you nor nobody else. 'Mind your own business, that's the motto of Eastboro Twin-Lights, while I'm boss of 'em. If you don't like it well, the village is only five mile off, and I'll p'int out the road to you."
Here he remained until the deepening dusk reminded him that it was time the lights were burning. Returning, he lit the lanterns and sat down in the room at the top of the left-hand tower to think, and think, and think. The shadows deepened; the last flush of twilight faded from the western sky; the stars came out; night and the black silence of night shrouded Eastboro Twin-Lights.
A lighthouse is always an interesting place to visit, and many times as the Somers children had been there, they always enjoyed the trip. Cricket and Eunice had never been there but three or four times before. The good-natured keeper took them all over and showed them everything, from the twin-lights at the top to the life-boats, for Hilda's benefit.
On the sand, at the foot of the bluff below the lights, just beyond reach of the wash of the surf, lay a man, or the dead body of a man, stretched at full length. Once before, during his years of service as keeper of Eastboro Twin-Lights, had Seth seen such a sight as that which now caused him to make his dash for the shore.
"What are you laughing at?" asked Miss Graham. "Why, Russell, what is it?" Russell Agnew Brooks, alias "John Brown," ex-substitute assistant at Eastboro Twin-Lights, sank into a chair, shaking from head to heel. "It is hysterics," cried Ruth, hastening to his side. "No wonder, poor dear, considering what he has been through. Hush, Russell! don't, you frighten me. What IS it?"
Morning had come, the mists had rolled away, and the dots scattered along the horizon schooners, tugs, and coal barges, for the most part no longer needed the glare of Eastboro Twin-Lights to warn them against close proximity to the dangerous, shoal-bordered coast. Incidentally, it was no longer necessary for Mr. Atkins to remain on watch.
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