keepers to 'assist in saving life and property from the perils of the sea.' I don't know how we can fit you into that class exactly, unless we consider 'Bijah's old tub as a peril, which would scarcely figure plausibly in my 'Record.' No; you're an invited guest. If Elspeth didn't invite you properly at the beginning, I hereby do so now."
Joan bowed an acknowledgment.
"The only thing, then, that disturbs my peace of mind is to-morrow," she sighed. "I was so stupid not to write to the Harbor View House beforehand. In fact, I was extremely stupid to come at all. And that's one of the reasons why I don't want to go back to town. I don't know exactly what to do."
"Put out the lamp, Jim," said his wife. "It's much jollier that way; then we can see the nice blue and green flames. There ought to be a lot to-night, with that copper strip." Then she turned to Joan. "Why don't you stay here?" she asked.
"At the lighthouse?" Joan said rather blankly.
"Yes, why not?" said Jim, putting another fragment of the Thomas J. on the fire. He stood up and dusted his hands.
