The Lighthouse by Robert Michael Ballantyne
Author: Unknown
Date: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

The Lighthouse — by R.M. Ballantyne - Chapter I.The Lighthouse  by R.M.

Ballantyne

Chapter One.

The Rock.

Early on a summer morning, about the beginning of the nineteenth century, two fishermen of Forfarshire wended their way to the shore, launched their boat, and put off to sea.

One of the men was tall and ill-favoured, the other, short and well-favoured.

Both were square-built, powerful fellows, like most men of the class to which they belonged.

It was about that calm hour of the morning which precedes sunrise, when most living creatures are still asleep, and inanimate nature wears, more than at other times, the semblance of repose. The sea was like a sheet of undulating glass. A breeze had been expected, but, in defiance of expectation, it had not come, so the boatmen were obliged to use their oars. They used them well, however, insomuch that the land ere long appeared like a blue line on the horizon, then became tremulous and indistinct, and finally vanished in the mists of morning.

The men pulled with a will,  as seamen pithily express it,  and in silence.

Only once during the first hour did the big, ill-favoured man venture a remark.

Referring to the absence of wind, he said, that it would be a the better for landin on the rock.

This was said in the broadest vernacular dialect, as, indeed, was everything that dropped from the fishermens lips. We take the liberty of modifying it a little, believing that strict fidelity here would entail inevitable loss of sense to many of our readers.

The remark, such as it was, called forth a rejoinder from the short comrade, who stated his belief that they would be likely to find somethin there that day.

They then relapsed into silence.

Under the regular stroke of the oars the boat advanced steadily, straight out to sea. At first the mirror over which they skimmed was grey, and the foam at the cutwater leaden-coloured. By degrees they rowed, as it were, into a brighter region. The sea ahead lightened up, became pale yellow, then warmed into saffron, and, when the sun rose, blazed into liquid gold.

The words spoken by the boatmen, though few, were significant. The rock
alluded to was the celebrated and much dreaded Inch Cape  more familiarly known as the Bell Rock  which being at that time unmarked by lighthouse or beacon of any kind, was the terror of mariners who were making for the firths of Forth and Tay. The something that was expected to be found there may be guessed at when we say that one of the fiercest storms that ever swept our eastern shores had just exhausted itself after strewing the coast with wrecks. The breast of ocean, though calm on the surface, as has been said, was still heaving with a mighty swell, from the effects of the recent elemental conflict.

Dye see the breakers noo, Davy? enquired the ill-favoured man, who pulled the aft oar.

Ay, and hear them, too, said Davy Spink, ceasing to row, and looking over his shoulder towards the seaward horizon.

Yer een and lugs are better than mine, then, returned the ill-favoured comrade, who answered, when among his friends, to the name of Big Swankie, otherwise, and more correctly, Jock Swankie. Od! I believe yere right, he added, shading his heavy red brows with his heavier and redder hand, that is the rock, but a man wad need the een o an eagle to see onything in the face o
sik a bleezin sun. Pull awa, Davy, well hae time to catch a bit cod or a haddy afore the rocks bare.

Influenced by these encouraging hopes, the stout pair urged their boat in the direction of a thin line of snow-white foam that lay apparently many miles away, but which was in reality not very far distant.

By degrees the white line expanded in size and became massive, as though a huge breaker were rolling towards them; ever and anon jets of foam flew high into the air from various parts of the mass, like smoke from a cannons mouth. Presently, a low continuous roar became audible above the noise of the oars; as the boat advanced, the swells from the south-east could be seen towering upwards as they neared the foaming spot, gradually changing their broad-backed form, and coming on in majestic walls of green water, which fell with indescribable grandeur into the seething caldron. No rocks were visible, there was no apparent cause for this wild confusion in the midst of the otherwise calm sea. But the fishermen knew that the Bell Rock was underneath the foam, and that in less than an hour its jagged peaks would be left uncovered by the falling tide.

As the swell of the sea came in from the eastward, there was a belt of smooth water on the west side of the rock. Here the fishermen cast anchor, and, baiting their hand-lines, began to fish. At first they were unsuccessful, but before half an hour had elapsed, the cod began to nibble, and Big Swankie ere long hauled up a fish of goodly size. Davy Spink followed suit, and in a few minutes a dozen fish lay spluttering in the bottom of the boat.

Times up noo, said Swankie, coiling away his line.

Stop, stop, heres a wallupper, cried Davy, who was an excitable man; we better fish a while langer  bring the cleek, Swankie, hes ower big to noo, lad, cleek him! thats it!  Oh  o  o  o!

The prolonged groan with which Davy brought his speech to a sudden termination was in consequence of the line breaking and the fish escaping, just as Swankie was about to strike the iron hook into its side.

Hech! lad, that was a guid ane, said the disappointed man with a sigh; but hes awa.

Ay, observed Swankie, and we must awa too, so up anchor, lad. The rocks lookin oot o the sea, and times precious.

The anchor was speedily pulled up, and they rowed towards the rock, the ragged edges of which were now visible at intervals in the midst of the foam which they created.

At low tide an irregular portion of the Bell Rock, less than a hundred yards in length, and fifty yards in breadth, is uncovered and left exposed for two or three hours. It does not appear in the form of a single mass or islet, but in a succession of serrated ledges of various heights, between and amongst which the sea flows until the tide has fallen pretty low. At full ebb the rock appears like a dark islet, covered with seaweed, and studded with deep pools of water, most of which are connected with the sea by narrow channels running between the ledges. The highest part of the rock does not rise more than seven feet above the level of the sea at the lowest tide.

To enter one of the pools by means of the channels above referred to is generally a matter of difficulty, and often of extreme danger, as the swell of the sea, even in calm weather, bursts over these ledges with such violence as to render the channels at times impassable. The utmost caution, therefore, is necessary.

Our fishermen, however, were accustomed to land there occasionally in search of the remains of wrecks, and knew their work well. They approached the rock on the lee-side, which was, as has been said, to the westward. To a spectator viewing them from any point but from the boat itself, it would have appeared that the reckless men were sailing into the jaws of certain death, for the breakers burst around them so confusedly in all directions that their instant destruction seemed inevitable. But Davy Spink, looking over his shoulder as he sat at the bow-oar, saw a narrow lead of comparatively still water in the midst of the foam, along which he guided the boat with consummate skill, giving only a word or two of direction to Swankie, who instantly acted in accordance therewith.

Pull, pull, lad, said Davy.

Swankie pulled, and the boat swept round with its bow to the east just in time to meet a billow, which, towering high above its fellows, burst completely over the rocks, and appeared to be about to sweep away all before it. For a moment the boat was as if embedded in snow, then it sank once more into the lead among the floating tangle, and the men pulled with might and main in order to escape the next wave. They were just in time. It burst over the same rocks with greater violence than its predecessor, but the boat had gained the shelter of the next ledge, and lay floating securely in the deep, quiet pool within, while the men rested on their oars, and watched the chaos of the water rush harmlessly by.

In another moment they had landed and secured the boat to a projecting rock.

Few words of conversation passed between these practical men. They had gone there on particular business. Time and tide proverbially wait for no man, but at the Bell Rock they wait a much briefer period than elsewhere. Between low water and the time when it would be impossible to quit the rock without being capsized, there was only a space of two or three hours  sometimes more, frequently less  so it behoved the men to economise time.

Rocks covered with wet seaweed and rugged in form are not easy to walk over; a fact which was soon proved by Swankie staggering violently once or twice, and by Spink falling flat on his back. Neither paid attention to his comrades misfortunes in this way. Each scrambled about actively, searching with care among the crevices of the rocks, and from time to time picking up articles which they thrust into their pockets or laid on their shoulders, according as weight and dimensions required.

In a short time they returned to their boat pretty well laden.

Weel, lad, what luck? enquired Spink, as Swankie and he met  the former with a grappling iron on his shoulder, the latter staggering under the weight of a mass of metal.

Not much, replied Swankie; nothin but heavy metal this mornin, only a bit of a cookin stove an a cannon shot  thats all.

Never mind, try again. There must ha bin two or three wrecks on the rock this gale, said Davy, as he and his friend threw their burdens into the boat, and hastened to resume the search.

At first Spink was the more successful of the two. He returned to the boat with various articles more than once, while his comrade continued his rambles unsuccessfully. At last, however, Big Swankie came to a gully or inlet where a large mass of the débris of a wreck was piled up in indescribable confusion, in the midst of which lay the dead body of an old man. Swankies first impulse was to shout to his companion, but he checked himself, and proceeded to examine the pockets of the dead man.

Raising the corpse with some difficulty he placed it on the ledge of rock.

Observing a ring on the little finger of the right hand, he removed it and put it hastily in his pocket. Then he drew a red morocco case from an inner breast pocket in the dead mans coat. To his surprise and delight he found that it contained a gold watch and several gold rings and brooches, in some of which were beautiful stones. Swankie was no judge of jewellery, but he could not avoid the conviction that these things must needs be valuable. He laid the case down on the rock beside him, and eagerly searched the other pockets. In one he found a large clasp-knife and a pencil-case; in another a leather purse, which felt heavy as he drew it out. His eyes sparkled at the first glance he got of the contents, for they were sovereigns! Just as he made this discovery, Davy Spink climbed over the ledge at his back, and Swankie hastily thrust the purse underneath the body of the dead man.

Hallo! lad, what have ye there? Hey! watches and rings  come, were in luck this mornin.

We! exclaimed Swankie, somewhat sternly, you didnt find that case.

Na, lad, but weve aye divided, an I dinna see what for we should change our plan noo.

Weve nae paction to that effec  the case o kickshaws is mine, retorted Swankie.

Half ot, suggested Spink.

Weel, weel, cried the other with affected carelessness, Id scorn to be sae graspin. For the matter o that ye may hae it all to yersel, but Ill hae the next thing we git thats worth muckle a to mysel.

So saying Swankie stooped to continue his search of the body, and in a moment or two drew out the purse with an exclamation of surprise.

See, Im in luck, Davy! Virtues aye rewarded, they say. This is mine, and I doot not therell be some siller intilt.

Goold! cried Davy, with dilated eyes, as his comrade emptied the contents into his large hand, and counted over thirty sovereigns.

Ay, lad, ye can keep the what-dye-ca-ums, and Ill keep the siller.

Ive seen that face before, observed Spink, looking intently at the body.

Like enough, said Swankie, with an air of indifference, as he put the gold into his pocket. I think Ive seed it mysel. It looks like auld Jamie Brand, but I didna ken him weel.

Its just him, said Spink, with a touch of sadness. Ay, ay, thatll fa heavy on the auld woman. But, come, itll no do to stand haverin this way. Lets see what else is on him.

They found nothing more of any value; but a piece of paper was discovered, wrapped up in oilskin, and carefully fastened with red tape, in the vest pocket of the dead man. It contained writing, and had been so securely wrapped up, that it was only a little damped. Davy Spink, who found it, tried in vain to read the writing; Davys education had been neglected, so he was fain to confess that he could not make it out.

Let me seet, said Swankie. What hae we here? The sloop is hard an  an

(Fast, maybe, suggested Spink.) Ay, so tis. I canna make out the next word, but heres something about the jewel-case.

The man paused and gazed earnestly at the paper for a few minutes, with a look of perplexity on his rugged visage.

Weel, man, what ist? enquired Davy.

Hoot! I canna mak it oot, said the other, testily, as if annoyed at being unable to read it. He refolded the paper and thrust it into his bosom, saying, Come, were wastin time. Lets get on wi our wark.

Toss for the jewels and the siller, said Spink, suggestively.

Very weel, replied the other, producing a copper. Heeds, you win the siller; tails, I win the box;  heeds it is, so the kickshaws is mine. Weel, Im content, he added, as he handed the bag of gold to his comrade, and received the jewel-case in exchange.

In another hour the sea began to encroach on the rock, and the fishermen, having collected as much as time would permit of the wrecked materials, returned to their boat.

They had secured altogether above two hundredweight of old metal,  namely, a large piece of a ships caboose, a hinge, a lock of a door, a ships marking-iron, a soldiers bayonet, a cannon ball, a shoebuckle, and a small anchor, besides part of the cordage of the wreck, and the money and jewels before mentioned. Placing the heavier of these things in the bottom of the boat, they pushed off.

We better take the corp ashore, said Spink, suddenly.

What for? They may ask what was in the pockets, objected Swankie.

Let them ask, rejoined the other, with a grin.

Swankie made no reply, but gave a stroke with his oar which sent the boat close up to the rocks. They both relanded in silence, and, lifting the dead body of the old man, laid it in the stern-sheets of the boat. Once more they pushed off.

Too much delay had been already made. The surf was breaking over the ledges in all directions, and it was with the utmost difficulty that they succeeded in getting clear out into deep water. A breeze which had sprung up from the east, tended to raise the sea a little, but when they finally got away from the dangerous reef, the breeze befriended them. Hoisting the foresail, they quickly left the Bell Rock far behind them, and, in the course of a couple of hours, sailed into the harbour of Arbroath.

Chapter Two.

The Lovers and the Press-Gang.

About a mile to the eastward of the ancient town of Arbroath the shore abruptly changes its character, from a flat beach to a range of, perhaps, the wildest and most picturesque cliffs on the east coast of Scotland. Inland the country is rather flat, but elevated several hundred feet above the level of the sea, towards which it slopes gently until it reaches the shore, where it terminates in abrupt, perpendicular precipices, varying from a hundred to two hundred feet in height. In many places the cliffs overhang the water, and all along the coast they have been perforated and torn up by the waves, so as to present singularly bold and picturesque outlines, with caverns, inlets, and sequestered coves of every form and size.

To the top of these cliffs, in the afternoon of the day on which our tale opens, a young girl wended her way,  slowly, as if she had no other object in view than a stroll, and sadly, as if her mind were more engaged with the thoughts within than with the magnificent prospect of land and sea without. The girl was Fair, fair, with golden hair,

and apparently about twenty years of age. She sought out a quiet nook among the rocks at the top of the cliffs; near to a circular chasm, with the name of which (at that time) we are not acquainted, but which was destined ere long to acquire a new name and celebrity from an incident which shall be related in another part of this story.

Curiously enough, just about the same hour, a young man was seen to wend his way to the same cliffs, and, from no reason whatever with which we happened to be acquainted, sought out the same nook! We say he was seen, advisedly, for the maid with the golden hair saw him. Any ordinary observer would have said that she had scarcely raised her eyes from the ground since sitting down on a niece of flower-studded turf near the edge of the cliff, and that she certainly had not turned her head in the direction of the town. Yet she saw him,  however absurd the statement may appear, we affirm it confidently,  and knew that he was coming. Other eyes there were that also saw youth  eyes that would have caused him some degree of annoyance had he known they were upon him  eyes that he would have rejoiced to tinge with the colours black and blue! There were thirteen pair of them, belonging to twelve men and a lieutenant of the navy.

In those days the barbarous custom of impressment into the Royal Navy was in full operation. England was at war with France. Men were wanted to fight our battles, and when there was any difficulty in getting men, press-gangs were sent out to force them into the service. The youth whom we now introduce to the reader was a sailor, a strapping, handsome one, too; not, indeed, remarkable for height, being only a little above the average  five feet, ten inches or thereabouts  but noted for great depth of chest, breadth of shoulder, and development of muscle; conspicuous also for the quantity of close, clustering, light-brown curls down his head, and for the laughing glance of his dark-blue eye. Not a hero of romance, by any means. No, he was very matter of fact, and rather given to meditation than mischief.

The officer in charge of the press-gang had set his heart on this youth (so had another individual, of whom more anon!) but the youth, whose name was Ruby Brand, happened to have an old mother who was at that time in very bad health, and she had also set her heart, poor body, on the youth, and entreated him to stay at home just for one half-year. Ruby willingly consented, and from that time forward led the life of a dog in consequence of the press-gang.

Now, as we have said, he had been seen leaving the town by the lieutenant, who summoned his men and went after him  cautiously, however, in order to take him by surprise for Ruby, besides being strong and active as a lion, was slippery as an eel.

Going straight as an arrow to the spot where she of the golden hair was seated, the youth presented himself suddenly to her, sat down beside her, and exclaiming Minnie, put his arm round her waist.

Oh, Ruby, dont, said Minnie, blushing.

Now, reader, the dont and the blush had no reference to the arm round the waist, but to the relative position of their noses, mouths, and chins, a position which would have been highly improper and altogether unjustifiable but for the fact that Ruby was Minnies accepted lover.

Dont, darling, why not? said Ruby in surprise.

Youre so rough, said Minnie, turning her head away.

True, dear, I forgot to shave this morning.

I dont mean that, interrupted the girl quickly, I mean rude and  and  is that a sea-gull?

No, sweetest of your sex, its a butterfly; but its all the same, as my metaphysical Uncle Ogilvy would undertake to prove to you, thus, a butterfly is white and a gull is white,  therefore, a gull is a butterfly.

Dont talk nonsense, Ruby.

No more I will, darling, if you will listen to me while I talk sense.

What is it? said the girl, looking earnestly and somewhat anxiously into her lovers face, for she knew at once by his expression that he had some unpleasant communication to make. Youre not going away?

Well, no  not exactly; you know I promised to stay with mother; but the fact is that Im so pestered and hunted down by that rascally press-gang, that I dont know what to do. Theyre sure to nab me at last, too, and then I shall have to go away whether I will or no, so Ive made up my mind as a last resource, to Ruby paused.

Well? said Minnie.

Well, in fact to do what will take me away for a short time, but Ruby stopped short, and, turning his head on one side, while a look of fierce anger overspread his face, seemed to listen intently.

Minnie did not observe this action for a few seconds, but, wondering why he paused, she looked up, and in surprise exclaimed Ruby! what do you

Hush! Minnie, and dont look round, said he in a low tone of intense anxiety, yet remaining immovably in the position which he had assumed on first sitting down by the girls side, although the swelled veins of his neck and his flushed forehead told of a fierce conflict of feeling within. Its the press-gang after me again. I got a glance of one o them out of the tail of my eye, creeping round the rocks. They think I havent seen them. Darling Minnie  one kiss. Take care of mother if I dont turn up soon.

But how will you escape?

Hush, dearest girl! I want to have as much of you as I can before I go. Dont be afraid. Theyre honest British tars after all, and wont hurt you, Minnie.

Still seated at the girls side, as if perfectly at his ease, yet speaking in quick earnest tones, and drawing her closely to him, Ruby waited until he heard a stealthy tread behind him. Then he sprang up with the speed of thought, uttered a laugh of defiance as the sailors rushed towards him, and leaping wildly off the cliff, fell a height of about fifty feet into the sea.

Minnie uttered a scream of horror, and fell fainting into the arms of the bewildered lieutenant.

Down the cliffs  quick! he cant escape if you look alive. Stay, one of you, and look after this girl. Shell roll over the edge on recovering, perhaps.

It was easy to order the men down the cliffs, but not so easy for them to obey, for the rocks were almost perpendicular at the place, and descended sheer into the water.

Surround the spot, shouted the lieutenant. Scatter yourselves  away! theres no beach here.

The lieutenant was right. The men extended themselves along the top of the cliffs so as to prevent Rubys escape, in the event of his trying to ascend them, and two sailors stationed themselves in ambush in the narrow pass at the spot where the cliffs terminate in the direction of the town.

The leap taken by Ruby was a bold one. Few men could have ventured it; indeed, the youth himself would have hesitated had he not been driven almost to desperation. But he was a practised swimmer and diver, and knew well the risk he ran. He struck the water with tremendous force and sent up a great mass of foam, but he had entered it perpendicularly, feet foremost, and in a few seconds returned to the surface so close to the cliffs that they overhung him, and thus effectually concealed him from his pursuers.

Swimming cautiously along for a short distance close to the rocks, he came to the entrance of a cavern which was filled by the sea. The inner end of this cave opened into a small hollow or hole among the cliffs, up the sides of which Ruby knew that he could climb, and thus reach the top unperceived, but, after gaining the summit, there still lay before him the difficulty of eluding those who watched there. He felt, however, that nothing could be gained by delay, so he struck at once into the cave, swam to the inner end, and landed. Wringing the water out of his clothes, he threw off his jacket and vest in order to be as unencumbered as possible, and then began to climb cautiously.

Just above the spot where Ruby ascended there chanced to be stationed a seaman named Dalls. This man had lain down flat on his breast, with his head close to the edge of the cliff, so as to observe narrowly all that went on below, but, being a stout, lethargic man, he soon fell fast asleep! It was just at the spot where this man lay that Ruby reached the summit. The ascent was very difficult.

At each step the hunted youth had to reach his hand as high above his head as possible, and grasp the edge of a rock or a mass of turf with great care before venturing on another step. Had one of these points of rock, or one of these tufts of grass, given way, he would infallibly have fallen down the precipice and been killed. Accustomed to this style of climbing from infancy, however, he advanced without a sensation of fear.

On reaching the top he peeped over, and, seeing that no one was near, prepared for a rush. There was a mass of brown turf on the bank above him. He grasped it with all his force, and swung himself over the edge of the cliff. In doing so he nearly scalped poor Dalls, whose hair was the turf which he had seized, and who, uttering a hideous yell, leaped upon Ruby and tried to overthrow him. But Dalls had met his match. He received a blow on the nose that all but felled him, and instantly after a blow on each eye, that raised a very constellation of stars in his brain, and laid him prone upon the grass.

His yell, however, and the noise of the scuffle, were heard by those of the press-gang who were nearest to the scene of conflict. They rushed to the rescue, and reached the spot just as Ruby leaped over his prostrate foe and fled towards Arbroath. They followed with a cheer, which warned the two men in ambush to be ready. Ruby was lithe as a greyhound. He left his pursuers far behind him, and dashed down the gorge leading from the cliffs to the low ground beyond.

Here he was met by the two sailors, and by the lieutenant, who had joined them.

Minnie was also there, having been conducted thither by the said lieutenant, who gallantly undertook to see her safe into the town, in order to prevent any risk of her being insulted by his men. On hearing the shout of those who pursued Ruby, Minnie hurried away, intending to get free from the gang, not feeling that the lieutenants protection was either desirable or necessary.

When Ruby reached the middle of the gorge, which we have dignified with the name of pass, and saw three men ready to dispute his passage, he increased his speed. When he was almost up to them he turned aside and sprang nimbly up the almost perpendicular wall of earth on his right. This act disconcerted the men, who had prepared to receive his charge and seize him, but Ruby jumped down on the shoulders of the one nearest, and crushed him to the ground with his weight.

His clenched fist caught the lieutenant between the eyes and stretched him on his back  the third man wisely drew aside to let this human thunderbolt pass by!

He did pass, and, as the impetuous and quite irresistible locomotive is brought to a sudden pause when the appropriate brakes are applied, so was he brought to a sudden halt by Minnie a hundred yards or so farther on.

Oh! dont stop, she cried eagerly, and hastily thrusting him away. Theyll catch you!

Panting though he was, vehemently, Ruby could not restrain a laugh.

Catch me! no, darling; but dont be afraid of them. They wont hurt you, Minnie, and they cant hurt me  except in the way of cutting short our interview. Ha! here they come. Goodbye, dearest; Ill see you soon again.

At that moment five or six of the men came rushing down the pass with a wild cheer. Ruby made no haste to run. He stood in an easy attitude beside Minnie; leisurely kissed her little hand, and gently smoothed down her golden hair. Just as the foremost pursuer came within fifteen yards or so of them, he said, Farewell, my lassie, I leave you in good hands; and then, waving his cap in the air, with a cheer of more than half-jocular defiance, he turned and fled towards Arbroath as if one of the nor-east gales, in its wildest fury, were sweeping him over the land.

Chapter Three.

Our Hero Obliged to go to Sea.

When Ruby Brand reached the outskirts of Arbroath, he checked his speed and walked into his native town whistling gently, and with his hands in his pockets, as though he had just returned from an evening walk. He directed his steps to one of the streets near the harbour, in which his mothers cottage was situated.

Mrs Brand was a delicate, little old woman  so little and so old that people sometimes wondered how it was possible that she could be the mother of such a stalwart son. She was one of those kind, gentle, uncomplaining, and unselfish beings, who do not secure much popularity or admiration in this world, but who secure obedient children, also steadfast and loving friends. Her favourite book was the Bible; her favourite hope in regard to earthly matters, that men should give up fighting and drinking, and live in peace; her favourite theory that the study of truth was the object for which man was created, and her favourite meal  tea.

Ruby was her only child. Minnie was the daughter of a distant relation, and, having been left an orphan, she was adopted by her. Mrs Brands husband was a sailor. He commanded a small coasting sloop, of which Ruby had been the mate for several years. As we have said, Ruby had been prevailed on to remain at home for some months in order to please his mother, whose delicacy of health was such that his refusal would have injured her seriously; at least the doctor said so, therefore Ruby agreed to stay.

The sloop Penguin, commanded by Rubys father, was on a voyage to Newcastle at that time, and was expected in Arbroath every day. But it was fated never more to cast anchor in that port. The great storm, to which reference has been made in a previous chapter, caused many wrecks on the shores of Britain. The Penguin, was one of the many.

In those days telegraphs, railroads, and penny papers did not exist. Murders were committed then, as now, but little was said, and less was known about them.

Wrecks occurred then, as now, but few, except the persons immediately concerned, heard of them. Destructive fires, terrible accidents, and the familiar round of appalling catastrophes occurred then, as now, but their influence was limited, and their occurrence soon forgotten.

We would not be understood to mean that now (as compared with then), all is right and well; that telegraphs and railways and daily papers are all-potent and perfect. By no means. We have still much to learn and to do in these improved times; and, especially, there is wanting to a large extent among us a sympathetic telegraphy, so to speak, between the interior of our land and the sea-coast, which, if it existed in full and vigorous play, would go far to improve our condition, and raise us in the esteem of Christian nations.

Nevertheless, as compared with now, the state of things then was lamentably imperfect.

The great storm came and went, having swept thousands of souls into eternity, and hundreds of thousands of pounds into nonentity. Lifeboats had not been invented. Harbours of refuge were almost unknown, and although our coasts bristled with dangerous reefs and headlands, lighthouses were few and far between. The consequence was, that wrecks were numerous; and so also were wreckers,  a class of men, who, in the absence of an efficient coastguard, subsisted to a large extent on what they picked up from the wrecks that were cast in their way, and who did not scruple, sometimes, to cause wrecks, by showing false lights in order to decoy vessels to destruction.

We do not say that all wreckers were guilty of such crimes, but many of them were so, and their style of life, at the best, had naturally a demoralising influence upon all of them.

The famous Bell Rock, lying twelve miles off the coast of Forfarshire, was a prolific source of destruction to shipping. Not only did numbers of vessels get upon it, but many others ran upon the neighbouring coasts in attempting to avoid it.

Rubys father knew the navigation well, but, in the confusion and darkness of the furious storm, he miscalculated his position and ran upon the rock, where, as we have seen, his body was afterwards found by the two fishermen. It was conveyed by them to the cottage of Mrs Brand, and when Ruby entered he found his mother on her knees by the bedside, pressing the cold hand of his father to her breast, and gazing with wild, tearless eyes into the dead face.

We will not dwell upon the sad scenes that followed.

Ruby was now under the necessity of leaving home, because his mother being deprived of her husbands support naturally turned in distress to her son. But Ruby had no employment, and work could not be easily obtained at that time in the town, so there was no other resource left him but to go to sea. This he did in a small coasting sloop belonging to an old friend, who gave him part of his wages in advance to enable him to leave his mother a small provision, at least for a short time.

This, however, was not all that the widow had to depend on. Minnie Gray was expert with her needle, and for some years past had contributed not a little to the comforts of the household into which she had been adopted. She now set herself to work with redoubled zeal and energy. Besides this, Mrs Brand had a brother, a retired skipper, who obtained the complimentary title of Captain from his friends. He was a poor man, it is true, as regarded money, having barely sufficient for his own subsistence, but he was rich in kindliness and sympathy, so that he managed to make his small income perform wonders. On hearing of his brother-in-laws death, Captain Ogilvy hastened to afford all the consolation in his power to his sorrowing sister.

The captain was an eccentric old man, of rugged aspect. He thought that there was not a worse comforter on the face of the earth than himself, because, when he saw others in distress, his heart invariably got into his throat, and absolutely prevented him from saying a single word. He tried to speak to his sister, but all he could do was to take her hand and weep. This did the poor widow more good than any words could have done, no matter how eloquently or fitly spoken. It unlocked the fountain of her own heart, and the two wept together.

When Captain Ogilvy accompanied Ruby on board the sloop to see him off, and shook hands as he was about to return to the shore, he said Cheer up, Ruby; never say die so long as theres a shot in the looker. Thats the advice of an old salt, an youll find it sound, the more you ponder of it. Wen a young feller sails away on the sea of life, let him always go by chart and compass, not forgettin to take soundins wen cruisin off a bad coast. Keep a sharp lookout to windard, an mind yer helm  thats my advice to you lad, as ye go A-sailin down lifes troubled stream,

All as if it wor a dream.

The captain had a somewhat poetic fancy (at least he was impressed with the belief that he had), and was in the habit of enforcing his arguments by quotations from memory. When memory failed he supplemented with original composition.

Goodbye, lad, an Providence go wi ye.

Goodbye, uncle. I need not remind you to look after mother when Im away.

No, nephy, you neednt; Ill do it whether or not.

And Minnie, poor thing, shell need a word of advice and comfort now and then, uncle.

And she shall have it, lad, replied the captain with a tremendous wink, which was unfortunately lost on the nephew, in consequence of its being night and unusually dark, advice and comfort on demand, gratis; for Woman, in her hours of ease,

Is most uncommon hard to please;

but she must be looked arter, ye know, and made of, dye see? so Ruby, boy, farewell.

Half-an-hour before midnight was the time chosen for the sailing of the sloop Termagant, in order that she might get away quietly and escape the press-gang.

Ruby and his uncle had taken the precaution to go down to the harbour just a few minutes before sailing, and they kept as closely as possible to the darkest and least-frequented streets while passing through the town.

Captain Ogilvy returned by much the same route to his sisters cottage, but did not attempt to conceal his movements. On the contrary, knowing that the sloop must have got clear of the harbour by that time, he went along the streets whistling cheerfully. He had been a noted, not to say noisy, whistler when a boy, and the habit had not forsaken him in his old age. On turning sharp round a corner, he ran against two men, one of whom swore at him, but the other cried

Hallo! messmate, yer musical the night. Hey, Captain Ogilvy, surely I seed you an Ruby slinkin down the dark side o the market-gate half an oor ago?

Mayhap ye did, an mayhap ye didnt, retorted the captain, as he walked on; but as its none o your business to know, Ill not tell ye.

Ay, ay? O but yere a cross auld chap. Pleasant dreams tye.

This kindly remark, which was expressed by our friend Davy Spink, was lost on the captain, in consequence of his having resumed his musical recreation with redoubled energy, as he went rolling back to the cottage to console Mrs Brand, and to afford advice and comfort gratis to Minnie Gray.

Chapter Four.

The Burglary.

On the night in question, Big Swankie and a likeminded companion, who went among his comrades by the name of the Badger, had planned to commit a burglary in the town, and it chanced that the former was about that business when Captain Ogilvy unexpectedly ran against him and Davy Spink.

Spink, although a smuggler, and by no means a particularly respectable man, had not yet sunk so low in the scale of life as to be willing to commit burglary.

Swankie and the Badger suspected this, and, although they required his assistance much, they were afraid to ask him to join, lest he should not only refuse, but turn against them. In order to get over the difficulty, Swankie had arranged to suggest to him the robbery of a store containing gin, which belonged to a smuggler, and, if he agreed to that, to proceed further and suggest the more important matter in hand. But he found Spink proof against the first attack.

I tell ee, Ill hae naething to do wit, said he, when the proposal was made.

But, urged Swankie, hes a smuggler, and a cross-grained hound besides. Its no like robbin an honest man.

An what are we but smugglers? retorted Spink; an as to bein cross-grained, youve naethin to boast o in that way. Na, na, Swankie, ye may dot yersel, Ill hae nae hand int. Ill no objec to tak a bit keg o Auchmithie water (smuggled spirits) noo and then, or to pick up what comes to me by the wund and sea, but Ill steal frae nae man.

Ay, man, but yeve turned awfu honest all of a suddent, said the other with a sneer. I wonder the thretty sovereigns I gied ye the other day, when we tossed for them and the case o kickshaws, havena brunt yer pooches.

Davy Spink looked a little confused.

Aweel, said he, its o nae use greetin ower spilt milk, the things done and past noo, and I canna help it. Sae guidnight to ee.

Swankie, seeing that it was useless to attempt to gain over his comrade, and knowing that the Badger was waiting impatiently for him near the appointed house, hurried away without another word, and Davy Spink strolled towards his home, which was an extremely dirty little hut, near the harbour.

At the time of which we write, the town of Arbroath was neither so well lighted nor so well guarded as it now is. The two burglars found nothing to interfere with their deeds of darkness, except a few bolts and bars, which did not stand long before their expert hands. Nevertheless, they met with a check from an unexpected quarter.

The house they had resolved to break into was inhabited by a widow lady, who was said to be wealthy, and who was known to possess a considerable quantity of plate and jewels. She lived alone, having only one old servant and a little girl to attend upon her. The house stood on a piece of ground not far from the ruins of the stately abbey which originated and gave celebrity to the ancient town of Aberbrothoc. Mrs Stewarts house was full of Eastern curiosities, some of them of great value, which had been sent to her by her son, then a major in the East India Companys service.

Now, it chanced that Major Stewart had arrived from India that very day, on leave of absence, all unknown to the burglars, who, had they been aware of the fact, would undoubtedly have postponed their visit to a more convenient season.

As it was, supposing they had to deal only with the old lady and her two servants, they began their work between twelve and one that night, with considerable confidence, and in great hopes of a rich booty.

A small garden surrounded the old house. It was guarded by a wall about eight feet high, the top of which bristled with bottle-glass. The old lady and her domestics regarded this terrible-looking defence with much satisfaction, believing in their innocence that no human creature could succeed in getting over it. Boys, however, were their only dread, and fruit their only care, when they looked complacently at the bottle-glass on the wall, and, so far, they were right in their feeling of security, for boys found the labour, risk, and danger to be greater than the worth of the apples and pears.

But it was otherwise with men. Swankie and the Badger threw a piece of thick matting on the wall; the former bent down, the latter stepped upon his back, and thence upon the mat; then he hauled his comrade up, and both leaped into the garden.

Advancing stealthily to the door, they tried it and found it locked. The windows were all carefully bolted, and the shutters barred. This they expected, but thought it as well to try each possible point of entrance, in the hope of finding an unguarded spot before having recourse to their tools. Such a point was soon found, in the shape of a small window, opening into a sort of scullery at the back of the house. It had been left open by accident. An entrance was easily effected by the Badger, who was a small man, and who went through the house with the silence of a cat, towards the front door. There were two lobbies, an inner and an outer, separated from each other by a glass door. Cautiously opening both doors, the Badger admitted his comrade, and then they set to work.

A lantern, which could be uncovered or concealed in a moment, enabled them to see their way.

Thats the dinin-room door, whispered the Badger.

Hist! haud yer jaw, muttered Swankie; I ken that as weel as you.

Opening the door, they entered and found the plate-chest under the sideboard.

It was open, and a grin of triumph crossed the sweet countenances of the friends as they exchanged glances, and began to put silver forks and spoons by the dozen into a bag which they had brought for the purpose.

When they had emptied the plate-chest, they carried the bag into the garden, and, climbing over the wall, deposited it outside. Then they returned for more.

Now, old Mrs Stewart was an invalid, and was in the habit of taking a little weak wine and water before retiring to rest at night. It chanced that the bottle containing the port wine had been left on the sideboard, a fact which was soon discovered by Swankie, who put the bottle to his mouth, and took a long pull.

What ist? enquired the Badger, in a low tone.

Prime! replied Swankie, handing over the bottle, and wiping his mouth with the cuff of his coat.

The Badger put the bottle to his mouth, but unfortunately for him, part of the liquid went down the wrong throat. The result was that the poor man coughed, once, rather loudly. Swankie, frowning fiercely, and shaking his fist, looked at him in horror; and well he might, for the Badger became first red and then purple in the face, and seemed as if he were about to burst with his efforts to keep down the cough. It came, however, three times, in spite of him,  not violently, but with sufficient noise to alarm them, and cause them to listen for five minutes intently ere they ventured to go on with their work, in the belief that no one had been disturbed.

But Major Stewart had been awakened by the first cough. He was a soldier who had seen much service, and who slept lightly. He raised himself in his bed, and listened intently on hearing the first cough. The second cough caused him to spring up and pull on his trousers; the third cough found him halfway downstairs, with a boot-jack in his hand, and when the burglars resumed work he was peeping at them through the half-open door.

Both men were stooping over the plate-chest, the Badger with his back to the door, Swankie with his head towards it. The major raised the boot-jack and took aim. At the same moment the door squeaked, Big Swankie looked up hastily, and, in technical phraseology, doused the glim. All was dark in an instant, but the boot-jack sped on its way notwithstanding. The burglars were accustomed to fighting, however, and dipped their heads. The boot-jack whizzed past, and smashed the pier-glass on the mantelpiece to a thousand atoms. Major Stewart being expert in all the devices of warfare, knew what to expect, and drew aside.

He was not a moment too soon, for the dark lantern flew through the doorway, hit the opposite wall, and fell with a loud clatter on the stone floor of the lobby.

The Badger followed at once, and received a random blow from the major that hurled him head over heels after the lantern.

There was no mistaking the heavy tread and rush of Big Swankie as he made for the door. Major Stewart put out his foot, and the burglar naturally tripped over it; before he could rise the major had him by the throat. There was a long, fierce struggle, both being powerful men; at last Swankie was hurled completely through the glass door. In the fall he disengaged himself from the major, and, leaping up, made for the garden wall, over which he succeeded in clambering before the latter could seize him. Thus both burglars escaped, and Major Stewart returned to the house half-naked,  his shirt having been torn off his back, 
and bleeding freely from cuts caused by the glass door.

Just as he re-entered the house, the old cook, under the impression that the cat had got into the pantry, and was smashing the crockery, entered the lobby in her nightdress, shrieked Mercy on us! on beholding the major, and fainted dead away.

Major Stewart was too much annoyed at having failed to capture the burglars to take any notice of her. He relocked the door, and assuring his mother that it was only robbers, and that they had been beaten off, retired to his room, washed and dressed his wounds, and went to bed.

Meanwhile Big Swankie and the Badger, laden with silver, made for the shore, where they hid their treasure in a hole.

Ill tell ee a dodge, said the Badger.

What may that be? enquired Swankie.

You said ye saw Ruby Brand slinking down the market-gate, and thats hes off to sea?

Ay, and twa or three more folk saw him as weel as me.

Weel, lets tak up a siller spoon, or somethin, an put it in the auld wifes garden, an theyll think it was him that did it.

No that bad! said Swankie, with a chuckle.

A silver fork and a pair of sugar-tongs bearing old Mrs Stewarts initials were accordingly selected for this purpose, and placed in the little garden in the front of Widow Brands cottage.

Here they were found in the morning by Captain Ogilvy, who examined them for at least half-an-hour in a state of the utmost perplexity. While he was thus engaged one of the detectives of the town happened to pass, apparently in some haste.

Hallo! shipmate, shouted the captain.

Well? responded the detective.

Did ye ever see silver forks an sugar-tongs growin in a garden before?

Eh? exclaimed the other, entering the garden hastily; let me see. Oho! this may throw some light on the matter. Did you find them here?

Ay, on this very spot.

Hum. Ruby went away last night, I believe?

He did.

Some time after midnight? enquired the detective.

Likely enough, said the captain, but my chronometer aint quite so reglar since we left the sea; it might ha bin more,  mayhap less.

Just so. You saw him off?

Ay; but you seem more than ornar inquisitive to-day

Did he carry a bundle? interrupted the detective.

Ay, no doubt.

A large one?

Ay, a goodish big un.

Do you know what was in it? enquired the detective, with a knowing look.

I do, for I packed it, replied the captain; his kit was in it.

Nothing more?

Nothin as I knows of.

Well, Ill take these with me just now, said the officer, placing the fork and sugar-tongs in his pocket. Im afraid, old man, that your nephew has been up to mischief before he went away. A burglary was committed in the town last night, and this is some of the plate. Youll hear more about it before long, I dare say. Good day to ye.

So saying, the detective walked quickly away, and left the captain in the centre of the garden staring vacantly before him in speechless amazement.

Chapter Five.

The Bell Rock Invaded.

A year passed away. Nothing more was heard of Ruby Brand, and the burglary was believed to be one of those mysteries which are destined never to be solved.

About this time great attention was being given by Government to the subject of lighthouses. The terrible number of wrecks that had taken place had made a deep impression on the public mind. The position and dangerous character of the Bell Rock, in particular, had been for a long time the subject of much discussion, and various unsuccessful attempts had been made to erect a beacon of some sort thereon.

There is a legend that in days of old one of the abbots of the neighbouring monastery of Aberbrothoc erected a bell on the Inchcape Rock, which was tolled in rough weather by the action of the waves on a float attached to the tongue, and thus mariners were warned at night and in foggy weather of their approach to the rock, the great danger of which consists in its being a sunken reef, lying twelve miles from the nearest land, and exactly in the course of vessels making for the firths of Forth and Tay. The legend further tells how that a Danish pirate, named Ralph the Rover, in a mischievous mood, cut the bell away, and that, years afterwards, he obtained his appropriate reward by being wrecked on the Bell Rock, when returning from a long cruise laden with booty.

Whether this be true or not is an open question, but certain it is that no beacon of any kind was erected on this rock until the beginning of the nineteenth century, after a great storm in 1799 had stirred the public mind, and set springs in motion, which from that time forward have never ceased to operate.

Many and disastrous were the shipwrecks that occurred during the storm referred to, which continued, with little intermission, for three days. Great numbers of ships were driven from their moorings in the Downs and Yarmouth Roads; and these, together with all vessels navigating the German Ocean at that time, were drifted upon the east coast of Scotland.

It may not, perhaps, be generally known that there are only three great inlets or estuaries to which the mariner steers when overtaken by easterly storms in the North Sea  namely, the Humber, and the firths of Forth and Moray. The mouth of the Thames is too much encumbered by sand-banks to be approached at night or during bad weather. The Humber is also considerably obstructed in this way, so that the Roads of Leith, in the Firth of Forth, and those of Cromarty, in the Moray Firth, are the chief places of resort in easterly gales. But both of these had their special risks.

On the one hand, there was the danger of mistaking the Dornoch Firth for the Moray, as it lies only a short way to the north of the latter; and, in the case of the Firth of Forth, there was the terrible Bell Rock.

Now, during the storm of which we write, the fear of those two dangers was so strong upon seamen that many vessels were lost in trying to avoid them, and much hardship was sustained by mariners who preferred to seek shelter in higher latitudes. It was estimated that no fewer than seventy vessels were either stranded or lost during that single gale, and many of the crews perished.

At one wild part of the coast, near Peterhead, called the Bullers of Buchan, after the first night of the storm, the wrecks of seven vessels were found in one cove, without a single survivor of the crews to give an account of the disaster.

The dangers of the deep are nothing compared with the dangers of the shore. If the hard rocks of our island could tell the tale of their experience, and if we landsmen could properly appreciate it, we should understand more clearly why it is that sailors love blue (in other words, deep) water during stormy weather.

In order to render the Forth more accessible by removing the danger of the Bell Rock, it was resolved by the Commissioners of Northern Lights to build a lighthouse upon it. This resolve was a much bolder one than most people suppose, for the rock on which the lighthouse was to be erected was a sunken reef, visible only at low tide during two or three hours, and quite inaccessible in bad weather. It was the nearest approach to building a house in the sea that had yet been attempted! The famous Eddystone stands on a rock which is never quite under water, although nearly so, for its crest rises a very little above the highest tides, while the Bell Rock is eight or ten feet under water at high tides.

It must be clear, therefore, to everyone, that difficulties, unusual in magnitude and peculiar in kind, must have stood in the way of the daring engineer who should undertake the erection of a tower on a rock twelve miles out on the stormy sea, and the foundation of which was covered with ten or twelve feet of water every tide; a tower which would have to be built perfectly, yet hastily; a tower which should form a comfortable home, fit for human beings to dwell in, and yet strong enough to withstand the utmost fury of the waves, not merely whirling round it, as might be the case on some exposed promontory, but rushing at it, straight and fierce from the wild ocean, in great blue solid billows that should burst in thunder on its sides, and rush up in scarcely less solid spray to its lantern, a hundred feet or more above its foundation.

An engineer able and willing to undertake this great work was found in the person of the late Robert Stevenson of Edinburgh, whose perseverance and talent shall be commemorated by the grandest and most useful monument ever raised by man, as long as the Bell Rock lighthouse shall tower above the sea.

It is not our purpose to go into the details of all that was done in the construction of this lighthouse. Our peculiar task shall be to relate those incidents connected with this work which have relation to the actors in our tale.

We will not, therefore, detain the reader by telling him of all the preliminary difficulties that were encountered and overcome in this Robinson Crusoe sort of work; how that a temporary floating lightship, named the Pharos, was prepared and anchored in the vicinity of the rock in order to be a sort of depot and rendezvous and guide to the three smaller vessels employed in the work, as well as a light to shipping generally, and a building-yard was established at Arbroath, where every single stone of the lighthouse was cut and nicely fitted before being conveyed to the rock. Neither shall we tell of the difficulties that arose in the matter of getting blocks of granite large enough for such masonry, and lime of a nature strong enough to withstand the action of the salt sea. All this, and a great deal more of a deeply interesting nature, must remain untold, and be left entirely to the readers imagination. (See note 1.) Suffice it to say that the work was fairly begun in the month of August, 1807; that a strong beacon of timber was built, which was so well constructed that it stood out all the storms that beat against it during the whole time of the building operations; that close to this beacon the pit or foundation of the lighthouse was cut down deep into the solid rock; that the men employed could work only between two and three hours at a time, and had to pump the water out of this pit each tide before they could resume operations; that the work could only be done in the summer months, and when engaged in it the men dwelt either in the Pharos floating light, or in one of the attending vessels, and were not allowed to go ashore  that is, to the mainland, about twelve miles distant; that the work was hard, but so novel and exciting that the artificers at last became quite enamoured of it, and that ere long operations were going busily forward, and the work was in a prosperous and satisfactory state of advancement.

Things were in this condition at the Bell Rock, when, one fine summer evening, our friend and hero, Ruby Brand, returned, after a long absence, to his native town.

Note 1. It may be found, however, in minute detail, in the large and interesting work entitled Stevensons Bell Rock Lighthouse.

Chapter Six.

The Captain Changes His Quarters.

It was fortunate for Ruby that the skipper of the vessel ordered him to remain in charge while he went ashore, because he would certainly have been recognised by numerous friends, and his arrival would speedily have reached the ears of the officers of justice, who seem to be a class of men specially gifted with the faculty of never forgetting. It was not until darkness had begun to settle down on the town that the skipper returned on board, and gave him leave to go ashore.

Ruby did not return in the little coaster in which he had left his native place.

That vessel had been wrecked not long after he joined her, but the crew were saved, and Ruby succeeded in obtaining a berth as second mate of a large ship trading between Hull and the Baltic. Returning from one of his voyages with a pretty good sum of money in his pocket, he resolved to visit his mother and give it to her. He therefore went aboard an Arbroath schooner, and offered to work his passage as an extra hand. Remembering his former troubles in connexion with the press-gang, he resolved to conceal his name from the captain and crew, who chanced to be all strangers to him.

It must not be supposed that Mrs Brand had not heard of Ruby since he left her.

On the contrary, both she and Minnie Gray got letters as frequently as the postal arrangements of those days would admit of; and from time to time they received remittances of money, which enabled them to live in comparative comfort. It happened, however, that the last of these remittances had been lost, so that Mrs Brand had to depend for subsistence on Minnies exertions, and on her brothers liberality. The brothers power was limited, however, and Minnie had been ailing for some time past, in consequence of her close application to work, so that she could not earn as much as usual. Hence it fell out that at this particular time the widow found herself in greater pecuniary difficulties than she had ever been in before.

Ruby was somewhat of an original. It is probable that every hero is. He resolved to surprise his mother by pouring the money he had brought into her lap, and for this purpose had, while in Hull, converted all his savings into copper, silver, and gold. Those precious metals he stowed separately into the pockets of his huge pea-jacket, and, thus heavily laden, went ashore about dark, as soon as the skipper returned.

At this precise hour it happened that Mrs Brand, Minnie Gray, and Captain Ogilvy were seated at their supper in the kitchen of the cottage.

Two days previously the captain had called, and said to Mrs Brand

I tell ee what it is, sister, Im tired of livin a solitary bachelor life, all by myself, so Im goin to make a change, lass.

Mrs Brand was for some moments speechless, and Minnie, who was sewing near the window, dropped her hands and work on her lap, and looked up with inexpressible amazement in her sweet blue eyes.

Brother, said Mrs Brand earnestly, you dont mean to tell me that youre going to marry at your time of life?

Eh! what? Marry?

The captain looked, if possible, more amazed than his sister for a second or two, then his red face relaxed into a broad grin, and he sat down on a chair and chuckled, wiping the perspiration (he seemed always more or less in a state of perspiration) from his bald head the while.

Why, no, sister, Im not going to marry; did I speak of marryin?

No; but you spoke of being tired of a bachelor life, and wishing to change.

Ah! you women, said the captain, shaking his head  always suspecting that we poor men are wantin to marry you. Well, praps you aint far wrong neither; but Im not goin to be spliced yet-a-while, lass. Marry, indeed!

Shall I, wastin in despair,

Die, cause why? a womans rare?

Oh! Captain Ogilvy, thats not rightly quoted. cried Minnie, with a merry laugh.

Aint it? said the captain, somewhat put out; for he did not like to have his powers of memory doubted.

No; surely women are not rare, said Minnie.

Good ones are, said the captain stoutly.

Well; but thats not the right word.

What is the right word, then? asked the captain with affected sternness, for, although by nature disinclined to admit that he could be wrong, he had no objection to be put right by Minnie.

Die because a womans f, said Minnie, prompting him.

F, funny? guessed the captain.

No; its not funny, cried Minnie, laughing heartily.

Of course not, assented the captain, it could not be funny nohow, because funny dont rhyme with despair; besides, lots o women aint funny a bit, an if they was, thats no reason why a man should die for em; what is the word, lass?

What am I? asked Minnie, with an arch smile, as she passed her fingers through the clustering masses of her beautiful hair.

An angel, beyond all doubt, said the gallant captain, with a burst of sincerity which caused Minnie to blush and then to laugh.

Youre incorrigible, captain, and you are so stupid that its of no use trying to teach you.

Mrs Brand  who listened to this conversation with an expression of deep anxiety on her meek face, for she could not get rid of her first idea that her brother was going to marry  here broke in with the question,

When is it to be, brother?

When is what to be, sister?

The  the marriage.

I tell you I aint a-goin to marry, repeated the captain; though why a stout young feller like me, just turned sixty-four, shouldnt marry, is more than I can see. You know the old proverbs, lass  Its never too late to marry;

Never ventur, never give in; John Anderson my jo John, when we was first 
first

Married, suggested Minnie.

Just so, responded the captain, and everybody knows that he was an old man.

But no, Im not goin to marry; Im only goin to give up my house, sell off the furniture, and come and live with you.

Live with me! ejaculated Mrs Brand.

Ay, an why not? Whats the use o goin to the expense of two houses when onell do, an when were both raither scrimp o the ready? Youll just let me have the parlour. It never was a comfrable room to sit in, so it dont matter much your givin it up; its a good enough sleepin and smokin cabin, an well all live together in the kitchen. Ill throw the whole of my treemendous income into the general purse, always exceptin a few odd coppers, which Ill retain to keep me a-goin in baccy. Well sail under the same flag, an sit round the same fire, an sup at the same table, and sleep in the same  no, not exactly that, but under the same roof-tree, whichll be a more hoconomical way o doin
business, you know; an so, old girl, as the song says

Come an let us be happy together,

For where theres a will theres a way, An we wont care a rap for the weather

So long as theres nothin to pay.

Would it not be better to say, so long as theres something to pay?
suggested Minnie.

No, lass, it wouldnt, retorted the captain. Youre too fond of improvin
things. Im a stanch old Tory, I am. Ill stick to the old flag till alls blue.

None o your changes or improvements for me.

This was a rather bold statement for a man to make who improved upon almost every line he ever quoted; but the reader is no doubt acquainted with parallel instances of inconsistency in good men even in the present day.

Now, sister, continued Captain Ogilvy, what dye think of my plan?

I like it well, brother, replied Mrs Brand with a gentle smile. Will you come soon?

To-morrow, about eight bells, answered the captain promptly.

This was all that was said on the subject. The thing was, as the captain said, settled off-hand, and accordingly next morning he conveyed such of his worldly goods as he meant to retain possession of to his sisters cottage  the new ship, as he styled it. He carried his traps on his own broad shoulders, and the conveyance of them cost him three distinct trips.

They consisted of a huge sea-chest, an old telescope more than a yard long, and cased in leather; a quadrant, a hammock, with the bedding rolled up in it, a tobacco-box, the enormous old Family Bible in which the names of his father, mother, brothers, and sisters were recorded; and a brown teapot with half a lid.

This latter had belonged to the captains mother, and, being fond of it, as it reminded him of the old ooman, he was wont to mix his grog in it, and drink the same out of a teacup, the handle of which was gone, and the saucer of which was among the things of the past.

Notwithstanding his avowed adherence to Tory principles, Captain Ogilvy proceeded to make manifold radical changes and surprising improvements in the little parlour, insomuch that when he had completed the task, and led his sister carefully (for she was very feeble) to look at what he had done, she became quite incapable of expressing herself in ordinary language; positively refused to believe her eyes, and never again entered that room, but always spoke of what she had seen as a curious dream!

No one was ever able to discover whether there was not a slight tinge of underlying jocularity in this remark of Mrs Brand, for she was a strange and incomprehensible mixture of shrewdness and innocence; but no one took much trouble to find out, for she was so lovable that people accepted her just as she was, contented to let any small amount of mystery that seemed to be in her to remain unquestioned.

The parlour was one of those well-known rooms which are occasionally met with in country cottages, the inmates of which are not wealthy. It was reserved exclusively for the purpose of receiving visitors. The furniture, though old, threadbare, and dilapidated, was kept scrupulously clean, and arranged symmetrically. There were a few books on the table, which were always placed with mathematical exactitude, and a set of chairs, so placed as to give one mysteriously the impression that they were not meant to be sat upon. There was also a grate, which never had a fire in it, and was never without a paper ornament in it, the pink and white aspect of which caused one involuntarily to shudder.

But the great point, which was meant to afford the highest gratification to the beholder, was the chimney-piece. This spot was crowded to excess in every square inch of its area with ornaments, chiefly of earthenware, miscalled china, and shells. There were great white shells with pink interiors, and small brown shells with spotted backs. Then there were china cups and saucers, and china shepherds and shepherdesses, represented in the act of contemplating the heavens serenely, with their arms round each others waists. There were also china dogs and cats, and a huge china cockatoo as a centre-piece; but there was not a single spot the size of a sixpence on which the captain could place his pipe or his tobacco-box!

Well get these things cleared away, said Minnie, with a laugh, on observing the perplexed look with which the captain surveyed the chimney-piece, while the changes above referred to were being made in the parlour; we have no place ready to receive them just now, but Ill have them all put away to-morrow.

Thankee, lass, said the captain, as he set down the sea-chest and seated himself thereon; theyre pretty enough to look at, dye see, but theyre raither in the way just now, as my second mate once said of the rocks when we were cruising off the coast of Norway in search of a pilot.

The ornaments were, however, removed sooner than anyone had anticipated. The next trip that the captain made was for his hammock (he always slept in one), which was a long unwieldy bundle, like a gigantic bolster. He carried it into the parlour on his shoulder, and Minnie followed him.

Where shall I sling it, lass?

Here, perhaps, said Minnie.

The captain wheeled round as she spoke, and the end of the hammock swept the mantelpiece of all its ornaments, as completely as if the besom of destruction had passed over it.

Shiver my timbers! gasped the captain, awestruck by the hideous crash that followed.

Youve shivered the ornaments at any rate, said Minnie, half-laughing and half-crying.

So I have, but no matter. Never say die so longs there a shot in the locker.

Theres as good fish in the sea as ever come out of it; so bear a hand, my girl, and help me to sling up the hammock.

The hammock was slung, the pipe of peace was smoked, and thus Captain Ogilvy was fairly installed in his sisters cottage.

It may, perhaps, be necessary to remind the reader that all this is a long digression; that the events just narrated occurred a few days before the return of Ruby, and that they have been recorded here in order to explain clearly the reason of the captains appearance at the supper table of his sister, and the position which he occupied in the family.

When Ruby reached the gate of the small garden, Minnie had gone to the captains room to see that it was properly prepared for his reception, and the captain himself was smoking his pipe close to the chimney, so that the smoke should ascend it.

The first glance through the window assured the youth that his mother was, as letters had represented her, much better in health than she used to be. She looked so quiet and peaceful, and so fragile withal, that Ruby did not dare to surprise her by a sudden entrance, as he had originally intended, so he tapped gently at the window, and drew back.

The captain laid down his pipe and went to the door.

What, Ruby! he exclaimed, in a hoarse whisper.

Hush, uncle! How is Minnie; where is she?

I think, lad, replied the captain in a tone of reproof, that you might have enquired for your mother first.

No need, said Ruby, pointing to the window; I see that she is there and well, thanks be to God for that: but Minnie?

Shes well, too, boy, and in the house. But come, get inside. Ill explain, after.

This promise to explain was given in consequence of the great anxiety he, the captain, displayed to drag Ruby into the cottage.

The youth did not require much pressing, however. He no sooner heard that Minnie was well, than he sprang in, and was quickly at his mothers feet. Almost as quickly a fair vision appeared in the doorway of the inner room, and was clasped in the young sailors arms with the most thorough disregard of appearances, not to mention propriety.

While this scene was enacting, the worthy captain was engaged in active proceedings, which at once amused and astonished his nephew, and the nature and cause of which shall be revealed in the next chapter.

Chapter Seven.

Ruby in Difficulties.

Having thrust his nephew into the cottage, Captain Ogilvys first proceeding was to close the outer shutter of the window and fasten it securely on the inside.

Then he locked, bolted, barred, and chained the outer door, after which he shut the kitchen door, and, in default of any other mode of securing it, placed against it a heavy table as a barricade.

Having thus secured the premises in front, he proceeded to fortify the rear, and, when this was accomplished to his satisfaction, he returned to the kitchen, sat down opposite the widow, and wiped his shining pate.

Why, uncle, are we going to stand out a siege that you take so much pains to lock up?

Ruby sat down on the floor at his mothers feet as he spoke, and Minnie sat down on a low stool beside him.

Maybe we are, lad, replied the captain; anyhow, its always well to be ready

Ready, boys, ready,

Well fight and well conquer again and again.

Come uncle, explain yourself.

Explain myself, nephy? I can neither explain myself nor anybody else. Dye know, Ruby, that youre a burglar?

Am I, uncle? Well, I confess that thats news.

Ay, but its true though, at least the law in Arbroath says so, and if it catches you, itll hang you as sure as a gun.

Here Captain Ogilvy explained to his nephew the nature of the crime that was committed on the night of his departure, the evidence of his guilt in the finding part of the plate in the garden, coupled with his sudden disappearance, and wound up by saying that he regarded him, Ruby, as being in a reglar fix.

But surely, said Ruby, whose face became gradually graver as the case was unfolded to him, surely it must be easy to prove to the satisfaction of everyone that I had nothing whatever to do with this affair?

Easy to prove it! said the captain in an excited tone; wasnt you seen, just about the hour of the robbery, going stealthily down the street, by Big Swankie and Davy Spink, both of whom will swear to it.

Yes, but you were with me, uncle.

So I was, and hard enough work I had to convince them that I had nothin to do with it myself, but they saw that I couldnt jump a stone wall eight foot high to save my life, much less break into a house, and they got no further evidence to convict me, so they let me off; but itll go hard with you, nephy, for Major Stewart described the men, and one o them was a big strong feller, the description bein as like you as two peas, only their faces was blackened, and the lantern threw the light all one way, so he didnt see them well. Then, the things found in our garden,  and the villains will haul me up as a witness against you, for, didnt I find them myself?

Very perplexing; what shall I do? said Ruby.

Clear out, cried the captain emphatically.

What! fly like a real criminal, just as I have returned home? Never. What say you, Minnie?

Stand your trial, Ruby. They cannot  they dare not  condemn the innocent.

And you, mother?

Im sure I dont know what to say, replied Mrs Brand, with a look of deep anxiety, as she passed her fingers through her sons hair, and kissed his brow.

I have seen the innocent condemned and the guilty go free more than once in my life.

Nevertheless, mother, I will give myself up, and take my chance. To fly would be to give them reason to believe me guilty.

Give yourself up! exclaimed the captain, youll do nothing of the sort. Come, lad, remember Im an old man, and an uncle. Ive got a plan in my head, which I think will keep you out of harms way for a time. You see my old chronometer is but a poor one,  the worse of the wear, like its master,  and Ive never been able to make out the exact time that we went aboard the Termagant the night you went away. Now, can you tell me what oclock it was?

I can.

Xactly?

Yes, exactly, for it happened that I was a little later than I promised, and the skipper pointed to his watch, as I came up the side, and jocularly shook his head at me. It was exactly eleven p.m.

Sure and sartin o that? enquired the captain, earnestly.

Quite, and his watch must have been right, for the town-clock rung the hour at the same time.

Is that skipper alive?

Yes.

Would he swear to that?

I think he would.

Dye know where he is?

I do. Hes on a voyage to the West Indies, and wont be home for two months, I believe.

Humph! said the captain, with a disappointed look. However, it cant be helped; but I see my way now to get you out o this fix. You know, I suppose, that theyre buildin a lighthouse on the Bell Rock just now; well, the workmen go off to it for a month at a time, I believe, if not longer, and dont come ashore, and its such a dangerous place, and troublesome to get to, that nobody almost ever goes out to it from this place, except those who have to do with it.

Now, lad, youll go down to the workyard the first thing in the mornin, before daylight, and engage to go off to work at the Bell Rock. Youll keep all snug and quiet, and nobodyll be a bit the wiser. Youll be earnin good wages, and in the meantime Ill set about gettin things in trim to put you all square.

But I see many difficulties ahead, objected Ruby.

Of course ye do, retorted the captain. Did ye ever hear or see anything on this earth that hadnt rocks ahead o some sort? Its our business to steer past em, lad, not to bout ship and steer away. But state yer difficulties.

Well, in the first place, Im not a stonemason or a carpenter, and I suppose masons and carpenters are the men most wanted there.

Not at all, blacksmiths are wanted there, said the captain, and I know that you were trained to that work as a boy.

True, I can do somewhat with the hammer, but mayhap they wont engage me.

But they will engage you, lad, for they are hard up for an assistant blacksmith just now, and I happen to be hand-and-glove with some o the chief men of the yard, wholl be happy to take anyone recommended by me.

Well, uncle, but suppose I do go off to the rock, what chance have you of making things appear better than they are at present?

Ill explain that, lad. In the first place, Major Stewart is a gentleman, out-and-out, and will listen to the truth. He swears that the robbery took place at one oclock in the mornin, for he looked at his watch and at the clock of the house, and heard it ring in the town, just as the thieves cleared off over the wall. Now, if I can get your old skipper to take a run here on his return from the West Indies, hell swear that you was sailin out to the North Sea before twelve, and thatll prove that you couldnt have had nothin to do with it, dye see?

It sounds well, said Ruby dubiously, but do you think the lawyers will see things in the light you do?

Hang the lawyers! dye think they will shut their eyes to the truth?

Perhaps they may, in which case they will hang me, and so prevent my taking your advice to hang them, said Ruby.

Well, well, but you agree to my plan? asked the captain.

Shall I agree, Minnie? it will separate me from you again for some time.

Yet it is necessary, answered Minnie, sadly; yes, I think you should agree to go.

Very well, then, thats settled, said Ruby, and now let us drop the subject, because I have other things to speak of; and if I must start before daylight my time with you will be short

Come here a bit, nephy, I want to have a private word with ee in my cabin,
said the captain, interrupting him, and going into his own room. Ruby rose and followed.

You havent any

The captain stopped, stroked his bald head, and looked perplexed.

Well, uncle?

Well, nephy, you havent  in short, have ye got any money about you, lad?

Money? yes, a little; but why do you ask?

Well, the fact is, that your poor mother is hard up just now, said the captain earnestly, an Ive given her the last penny I have o my own; but shes quite

Ruby interrupted his uncle at this point with a boisterous laugh. At the same time he flung open the door and dragged the old man with gentle violence back to the kitchen.

Come here, uncle.

But, avast! nephy, I havent told ye all yet.

Oh! dont bother me with such trifles just now, cried Ruby, thrusting his uncle into a chair and resuming his own seat at his mothers side; well speak of that at some other time; meanwhile let me talk to mother.

Minnie, dear, he continued, who keeps the cash here; you or mother?

Well, we keep it between us, said Minnie, smiling; your mother keeps it in her drawer and gives me the key when I want any, and I keep an account of it.

Ah! well, mother, I have a favour to ask of you before I go.

Well, Ruby?

It is that you will take care of my cash for me. I have got a goodish lot of it, and find it rather heavy to carry in my pockets  so, hold your apron steady and Ill give it to you.

Saying this he began to empty handful after handful of coppers into the old womans apron; then, remarking that that was all the browns, he began to place handful after handful of shillings and sixpences on the top of the pile until the copper was hid by silver.

The old lady, as usual when surprised, became speechless; the captain smiled and Minnie laughed, but when Ruby put his hand into another pocket and began to draw forth golden sovereigns, and pour them into his mothers lap, the captain became supremely amazed, the old woman laughed, and,  so strangely contradictory and unaccountable is human nature,  Minnie began to cry.

Poor girl! the tax upon her strength had been heavier than anyone knew, heavier than she could bear, and the sorrow of knowing, as she had come to know, that it was all in vain, and that her utmost efforts had failed to keep the wolf from the door, had almost broken her down. Little wonder, then, that the sight of sudden and ample relief upset her altogether.

But her tears, being tears of joy, were soon and easily dried  all the more easily that it was Ruby who undertook to dry them.

Mrs Brand sat up late that night, for there was much to tell and much to hear.

After she had retired to rest the other three continued to hold converse together until grey dawn began to appear through the chinks in the window-shutters. Then the two men rose and went out, while Minnie laid her pretty little head on the pillow beside Mrs Brand, and sought, and found, repose.

Chapter Eight.

The Scene Changes  Ruby is Vulcanised.

As Captain Ogilvy had predicted, Ruby was at once engaged as an assistant blacksmith on the Bell Rock. In fact, they were only too glad to get such a powerful, active young fellow into their service; and he was shipped off with all speed in the sloop Smeaton, with a few others who were going to replace some men who had become ill and were obliged to leave.

A light westerly breeze was blowing when they cast off the moorings of the sloop.

Goodbye, Ruby, said the captain, as he was about to step on the pier.

Remember your promise, lad, to keep quiet, and dont try to get ashore, or to hold communication with anyone till you hear from me.

All right, uncle, I wont forget, and Ill make my mind easy, for I know that my case is left in good hands.

Three hours elapsed ere the Smeaton drew near to the Bell Rock. During this time, Ruby kept aloof from his fellow-workmen, feeling disposed to indulge the sad thoughts which filled his mind. He sat down on the bulwarks, close to the main shrouds, and gazed back at the town as it became gradually less and less visible in the faint light of morning. Then he began to ponder his unfortunate circumstances, and tried to imagine how his uncle would set about clearing up his character and establishing his innocence; but, do what he would, Ruby could not keep his mind fixed for any length of time on any subject or line of thought, because of a vision of sweetness which it is useless to attempt to describe, and which was always accompanied by, and surrounded with, a golden halo.

At last the youth gave up the attempt to fix his thoughts, and allowed them to wander as they chose, seeing that they were resolved to do so whether he would or no. The moment these thoughts had the reins flung on their necks, and were allowed to go where they pleased, they refused, owing to some unaccountable species of perversity, to wander at all, but at once settled themselves comfortably down beside the vision with golden hair, and remained there.

This agreeable state of things was rudely broken in upon by the hoarse voice of the mate shouting

Stand by to let go the anchor.

Then Ruby sprang on the deck and shook himself like a great mastiff, and resolved to devote himself, heart and soul, from that moment, to the work in which he was about to engage.

The scene that presented itself to our hero when he woke up from his dreams would have interested and excited a much less enthusiastic temperament than his.

The breeze had died away altogether, just as if, having wafted the Smeaton to her anchorage, there were no further occasion for its services. The sea was therefore quite calm, and as there had only been light westerly winds for some time past, there was little or none of the swell that usually undulates the sea.

One result of this was, that, being high water when the Smeaton arrived, there was no sign whatever of the presence of the famous Bell Rock. It lay sleeping nearly two fathoms below the sea, like a grim giant in repose, and not a ripple was there to tell of the presence of the mariners enemy.

The sun was rising, and its slanting beams fell on the hulls of the vessels engaged in the service, which lay at anchor at a short distance from each other.

These vessels, as we have said, were four in number, including the Smeaton. The others were the Sir Joseph Banks, a small schooner-rigged vessel; the Patriot, a little sloop; and the Pharos lightship, a large clumsy-looking Dutch-built ship, fitted with three masts, at the top of which were the lanterns. It was intended that this vessel should do duty as a lightship until the lighthouse should be completed.

Besides these there were two large boats, used for landing stones and building materials on the rock.

These vessels lay floating almost motionless on the calm sea, and at first there was scarcely any noise aboard of them to indicate that they were tenanted by human beings, but when the sound of the Smeatons cable was heard there was a bustle aboard of each, and soon faces were seen looking inquisitively over the sides of the ships.

The Smeatons boat was lowered after the anchor was let go, and the new hands were transferred to the Pharos, which was destined to be their home for some time to come.

Just as they reached her the bell rang for breakfast, and when Ruby stepped upon the deck he found himself involved in all the bustle that ensues when men break off from work and make preparation for the morning meal.

There were upwards of thirty artificers on board the lightship at this time.

Some of these, as they hurried to and fro, gave the new arrivals a hearty greeting, and asked, What news from the shore? Others were apparently too much taken up with their own affairs to take notice of them.

While Ruby was observing the busy scene with absorbing interest, and utterly forgetful of the fact that he was in any way connected with it, an elderly gentleman, whose kind countenance and hearty manner gave indication of a genial spirit within, came up and accosted him:

You are our assistant blacksmith, I believe?

Yes, sir, I am, replied Ruby, doffing his cap, as if he felt instinctively that he was in the presence of someone of note.

You have had considerable practice, I suppose, in your trade?

A good deal, sir, but not much latterly, for I have been at sea for some time.

At sea? Well, that wont be against you here, returned the gentleman, with a meaning smile. It would be well if some of my men were a little more accustomed to the sea, for they suffer much from sea-sickness. You can go below, my man, and get breakfast. Youll find your future messmate busy at his, I doubt not.

Here, steward, (turning to one of the men who chanced to pass at the moment,) take Ruby Brand  that is your name, I think?

It is, sir.

Take Brand below, and introduce him to James Dove as his assistant.

The steward escorted Ruby down the ladder that conducted to those dark and littered depths of the ships hull that were assigned to the artificers as their place of abode. But amidst a good deal of unavoidable confusion, Rubys practised eye discerned order and arrangement everywhere.

This is your messmate, Jamie Dove, said the steward, pointing to a massive dark man, whose outward appearance was in keeping with his position as the Vulcan of such an undertaking as he was then engaged in. Youll find him not a bad feller if you only dont cross him. He added, with a wink, His only fault is that hes given to spoilin good victuals, being raither floored by sea-sickness if it comes on to blow ever so little.

Hold your clapper, lad, said the smith, who was at the moment busily engaged with a mess of salt pork, and potatoes to match. Whos your friend?

No friend of mine, though I hope hell be one soon, answered the steward. Mr Stevenson told me to introduce him to you as your assistant.

The smith looked up quickly, and scanned our hero with some interest; then, extending his great hard hand across the table, he said, Welcome, messmate; sit down, Ive only just begun.

Ruby grasped the hand with his own, which, if not so large, was quite as powerful, and shook the smiths right arm in a way that called forth from that rough-looking individual a smile of approbation.

Youve not had breakfast, lad?

No, not yet, said Ruby, sitting down opposite his comrade.

An the smell here dont upset your stummick, I hope?

The smith said this rather anxiously.

Not in the least, said Ruby with a laugh, and beginning to eat in a way that proved the truth of his words; for the matter o that, theres little smell and no motion just now.

Well, there isnt much, replied the smith, but, woes me! youll get enough of it before long. All the new landsmen like you suffer horribly from sea-sickness when they first come off.

But Im not a landsman, said Ruby.

Not a landsman! echoed the other. Youre a blacksmith, arent you?

Ay, but not a landsman. I learned the trade as a boy and lad; but Ive been at sea for some time past.

Then you wont get sick when it blows?

Certainly not; will you?

The smith groaned and shook his head, by which answer he evidently meant to assure his friend that he would, most emphatically.

But come, its of no use groanin over what cant be helped. I get as sick as a dog every time the wind rises, and the worst of it is I dont never seem to improve. Howsever, Im all right when I get on the rock, and thats the main thing.

Ruby and his friend now entered upon a long and earnest conversation as to their peculiar duties at the Bell Rock, with which we will not trouble the reader.

After breakfast they went on deck, and here Ruby had sufficient to occupy his attention and to amuse him for some hours.

As the tide that day did not fall low enough to admit of landing on the rock till noon, the men were allowed to spend the time as they pleased. Some therefore took to fishing, others to reading, while a few employed themselves in drying their clothes, which had got wet the previous day, and one or two entertained themselves and their comrades with the music of the violin and flute. All were busy with one thing or another, until the rock began to show its black crest above the smooth sea. Then a bell was rung to summon the artificers to land.

This being the signal for Ruby to commence work, he joined his friend Dove, and assisted him to lower the bellows of the forge into the boat. The men were soon in their places, with their various tools, and the boats pushed off  Mr Stevenson, the engineer of the building, steering one boat, and the master of the Pharos, who was also appointed to the post of landing-master, steering the other.

They landed with ease on this occasion on the western side of the rock, and then each man addressed himself to his special duty with energy. The time during which they could work being short, they had to make the most of it.

Now, lad, said the smith, bring along the bellows and follow me. Mind yer footin, for its slippery walkin on them tangle-covered rocks. Ive seen some ugly falls here already.

Have any bones been broken yet? enquired Ruby, as he shouldered the large pair of bellows, and followed the smith cautiously over the rocks.

Not yet; but theres been an awful lot o pipes smashed. If it goes on as it has been, well have to take to metal ones. Here we are, Ruby, this is the forge, and Ill be bound you never worked at such a queer one before. Hallo!

Bremner! he shouted to one of the men.

Thats me, answered Bremner.

Bring your irons as soon as you like! Im about ready for you.

Ay, ay, here they are, said the man, advancing with an armful of picks, chisels, and other tools, which required sharpening.

He slipped and fell as he spoke, sending all the tools into the bottom of a pool of water; but, being used to such mishaps, he arose, joined in the laugh raised against him, and soon fished up the tools.

Whats wrong! asked Ruby, pausing in the work of fixing the bellows, on observing that the smiths face grew pale, and his general expression became one of horror. Not sea-sick, I hope?

Sea-sick, gasped the smith, slapping all his pockets hurriedly, its worse than that; Ive forgot the matches!

Ruby looked perplexed, but had no consolation to offer.

Thats like you, cried Bremner, who, being one of the principal masons, had to attend chiefly to the digging out of the foundation-pit of the building, and knew that his tools could not be sharpened unless the forge fire could be lighted.

Suppose you hammer a nail red-hot, suggested one of the men, who was disposed to make game of the smith.

Ill hammer your nose red-hot, replied Dove, with a most undovelike scowl, I could swear that I put them matches in my pocket before I started.

No, you didnt, said George Forsyth, one of the carpenters  a tall loose-jointed man, who was chiefly noted for his dislike to getting into and out of boats, and climbing up the sides of ships, because of his lengthy and unwieldy figure  No, you didnt, you turtle-dove, you forgot to take them; but I remembered to do it for you; so there, get up your fire, and confess yourself indebted to me for life.

Im indebted to ee for fire, said the smith, grasping the matches eagerly.

Thankee, lad, youre a true Briton.

A tall un, rather, suggested Bremner.

Wot never, never, never will be a slave, sang another of the men.

Come, laddies, git up the fire. Time an tide waits for naebody, said John Watt, one of the quarriers. Well want thae tools before lang.

The men were proceeding with their work actively while those remarks were passing, and ere long the smoke of the forge fire arose in the still air, and the clang of the anvil was added to the other noises with which the busy spot resounded.

The foundation of the Bell Rock Lighthouse had been carefully selected by Mr Stevenson; the exact spot being chosen not only with a view to elevation, but to the serrated ridges of rock, that might afford some protection to the building, by breaking the force of the easterly seas before they should reach it; but as the space available for the purpose of building was scarcely fifty yards in diameter, there was not much choice in the matter.

The foundation-pit was forty-two feet in diameter, and sunk five feet into the solid rock. At the time when Ruby landed, it was being hewn out by a large party of the men. Others were boring holes in the rock near to it, for the purpose of fixing the great beams of a beacon, while others were cutting away the seaweed from the rock, and making preparations for the laying down of temporary rails to facilitate the conveying of the heavy stones from the boats to their ultimate destination. All were busy as bees. Each man appeared to work as if for a wager, or to find out how much he could do within a given space of time.

To the men on the rock itself the aspect of the spot was sufficiently striking and peculiar, but to those who viewed it from a boat at a short distance off it was singularly interesting, for the whole scene of operations appeared like a small black spot, scarcely above the level of the waves, on which a crowd of living creatures were moving about with great and incessant activity, while all around and beyond lay the mighty sea, sleeping in the grand tranquillity of a calm summer day, with nothing to bound it but the blue sky, save to the northward, where the distant cliffs of Forfar rested like a faint cloud on the horizon.

The sounds, too, which on the rock itself were harsh and loud and varied, came over the water to the distant observer in a united tone, which sounded almost as sweet as soft music.

The smiths forge stood on a ledge of rock close to the foundation-pit, a little to the north of it. Here Vulcan Dove had fixed a strong iron framework, which formed the hearth. The four legs which supported it were let into holes bored from six to twelve inches into the rock, according to the inequalities of the site. These were wedged first with wood and then with iron, for as this part of the forge and the anvil was doomed to be drowned every tide, or twice every day, besides being exposed to the fury of all the storms that might chance to blow, it behoved them to fix things down with unusual firmness.

The block of timber for supporting the anvil was fixed in the same manner, but the anvil itself was left to depend on its own weight and the small stud fitted into the bottom of it.

The bellows, however, were too delicate to be left exposed to such forces as the stormy winds and waves, they were therefore shipped and unshipped every tide, and conveyed to and from the rock in the boats with the men.

Dove and Ruby wrought together like heroes. They were both so powerful that the heavy implements they wielded seemed to possess no weight when in their strong hands, and their bodies were so lithe and active as to give the impression of men rejoicing, revelling, in the enjoyment of their work.

Thats your sort; hit him hard, hes got no friends, said Dove, turning a mass of red-hot metal from side to side, while Ruby pounded it with a mighty hammer, as if it were a piece of putty.

Fire and steel for ever, observed Ruby, as he made the sparks fly right and left. Hallo! the tides rising.

Ho! so it is, cried the smith, finishing off the piece of work with a small hammer, while Ruby rested on the one he had used and wiped the perspiration from his brow. It always serves me in this way, lad, continued the smith, without pausing for a moment in his work. Blow away, Ruby, the sea is my greatest enemy. Every day, amost, it washes me away from my work. In calm weather, it creeps up my legs, and the legs o the forge too, till it gradually puts out the fire, and in rough weather it sends up a wave sometimes that sweeps the whole concern black out at one shot.

It will creep you out to-day, evidently, said Ruby, as the water began to come about his toes.

Never mind, lad, well have time to finish them picks this tide, if we work fast.

Thus they toiled and moiled, with their heads and shoulders in smoke and fire, and their feet in water.

Gradually the tide rose.

Pump away, Ruby! Keep the pot bilin, my boy, said the smith.

The wind blowin, you mean. I say, Dove, do the other men like the work here?

Like it, ay, they like it well. At fist we were somewhat afraid o the landin
in rough weather, but weve got used to that now. The only bad thing about it is in the rolling o that horrible Pharos. Shes so bad in a gale that I sometimes think shell roll right over like a cask. Most of us get sick then, but I dont think any of em are as bad as me. They seem to be gettin used to that too. I wish I could. Another blow, Ruby.

Times up, shouted one of the men.

Hold on just for a minute or two, pleaded the smith, who, with his assistant, was by this time standing nearly knee-deep in water.

The sea had filled the pit some time before, and driven the men out of it. These busied themselves in collecting the tools and seeing that nothing was left lying about, while the men who were engaged on those parts of the rocks that were a few inches higher, continued their labours until the water crept up to them.

Then they collected their tools, and went to the boats, which lay awaiting them at the western landing-place.

Now, Dove, cried the landing-master, come along; the crabs will be attacking your toes if you dont.

Its a shame to gie Ruby the chance o a sair throat the very first day,
cried John Watt.

Just half a minute more, said the smith, examining a pickaxe, which he was getting up to that delicate point of heat which is requisite to give it proper temper.

While he gazed earnestly into the glowing coals a gentle hissing sound was heard below the frame of the forge, then a gurgle, and the fire became suddenly dark and went out!

I knowed it! always the way! cried Dove, with a look of disappointment. Come, lad, up with the bellows now, and dont forget the tongs.

In a few minutes more the boats pushed off and returned to the Pharos, three and a half hours of good work having been accomplished before the tide drove them away.

Soon afterwards the sea overflowed the whole of the rock, and obliterated the scene of those busy operations as completely as though it had never been!

Chapter Nine.

Storms and Troubles.

A week of fine weather caused Ruby Brand to fall as deeply in love with the work at the Bell Rock as his comrades had done.

There was an amount of vigour and excitement about it, with a dash of romance, which quite harmonised with his character. At first he had imagined it would be monotonous and dull, but in experience he found it to be quite the reverse.

Although there was uniformity in the general character of the work, there was constant variety in many of the details; and the spot on which it was carried on was so circumscribed, and so utterly cut off from all the world, that the minds of those employed became concentrated on it in a way that aroused strong interest in every trifling object.

There was not a ledge or a point of rock that rose ever so little above the general level, that was not named after, and intimately associated with, some event or individual. Every mass of seaweed became a familiar object. The various little pools and inlets, many of them not larger than a dining-room table, received high-sounding and dignified names  such as Port Stevenson, Port Erskine, Taylors Track, Neills Pool, &c. Of course the fish that frequented the pools, and the shell-fish that covered the rock, became subjects of much attention, and, in some cases, of earnest study.

Robinson Crusoe himself did not pry into the secrets of his island-home with half the amount of assiduity that was displayed at this time by many of the men who built the Bell Rock Lighthouse. The very fact that their time was limited acted as a spur, so that on landing each tide they rushed hastily to the work, and the amateur studies in natural history to which we have referred were prosecuted hurriedly during brief intervals of rest. Afterwards, when the beacon house was erected, and the men dwelt upon the rock, these studies (if we may not call them amusements) were continued more leisurely, but with unabated ardour, and furnished no small amount of comparatively thrilling incident at times.

One fine morning, just after the men had landed, and before they had commenced work, Long Forsyth, as his comrades styled him, went to a pool to gather a little dulse, of which there was a great deal on the rock, and which was found to be exceedingly grateful to the palates of those who were afflicted with sea-sickness.

He stooped over the pool to pluck a morsel, but paused on observing a beautiful fish, about a foot long, swimming in the clear water, as quietly as if it knew the man to be a friend, and were not in the least degree afraid of him.

Forsyth was an excitable man, and also studious in his character. He at once became agitated and desirous of possessing that fish, for it was extremely brilliant and variegated in colour. He looked round for something to throw at it, but there was nothing within reach. He sighed for a hook and line, but as sighs never yet produced hooks or lines he did not get one.

Just then the fish swam slowly to the side of the pool on which the man kneeled, as if it actually desired more intimate acquaintance. Forsyth lay flat down and reached out his hand toward it; but it appeared to think this rather too familiar, for it swam slowly beyond his reach, and the man drew back. Again it came to the side, much nearer. Once more Forsyth lay down, reaching over the pool as far as he could, and insinuating his hand into the water. But the fish moved off a little.

Thus they coquetted with each other for some time, until the mans comrades began to observe that he was after something.

Wots he a-doin of? said one.

Reachin over the pool, I think, replied another.

Ye dont mean hes sick? cried a third.

The smile with which this was received was changed into a roar of laughter as poor Forsyths long legs were seen to tip up into the air, and the whole man to disappear beneath the water. He had overbalanced himself in his frantic efforts to reach the fish, and was now making its acquaintance in its native element!

The pool, although small in extent, was so deep that Forsyth, long though he was, did not find bottom. Moreover, he could not swim, so that when he reached the surface he came up with his hands first and his ten fingers spread out helplessly; next appeared his shaggy head, with the eyes wide open, and the mouth tight shut. The moment the latter was uncovered, however, he uttered a tremendous yell, which was choked in the bud with a gurgle as he sank again.

The men rushed to the rescue at once, and the next time Forsyth rose he was seized by the hair of the head and dragged out of the pool.

It has not been recorded what became of the fish that caused such an alarming accident, but we may reasonably conclude that it sought refuge in the ocean cavelets at the bottom of that miniature sea, for Long Forsyth was so very large, and created such a terrible disturbance therein, that no fish exposed to the full violence of the storm could have survived it!

Wot a hobject! exclaimed Joe Dumsby, a short, thickset, little Englishman, who, having been born and partly bred in London, was rather addicted to what is styled chaffing. Was you arter a mermaid, shipmate?

Av coorse he was, observed Ned OConnor, an Irishman, who was afflicted with the belief that he was rather a witty fellow, av coorse he was, an a merry-maid she must have bin to see a human spider like him kickin up such a dust in the say.

Hes like a drooned rotten, observed John Watt; tak aff yer claes, man, an
wring them dry.

Let the poor fellow be, and get along with you, cried Peter Logan, the foreman of the works, who came up at that moment.

With a few parting remarks and cautions, such as,  Youd better bring a dry suit to the rock next time, lad, Take care the crabs dont make off with you, boy, and dont be gettin too fond o the girls in the sea, &c., the men scattered themselves over the rock and began their work in earnest, while Forsyth, who took the chaffing in good part, stripped himself and wrung the water out of his garments.

Episodes of this kind were not unfrequent, and they usually furnished food for conversation at the time, and for frequent allusion afterwards.

But it was not all sunshine and play, by any means.

Not long after Ruby joined, the fine weather broke up, and a succession of stiff breezes, with occasional storms, more or lees violent, set in. Landing on the rock became a matter of extreme difficulty, and the short period of work was often curtailed to little more than an hour each tide.

The rolling of the Pharos lightship, too, became so great that sea-sickness prevailed to a large extent among the landsmen. One good arose out of this evil, however. Landing on the Bell Rock invariably cured the sickness for a time, and the sea-sick men had such an intense longing to eat of the dulse that grew there, that they were always ready and anxious to get into the boats when there was the slightest possibility of landing.

Getting into the boats, by the way, in a heavy sea, when the lightship was rolling violently, was no easy matter. When the fine weather first broke up, it happened about midnight, and the change commenced with a stiff breeze from the eastward. The sea rose at once, and, long before daybreak, the Pharos was rolling heavily in the swell, and straining violently at the strong cable which held her to her moorings.

About dawn Mr Stevenson came on deck. He could not sleep, because he felt that on his shoulders rested not only the responsibility of carrying this gigantic work to a satisfactory conclusion, but also, to a large extent, the responsibility of watching over and guarding the lives of the people employed in the service.

Shall we be able to land to-day, Mr Wilson? he said, accosting the master of the Pharos, who has been already introduced as the landing-master.

I think so; the barometer has not fallen much; and even although the wind should increase a little, we can effect a landing by the Fair Way, at Hopes Wharf.

Very well, I leave it entirely in your hands; you understand the weather better than I do, but remember that I do not wish my men to run unnecessary or foolish risk.

It may be as well to mention here that a small but exceedingly strong tramway of iron-grating had been fixed to the Bell Rock at an elevation varying from two to four feet above it, and encircling the site of the building. This tramway or railroad was narrow, not quite three feet in width; and small trucks were fitted to it, so that the heavy stones of the building might be easily run to the exact spot they were to occupy. From this circular rail several branch lines extended to the different creeks where the boats deposited the stones. These lines, although only a few yards in length, were dignified with names  as, Kennedys Reach, Logans Reach, Watts Reach, and Slights Reach. The ends of them, where they dipped into the sea, were named Hopes Wharf, Duffs Wharf, Raes Wharf, &c.; and these wharves had been fixed on different sides of the rock, so that, whatever wind should blow, there would always be one of them on the lee-side available for the carrying on of the work.

Hopes Wharf was connected with Port Erskine, a pool about twenty yards long by three or four wide, and communicated with the side of the lighthouse by Watts Reach, a distance of about thirty yards.

About eight oclock that morning the bell rang for breakfast. Such of the men as were not already up began to get out of their berths and hammocks.

To Ruby the scene that followed was very amusing. Hitherto all had been calm and sunshine. The work, although severe while they were engaged, had been of short duration, and the greater part of each day had been afterwards spent in light work, or in amusement. The summons to meals had always been a joyful one, and the appetites of the men were keenly set.

Now, all this was changed. The ruddy faces of the men were become green, blue, yellow, and purple, according to temperament, but few were flesh-coloured or red. When the bell rang there was a universal groan below, and half a dozen ghostlike individuals raised themselves on their elbows and looked up with expressions of the deepest woe at the dim skylight. Most of them speedily fell back again, however, partly owing to a heavy lurch of the vessel, and partly owing to indescribable sensations within.

Blowin! groaned one, as if that single word comprehended the essence of all the miseries that seafaring man is heir to.

O dear! sighed another, why did I ever come here?

Och! murder, Im dyin, send for the praist an me mother! cried OConnor, as he fell flat down on his back and pressed both hands tightly over his mouth.

The poor blacksmith lost control over himself at this point and  found partial relief!

The act tended to relieve others. Most of the men were much too miserable to make any remark at all, a few of them had not heart even to groan; but five or six sat up on the edge of their beds, with a weak intention of turning out. They sat there swaying about with the motions of the ship in helpless indecision, until a tremendous roll sent them flying, with unexpected violence, against the starboard bulkheads.

Come, lads, cried Ruby, leaping out of his hammock, theres nothing like a vigorous jump to put sea-sickness to flight.

Humbug! ejaculated Bremner, who owned a little black dog, which lay at that time on the pillow gazing into his masters green face, with wondering sympathy.

Ah, Ruby, groaned the smith, its all very well for a sea-dog like you thats used to it, but

James Dove stopped short abruptly. It is not necessary to explain the cause of his abrupt silence. Suffice it to say that he did not thereafter attempt to finish that sentence.

Steward! roared Joe Dumsby.

Ay, ay, shipmate, whats up? cried the steward, who chanced to pass the door of the mens sleeping-place, with a large dish of boiled salt pork, at the moment.

Wots up? echoed Dumsby. Everythink that ever went into me since I was a hinfant must be up by this time. I say, is there any chance of gettin on the rock to-day?

O yes. I heard the capn say it would be quite easy, and they seem to be makin
ready now, so if any of ee want breakfast youd better turn out.

This speech acted like a shock of electricity on the wretched men. In a moment every bed was empty, and the place was in a bustle of confusion as they hurriedly threw on their clothes.

Some of them even began to think of the possibility of venturing on a hard biscuit and a cup of tea, but a gust of wind sent the fumes of the salt pork into the cabin at the moment, and the mere idea of food filled them with unutterable loathing.

Presently the bell rang again. This was the signal for the men to muster, the boats being ready alongside. The whole crew at once rushed on deck, some of them thrusting biscuits into their pockets as they passed the stewards quarters. Not a man was absent on the roll being called. Even the smith crawled on deck, and had spirit enough left to advise Ruby not to forget the bellows; to which Ruby replied by recommending his comrade not to forget the matches.

Then the operation of embarking began.

The sea at the time was running pretty high, with little white flecks of foam tipping the crests of the deep blue waves. The eastern sky was dark and threatening. The black ridges of the Bell Rock were visible only at times in the midst of the sea of foam that surrounded them. Anyone ignorant of their nature would have deemed a landing absolutely impossible.

The Pharos, as we have said, was rolling violently from side to side, insomuch that those who were in the boats had the greatest difficulty in preventing them from being stove in; and getting into these boats had much the appearance of an exceedingly difficult and dangerous feat, which active and reckless men might undertake for a wager.

But custom reconciles one to almost anything. Most of the men had had sufficient experience by that time to embark with comparative ease. Nevertheless, there were a few whose physical conformation was such that they could do nothing neatly.

Poor Forsyth was one of these. Each man had to stand on the edge of the lightship, outside the bulwarks, holding on to a rope, ready to let go and drop into the boat when it rose up and met the vessels roll. In order to facilitate the operation a boat went to either side of the ship, so that two men were always in the act of watching for an opportunity to spring. The active men usually got in at the first or second attempt, but others missed frequently, and were of course chaffed by their more fortunate comrades.

The embarking of Long Forsyth was always a scene in rough weather, and many a narrow escape had he of a ducking. On the present occasion, being very sick, he was more awkward than usual.

Now, Longlegs, cried the men who held the boat on the starboard side, as Forsyth got over the side and stood ready to spring, lets see how good youll be to-day.

He was observed by Joe Dumsby, who had just succeeded in getting into the boat on the port side of the ship, and who always took a lively interest in his tall comrades proceedings.

Hallo! is that the spider? he cried, as the ship rolled towards him, and the said spider appeared towering high on the opposite bulwark, sharply depicted against the grey sky.

It was unfortunate for Joe that he chanced to be on the opposite side from his friend, for at each roll the vessel necessarily intervened and hid him for a few seconds from view.

Next roll, Forsyth did not dare to leap, although the gunwale of the boat came within a foot of him. He hesitated, the moment was lost, the boat sank into the hollow of the sea, and the man was swung high into the air, where he was again caught sight of by Dumsby.

What! are you there yet? he cried. You must be fond of a swing

Before he could say more the ship rolled over to the other side, and Forsyth was hid from view.

Now, lad, now! now! shouted the boats crew, as the unhappy man once more neared the gunwale.

Forsyth hesitated. Suddenly he became desperate and sprang, but the hesitation gave him a much higher fall than he would otherwise have had; it caused him also to leap wildly in a sprawling manner, so that he came down on the shoulders of his comrades all of a lump. Fortunately they were prepared for something of the sort, so that no damage was done.

When the boats were at last filled they pushed off and rowed towards the rock.

On approaching it the men were cautioned to pull steadily by Mr Stevenson, who steered the leading boat.

It was a standing order in the landing department that every man should use his greatest exertions in giving to the boats sufficient velocity to preserve their steerage way in entering the respective creeks at the rock, that the contending seas might not overpower them at places where the free use of the oars could not be had on account of the surrounding rocks or the masses of seaweed with which the water was everywhere encumbered at low tide. This order had been thoroughly impressed upon the men, as carelessness or inattention to it might have proved fatal to all on board.

As the leading boat entered the fairway, its steersman saw that more than ordinary caution would be necessary; for the great green billows that thundered to windward of the rock came sweeping down on either side of it, and met on the lee-side, where they swept onward with considerable, though much abated force.

Mind your oars, lads; pull steady, said Mr Stevenson, as they began to get amongst the seaweed.

The caution was unnecessary as far as the old hands were concerned; but two of the men happened to be new hands, who had come off with Ruby, and did not fully appreciate the necessity of strict obedience. One of these, sitting at the bow-oar, looked over his shoulder, and saw a heavy sea rolling towards the boat, and inadvertently expressed some fear. The other man, on hearing this, glanced round, and in doing so missed a stroke of his oar. Such a preponderance was thus given to the rowers on the opposite side, that when the wave struck the boat, it caught her on the side instead of the bow, and hurled her upon a ledge of shelving rocks, where the water left her. Having been canted to seaward, the next billow completely filled her, and, of course, drenched the crew.

Instantly Ruby Brand and one or two of the most active men leaped out, and, putting forth all their strength, turned the boat round so as to meet the succeeding sea with its bow first. Then, after making considerable efforts, they pushed her off into deep water, and finally made the landing-place. The other boat could render no assistance; but, indeed, the whole thing was the work of a few minutes.

As the boats could not conveniently leave the rock till flood-tide, all hands set to work with unwonted energy in order to keep themselves warm, not, however, before they ate heartily of their favourite dulse  the blacksmith being conspicuous for the voracious manner in which he devoured it.

Soon the bellows were set up; the fire was kindled, and the ring of the anvil heard; but poor Dove and Ruby had little pleasure in their work that day; for the wind blew the smoke and sparks about their faces, and occasionally a higher wave than ordinary sent the spray flying round them, to the detriment of their fire. Nevertheless they plied the hammer and bellows unceasingly.

The other men went about their work with similar disregard of the fury of the elements and the wet condition of their garments.

Chapter Ten.

The Rising of the Tide  A Narrow Escape.

The portion of the work that Mr Stevenson was now most anxious to get advanced was the beacon.

The necessity of having an erection of this kind was very obvious, for, in the event of anything happening to the boats, there would be no refuge for the men to fly to; and the tide would probably sweep them all away before their danger could be known, or assistance sent from the attendant vessels. Every man felt that his personal safety might depend on the beacon during some period of the work. The energies of all, therefore, were turned to the preliminary arrangements for its erection.

As the beacon would require to withstand the utmost fury of the elements during all seasons of the year, it was necessary that it should be possessed of immense strength.

In order to do this, six cuttings were made in the rock for the reception of the ends of the six great beams of the beacon. Each beam was to be fixed to the solid rock by two strong and massive bats, or stanchions, of iron. These bats, for the fixing of the principal and diagonal beams and bracing-chains, required fifty-four holes, each measuring a foot and a half deep, and two inches wide.

The operation of boring such holes into the solid rock, was not an easy or a quick one, but by admirable arrangements on the part of the engineer, and steady perseverance on the part of the men, they progressed faster than had been anticipated.

Three men were attached to each jumper, or boring chisel; one placed himself in a sitting posture, to guide the instrument, and give it a turn at each blow of the hammer; he also sponged and cleaned out the hole, and supplied it occasionally with a little water, while the other two, with hammers of sixteen pounds weight, struck the jumper alternately, generally bringing the hammer with a swing round the shoulder, after the manner of blacksmith work.

Ruby, we may remark in passing, occupied himself at this work as often as he could get away from his duties at the forge, being particularly fond of it, as it enabled him to get rid of some of his superabundant energy, and afforded him a suitable exercise for his gigantic strength. It also tended to relieve his feelings when he happened to think of Minnie being so near, and he so utterly and hopelessly cut off from all communication with her.

But to return to the bat-holes. The three men relieved each other in the operations of wielding the hammers and guiding the jumpers, so that the work never flagged for a moment, and it was found that when the tools were of a very good temper, these holes could be sunk at the rate of one inch per minute, including stoppages. But the tools were not always of good temper; and severely was poor Doves temper tried by the frequency of the scolds which he received from the men, some of whom were clumsy enough, Dove said, to spoil the best tempered tool in the world.

But the most tedious part of the operation did not lie in the boring of these holes. In order that they should be of the required shape, two holes had to be bored a few inches apart from each other, and the rock cut away from between them. It was this latter part of the work that took up most time.

Those of the men who were not employed about the beacon were working at the foundation-pit.

While the party were thus busily occupied on the Bell Rock, an event occurred which rendered the importance of the beacon, if possible, more obvious than ever, and which well-nigh put an end to the career of all those who were engaged on the rock at that time.

The Pharos floating light lay at a distance of above two miles from the Bell Rock; but one of the smaller vessels, the sloop Smeaton, lay much closer to it, and some of the artificers were berthed aboard of her, instead of the floating light.

Some time after the landing of the two boats from the Pharos, the Smeatons boat put off and landed eight men on the rock; soon after which the crew of the boat pushed off and returned to the Smeaton to examine her riding-ropes, and see that they were in good order, for the wind was beginning to increase, and the sea to rise.

The boat had no sooner reached the vessel than the latter began to drift, carrying the boat along with her. Instantly those on board endeavoured to hoist the mainsail of the Smeaton, with the view of working her up to the buoy from which she had parted; but it blew so hard, that by the time she was got round to make a tack towards the rock, she had drifted at least three miles to leeward.

The circumstance of the Smeaton and her boat having drifted was observed first by Mr Stevenson, who prudently refrained from drawing attention to the fact, and walked slowly to the farther point of the rock to watch her. He was quickly followed by the landing-master, who touched him on the shoulder, and in perfect silence, but with a look of intense anxiety, pointed to the vessel.

I see it, Wilson. God help us if she fails to make the rock within a very short time, said Mr Stevenson.

She will never reach us in time, said Wilson, in a tone that convinced his companion he entertained no hope.

Perhaps she may, he said hurriedly; she is a good sailer.

Good sailing, replied the other, cannot avail against wind and tide together.

No human power can bring that vessel to our aid until long after the tide has covered the Bell Rock.

Both remained silent for some time, watching with intense anxiety the ineffectual efforts of the little vessel to beat up to windward.

In a few minutes the engineer turned to his companion and said, They cannot save us, Wilson. The two boats that are left  can they hold us all?

The landing-master shook his head. The two boats, said he, will be completely filled by their own crews. For ordinary rough weather they would be quite full enough. In a sea like that, he said, pointing to the angry waves that were being gradually lashed into foam by the increasing wind, they will be overloaded.

Come, I dont know that, Wilson; we may devise something, said Mr Stevenson, with a forced air of confidence, as he moved slowly towards the place where the men were still working, busy as bees and all unconscious of the perilous circumstances in which they were placed.

As the engineer pondered the prospect of deliverance, his thoughts led him rather to despair than to hope. There were thirty-two persons in all upon the rock that day, with only two boats, which, even in good weather, could not unitedly accommodate more than twenty-four sitters. But to row to the floating light with so much wind and in so heavy a sea, a complement of eight men for each boat was as much as could with propriety be attempted, so that about half of their number was thus unprovided for. Under these circumstances he felt that to despatch one of the boats in expectation of either working the Smeaton sooner up to the rock, or in hopes of getting her boat brought to their assistance would, besides being useless, at once alarm the workmen, each of whom would probably insist upon taking to his own boat, and leaving the eight men of the Smeaton to their chance. A scuffle might ensue, and he knew well that when men are contending for life the results may be very disastrous.

For a considerable time the men remained in ignorance of the terrible conflict that was going on in their commanders breast. As they wrought chiefly in sitting or kneeling postures, excavating the rock or boring with jumpers, their attention was naturally diverted from everything else around them. The dense volumes of smoke, too, that rose from the forge fire, so enveloped them as to render distant objects dim or altogether invisible.

While this lasted,  while the numerous hammers were going and the anvil continued to sound, the situation of things did not appear so awful to the only two who were aware of what had occurred. But ere long the tide began to rise upon those who were at work on the lower parts of the beacon and lighthouse.

From the run of the sea upon the rock, the forge fire was extinguished sooner than usual; the volumes of smoke cleared away, and objects became visible in every direction.

After having had about three hours work, the men began pretty generally to make towards their respective boats for their jackets and socks.

Then it was that they made the discovery that one boat was absent.

Only a few exclamations were uttered. A glance at the two boats and a hurried gaze to seaward were sufficient to acquaint them with their awful position. Not a word was spoken by anyone. All appeared to be silently calculating their numbers, and looking at each other with evident marks of perplexity depicted in their countenances. The landing-master, conceiving that blame might attach to him for having allowed the boat to leave the rock, kept a little apart from the men.

All eyes were turned, as if by instinct, to Mr Stevenson. The men seemed to feel that the issue lay with him.

The engineer was standing on an elevated part of the rock named Smiths Ledge, gazing in deep anxiety at the distant Smeaton, in the hope that he might observe some effort being made, at least, to pull the boat to their rescue.

Slowly but surely the tide rose, overwhelming the lower parts of the rock; sending each successive wave nearer and nearer to the feet of those who were now crowded on the last ledge that could afford them standing-room.

The deep silence that prevailed was awful! It proved that each mind saw clearly the impossibility of anything being devised, and that a deadly struggle for precedence was inevitable.

Mr Stevenson had all along been rapidly turning over in his mind various schemes which might be put in practice for the general safety, provided the men could be kept under command. He accordingly turned to address them on the perilous nature of their circumstances; intending to propose that all hands should strip off their upper clothing when the higher parts of the rock should be laid under water; that the seamen should remove every unnecessary weight and encumbrance from the boats; that a specified number of men should go into each boat; and that the remainder should hang by the gunwales, while the boats were to be rowed gently towards the Smeaton, as the course to the floating light lay rather to windward of the rock.

But when he attempted to give utterance to his thoughts the words refused to come. So powerful an effect had the awful nature of their position upon him, that his parched tongue could not articulate. He learned, from terrible experience, that saliva is as necessary to speech as the tongue itself.

Stooping hastily, he dipped his hand into a pool of salt water and moistened his mouth. This produced immediate relief and he was about to speak, when Ruby Brand, who had stood at his elbow all the time with compressed lips and a stern frown on his brow, suddenly took off his cap, and waving it above his head, shouted A boat! a boat! with all the power of his lungs.

All eyes were at once turned in the direction to which he pointed, and there, sure enough, a large boat was seen through the haze, making towards the rock.

Doubtless many a heart there swelled with gratitude to God, who had thus opportunely and most unexpectedly sent them relief at the eleventh hour; but the only sound that escaped them was a cheer, such as men seldom give or hear save in cases of deliverance in times of dire extremity.

The boat belonged to James Spink, the Bell Rock pilot, who chanced to have come off express from Arbroath that day with letters.

We have said that Spink came off by chance; but, when we consider all the circumstances of the case, and the fact that boats seldom visited the Bell Rock at any time, and never during bad weather, we are constrained to feel that God does in His mercy interfere sometimes in a peculiar and special manner in human affairs, and that there was something more and higher than mere chance in the deliverance of Stevenson and his men upon this occasion.

The pilot-boat, having taken on board as many as it could hold, set sail for the floating light; the other boats then put off from the rock with the rest of the men, but they did not reach the Pharos until after a long and weary pull of three hours, during which the waves broke over the boats so frequently as to necessitate constant baling.

When the floating light was at last reached, a new difficulty met them, for the vessel rolled so much, and the men were so exhausted, that it proved to be a work of no little toil and danger to get them all on board.

Long Forsyth, in particular, cost them all an infinite amount of labour, for he was so sick, poor fellow, that he could scarcely move. Indeed, he did at one time beg them earnestly to drop him into the sea and be done with him altogether, a request with which they of course refused to comply. However, he was got up somehow, and the whole of them were comforted by a glass of rum and thereafter a cup of hot coffee.

Ruby had the good fortune to obtain the additional comfort of a letter from Minnie, which, although it did not throw much light on the proceedings of Captain Ogilvy (for that sapient seamans proceedings were usually involved in a species of obscurity which light could not penetrate), nevertheless assured him that something was being done in his behalf, and that, if he only kept quiet for a time, all would be well.

The letter also assured him of the unalterable affection of the writer, an assurance which caused him to rejoice to such an extent that he became for a time perfectly regardless of all other sublunary things, and even came to look upon the Bell Rock as a species of paradise, watched over by the eye of an angel with golden hair, in which he could indulge his pleasant dreams to the utmost.

That he had to indulge those dreams in the midst of storm and rain and smoke, surrounded by sea and seaweed, workmen and hammers, and forges and picks, and jumpers and seals, while his strong muscles and endurance were frequently tried to the uttermost, was a matter of no moment to Ruby Brand.

All experience goes to prove that great joy will utterly overbear the adverse influence of physical troubles, especially if those troubles are without, and do not touch the seats of life within. Minnies love, expressed as it was in her own innocent, truthful, and straightforward way, rendered his body, big though it was, almost incapable of containing his soul. He pulled the oar, hammered the jumper, battered the anvil, tore at the bellows, and hewed the solid Bell Rock with a vehemence that aroused the admiration of his comrades, and induced Jamie Dove to pronounce him to be the best fellow the world ever produced.

Chapter Eleven.

A Storm and a Dismal State of Things on Board the Pharos.

From what has been said at the close of the last chapter, it will not surprise the reader to be told that the storm which blew during that night had no further effect on Ruby Brand than to toss his hair about, and cause a ruddier glow than usual to deepen the tone of his bronzed countenance.

It was otherwise with many of his hapless comrades, a few of whom had also received letters that day, but whose pleasure was marred to some extent by the qualms within.

Being Saturday, a glass of rum was served out in the evening, according to custom, and the men proceeded to hold what is known by the name of Saturday night at sea.

This being a night that was usually much enjoyed on board, owing to the home memories that were recalled, and the familiar songs that were sung; owing, also, to the limited supply of grog, which might indeed cheer, but could not by any possibility inebriate, the men endeavoured to shake off their fatigue, and to forget, if possible, the rolling of the vessel.

The first effort was not difficult, but the second was not easy. At first, however, the gale was not severe, so they fought against circumstances bravely for a time.

Come, lads, cried the smith, in a species of serio-comic desperation, when they had all assembled below, lets drink to sweethearts and wives.

Hear, hear! Bless their hearts! Sweethearts and wives! responded the men.

Hip, hip!

The cheer that followed was a genuine one.

Now for a song, boys, cried one of the men, and I think the last arrivals are bound to sing first.

Hear, hear! Ruby, lad, youre in for it, said the smith, who sat near his assistant.

What shall I sing? enquired Ruby.

Oh! let me see, said Joe Dumsby, assuming the air of one who endeavoured to recall something. Could you come Beetovens symphony on B flat?

Ah! howld yer tongue, Joe, cried OConnor, sure the young man can only sing on the sharp kays; aint he always sharpin the tools, not to speak of his appetite?

Youve a blunt way of speaking yourself, friend, said Dumsby, in a tone of reproof.

Hallo! stop your jokes, cried the smith; if you treat us to any more o that sort o thing well have ye dipped over the side, and hung up to dry at the end o the mainyard. Fire away, Ruby, my tulip!

Ay, thats hit, said John Watt. Gie us the girl ye left behind ye.

Ruby flushed suddenly, and turned towards the speaker with a look of surprise.

Whats wrang, freend? Hae ye never heard o that sang? enquired Watt.

O yes, I forgot, said Ruby, recovering himself in some confusion. I know the song  I  I was thinking of something  of

The girl ye left behind ye, av coorse, put in OConnor, with a wink.

Come, strike up! cried the men.

Ruby at once obeyed, and sang the desired song with a sweet, full voice, that had the effect of moistening some of the eyes present.

The song was received enthusiastically.

Your health and song, lads said Robert Selkirk, the principal builder, who came down the ladder and joined them at that moment.

Thank you, now its my call, said Ruby. I call upon Ned OConnor for a song.

Or a speech, cried Forsyth.

A spaitch is it? said OConnor, with a look of deep modesty. Sure, I never made a spaitch in me life, except when I axed Mrs OConnor to marry me, an I never finished that spaitch, for I only got the length of Och! darlint, when she cut me short in the middle with Sure, you may have me, Ned, and welcome!

Shame, shame! said Dove, to say that of your wife.

Shame to yersilf, cried OConnor indignantly. Aint I payin the good woman a compliment, when I say that she had pity on me bashfulness, and came to me help when I was in difficulty?

Quite right, OConnor; but lets have a song if you wont speak.

Would ye thank a cracked tay-kittle for a song? said Ned. Certainly not,
replied Peter Logan, who was apt to take things too literally.

Then dont ax me for wan, said the Irishman, but Ill do this for ye, messmates: Ill read ye the last letter I got from the mistress, just to show ye that her price is beyond all calkerlation.

A round of applause followed this offer, as Ned drew forth a much-soiled letter from the breast pocket of his coat, and carefully unfolding it, spread it on his knee.

It begins, said OConnor, in a slightly hesitating tone, with some expressions of a  a  raither endearin charackter, that perhaps I may as well pass.

No, no, shouted the men, lets have them all. Out with them, Paddy!

Well, well, av ye will have them, here they be.

Galway..

My own purty darlin as has bin my most luved sin the day we wos marrit, youll be grieved to larn that the pigs gone to its long home.

Here OConnor paused to make some parenthetical remarks with which, indeed, he interlarded the whole letter.

The pig, you must know, lads, was an old sow as belonged to me wifes gran-mother, an besides bein a sort o pet o the family, was an uncommon profitable crature. But to purceed. She goes on to say, We waked her (thats the pig, boys) yisterday, and buried her this mornin. Big Rory, the baist, was for aitin her, but I wouldnt hear of it; so shes at rest, an so is old Molly Mallone. She wint away just two minutes be the clock before the pig, and wos buried the day afther. Theres no more news as I knows of in the parish, except that your old flame Mary got married to Teddy ORook, an theyve been fightin
tooth an nail ever since, as I towld ye they would long ago. No man could live wid that woman. But the schoolmaster, good man, has let me off the cow. Ye see, darlin, I towld him ye wos buildin a palace in the say, to put ships in afther they wos wrecked on the coast of Ameriky, so ye couldnt be expected to send home much money at prisint. An he just said, Well, well, Kathleen, you may just kaip the cow, and pay me whin ye can. So put that off yer mind, my swait Ned..

Im sorry to hear the Faries rowls so bad, though what the Faries mains is more nor I can tell. (I spelled the word quite krect, lads, but my poor mistress haint got the best of eyesight.) Let me know in yer nixt, an be sure to tell me if Long Forsyth has got the bitter o say-sickness. Im koorius about this, bekaise Ive got a receipt for that same thats infallerable, as his Riverence says. Tell him, with my luv, to mix a spoonful o pepper, an two o
salt, an wan o mustard, an a glass o whisky in a taycup, with a sprinklin
o ginger; fill it up with goats milk, or asss, av ye cant git goats; bait it in a pan, an drink it as hot as he can  hotter, if possible. I niver tried it meself, but they say its a suverin remidy; and if it dont do no good, its not likely to do much harm, bein but a waik mixture. Me own belaif is, that the milks a mistake, but I suppose the doctors know best..

Now, swaitest of men, I must stop, for Neddys just come in howlin like a born Turk for his tay; so no more at present from, yours till deth,.

Kathleen OConnor.

Has she any sisters? enquired Joe Dumsby eagerly, as Ned folded the letter and replaced it in his pocket.

Six of em, replied Ned; every one purtier and better nor another.

Is it a long way to Galway? continued Joe.

Not long; but its a coorious thing that Englishmen never come back from them parts whin they wance ventur into them.

Joe was about to retort when the men called for another song.

Come, Jamie Dove, lets have Rule, Britannia.

Dove was by this time quite yellow in the face, and felt more inclined to go to bed than to sing; but he braced himself up, resolved to struggle manfully against the demon that oppressed him.

It was in vain! Poor Dove had just reached that point in the chorus where Britons stoutly affirm that they never, never, never shall be slaves, when a tremendous roll of the vessel caused him to spring from the locker, on which he sat, and rush to his berth.

There were several of the others whose self-restraint was demolished by this example; these likewise fled, amid the laughter of their companions, who broke up the meeting and went on deck.

The prospect of things there proved, beyond all doubt, that Britons never did, and never will, rule the waves.

The storm, which had been brewing for some time past, was gathering fresh strength every moment, and it became abundantly evident that the floating light would have her anchors and cables tested pretty severely before the gale was over.

About eight oclock in the evening the wind shifted to east-south-east; and at ten it became what seamen term a hard gale, rendering it necessary to veer out about fifty additional fathoms of the hempen cable. The gale still increasing, the ship rolled and laboured excessively, and at midnight eighty fathoms more were veered out, while the sea continued to strike the vessel with a degree of force that no one had before experienced.

That night there was little rest on board the Pharos. Everyone who has been at sea knows what it is to lie in ones berth on a stormy night, with the planks of the deck only a few inches from ones nose, and the water swashing past the little port that always leaks; the seas striking against the ship; the heavy sprays falling on the decks; and the constant rattle and row of blocks, spars, and cordage overhead. But all this was as nothing compared with the state of things on board the floating light, for that vessel could not rise to the seas with the comparatively free motions of a ship, sailing either with or against the gale. She tugged and strained at her cable, as if with the fixed determination of breaking it, and she offered all the opposition of a fixed body to the seas.

Daylight, though ardently longed for, brought no relief. The gale continued with unabated violence. The sea struck so hard upon the vessels bows that it rose in great quantities, or, as Ruby expressed it, in green seas, which completely swept the deck as far aft as the quarterdeck, and not unfrequently went completely over the stern of the ship.

Those green seas fell at last so heavily on the skylights that all the glass was driven in, and the water poured down into the cabins, producing dire consternation in the minds of those below, who thought that the vessel was sinking.

Im drowned intirely, roared poor Ned OConnor, as the first of those seas burst in and poured straight down on his hammock, which happened to be just beneath the skylight.

Ned sprang out on the deck, missed his footing, and was hurled with the next roll of the ship into the arms of the steward, who was passing through the place at the time.

Before any comments could be made the dead-lights were put on, and the cabins were involved in almost absolute darkness.

Och! let me in beside ye, pleaded Ned with the occupant of the nearest berth.

Awa wi ye! Na, na, cried John Watt, pushing the unfortunate man away.

Cheinge yer wat claes first, an Ill maybe let ye in, if ye can find me again i the dark.

While the Irishman was groping about in search of his chest, one of the officers of the ship passed him on his way to the companion ladder, intending to go on deck. Ruby Brand, feeling uncomfortable below, leaped out of his hammock and followed him. They had both got about halfway up the ladder when a tremendous sea struck the ship, causing it to tremble from stem to stern. At the same moment someone above opened the hatch, and putting his head down, shouted for the officer, who happened to be just ascending.

Ay, ay, replied the individual in question.

Just as he spoke, another heavy sea fell on the deck, and, rushing aft like a river that has burst its banks, hurled the seaman into the arms of the officer, who fell back upon Ruby, and all three came down with tons of water into the cabin.

The scene that followed would have been ludicrous, had it not been serious. The still rising sea caused the vessel to roll with excessive violence, and the large quantity of water that had burst in swept the men, who had jumped out of their beds, and all movable things, from side to side in indescribable confusion. As the water dashed up into the lower tier of beds, it was found necessary to lift one of the scuttles in the floor, and let it flow into the limbers of the ship.

Fortunately no one was hurt, and Ruby succeeded in gaining the deck before the hatch was reclosed and fastened down upon the scene of discomfort and misery below.

This state of things continued the whole day. The seas followed in rapid succession, and each, as it struck the vessel, caused her to shake all over. At each blow from a wave the rolling and pitching ceased for a few seconds, giving the impression that the ship had broken adrift, and was running with the wind; or in the act of sinking; but when another sea came, she ranged up against it with great force. This latter effect at last became the regular intimation to the anxious men below that they were still riding safely at anchor.

No fires could be lighted, therefore nothing could be cooked, so that the men were fain to eat hard biscuits  those of them at least who were able to eat at all  and lie in their wet blankets all day.

At ten in the morning the wind had shifted to north-east, and blew, if possible, harder than before, accompanied by a much heavier swell of the sea; it was therefore judged advisable to pay out more cable, in order to lessen the danger of its giving way.

During the course of the gale nearly the whole length of the hempen cable, of 120 fathoms, was veered out, besides the chain-moorings, and, for its preservation, the cable was carefully served, or wattled, with pieces of canvas round the windlass, and with leather well greased in the hawse-hole, where the chafing was most violent.

As may readily be imagined, the gentleman on whom rested nearly all the responsibility connected with the work at the Bell Rock, passed an anxious and sleepless time in his darkened berth. During the morning he had made an attempt to reach the deck, but had been checked by the same sea that produced the disasters above described.

About two oclock in the afternoon great alarm was felt in consequence of a heavy sea that struck the ship, almost filling the waist, and pouring down into the berths below, through every chink and crevice of the hatches and skylights.

From the motion being suddenly checked or deadened, and from the flowing in of the water above, every individual on board thought that the ship was foundering  at least all the landsmen were fully impressed with that idea.

Mr Stevenson could not remain below any longer. As soon as the ship again began to range up to the sea, he made another effort to get on deck. Before going, however, he went through the various apartments, in order to ascertain the state of things below.

Groping his way in darkness from his own cabin he came to that of the officers of the ship. Here all was quiet, as well as dark. He next entered the galley and other compartments occupied by the artificers; here also all was dark, but not quiet, for several of the men were engaged in prayer, or repeating psalms in a full tone of voice, while others were protesting that if they should be fortunate enough to get once more ashore, no one should ever see them afloat again; but so loud was the creaking of the bulkheads, the dashing of water, and the whistling noise of the wind, that it was hardly possible to distinguish words or voices.

The master of the vessel accompanied Mr Stevenson, and, in one or two instances, anxious and repeated enquiries were made by the workmen as to the state of things on deck, to all of which he returned one characteristic answer It cant blow long in this way, lads; we must have better weather soon.

The next compartment in succession, moving forward, was that allotted to the seamen of the ship. Here there was a characteristic difference in the scene.

Having reached the middle of the darksome berth without the inmates being aware of the intrusion, the anxious engineer was somewhat reassured and comforted to find that, although they talked of bad weather and cross accidents of the sea, yet the conversation was carried on in that tone and manner which bespoke ease and composure of mind.

Well, lads, said Mr Stevenson, accosting the men, what think you of this state of things? Will the good ship weather it?

Nae fear o her, sir, replied one confidently, shes light and new; itll tak a heavy sea to sink her.

Ay, observed another, and shes got little hold o the water, good ground-tackle, and no top-hamper; shell weather anything, sir.

Having satisfied himself that all was right below, Mr Stevenson returned aft and went on deck, where a sublime and awful sight awaited him. The waves appeared to be what we hear sometimes termed mountains high. In reality they were perhaps about thirty feet of unbroken water in height, their foaming crests being swept and torn by the furious gale. All beyond the immediate neighbourhood of the ship was black and chaotic.

Upon deck everything movable was out of sight, having either been stowed away below previous to the gale, or washed overboard. Some parts of the quarter bulwarks were damaged by the breach of the sea, and one of the boats was broken, and half-full of water.

There was only one solitary individual on deck, placed there to watch and give the alarm if the cable should give way, and this man was Ruby Brand, who, having become tired of having nothing to do, had gone on deck, as we have seen, and volunteered his services as watchman.

Ruby had no greatcoat on, no overall of any kind, but was simply dressed in his ordinary jacket and trousers. He had thrust his cap into his pocket in order to prevent it being blown away, and his brown locks were streaming in the wind. He stood just aft the foremast, to which he had lashed himself with a gasket or small rope round his waist, to prevent his falling on the deck or being washed overboard. He was as thoroughly wet as if he had been drawn through the sea, and this was one reason why he was so lightly clad, that he might wet as few clothes as possible, and have a dry change when he went below.

There appeared to be a smile on his lips as he faced the angry gale and gazed steadily out upon the wild ocean. He seemed to be enjoying the sight of the grand elemental strife that was going on around him. Perchance he was thinking of someone not very far away  with golden hair!

Mr Stevenson, coupling this smile on Rubys face with the remarks of the other seamen, felt that things were not so bad as they appeared to unaccustomed eyes, nevertheless he deemed it right to advise with the master and officers as to the probable result, in the event of the ship drifting from her moorings.

It is my opinion, said the master, on his being questioned as to this, that we have every chance of riding out the gale, which cannot continue many hours longer with the same fury; and even if she should part from her anchor, the storm-sails have been laid ready to hand, and can be bent in a very short time.

The direction of the wind being nor-east, we could sail up the Forth to Leith Roads; but if this should appear doubtful, after passing the May we can steer for Tyningham Sands, on the western side of Dunbar, and there run the ship ashore. From the flatness of her bottom and the strength of her build, I should think there would be no danger in beaching her even in a very heavy sea.

This was so far satisfactory, and for some time things continued in pretty much the state we have just described, but soon after there was a sudden cessation of the straining motion of the ship which surprised everyone. In another moment Ruby shouted All hands a-hoy! ships adrift!

The consternation that followed may be conceived but not described. The windlass was instantly manned, and the men soon gave out that there was no strain on the cable. The mizzen-sail, which was occasionally bent for the purpose of making the ship ride easily, was at once set; the other sails were hoisted as quickly as possible, and they bore away about a mile to the south-westward, where, at a spot that was deemed suitable, the best-bower anchor was let go in twenty fathoms water.

Happily the storm had begun to abate before this accident happened. Had it occurred during the height of the gale, the result might have been most disastrous to the undertaking at the Bell Rock.

Having made all fast, an attempt was made to kindle the galley fire and cook some food.

Wot are we to ave, steward? enquired Joe Dumsby, in a feeble voice.

Plumduff, my boy, so cheer up, replied the steward, who was busy with the charming ingredients of a suet pudding, which was the only dish to be attempted, owing to the ease with which it could be both cooked and served up.

Accordingly, the suet pudding was made; the men began to eat; the gale began to take off, as seaman express it; and, although things were still very far removed from a state of comfort, they began to be more endurable; health began to return to the sick, and hope to those who had previously given way to despair.

Chapter Twelve.

Bell Rock Billows  An Unexpected Visit  A Disaster and a Rescue.

It is pleasant, it is profoundly enjoyable, to sit on the margin of the sea during the dead calm that not unfrequently succeeds a wild storm, and watch the gentle undulations of the glass-like surface, which the very gulls seem to be disinclined to ruffle with their wings as they descend to hover above their own reflected images.

It is pleasant to watch this from the shore, where the waves fall in low murmuring ripples, or from the ships deck, far out upon the sea, where there is no sound of water save the laving of the vessels bow as she rises and sinks in the broad-backed swell; but there is something more than pleasant, there is, something deeply and peculiarly interesting, in the same scene when viewed from such a position as the Bell Rock; for there, owing to the position of the rock and the depth of water around it, the observer beholds, at the same moment, the presence, as it were, of storm and calm.

The largest waves there are seen immediately after a storm has passed away, not during its continuance, no matter how furious the gale may have been, for the rushing wind has a tendency to blow down the waves, so to speak, and prevent their rising to their utmost height. It is when the storm is over that the swell rises; but as this swell appears only like large undulations, it does not impress the beholder with its magnitude until it draws near to the rock and begins to feel the checking influence of the bottom of the sea. The upper part of the swell, having then greater velocity than the lower parts assumes more and more the form of a billow. As it comes on it towers up like a great green wall of glittering glass, moving with a grand, solemn motion, which does not at first give the idea of much force or impetus. As it nears the rock, however, its height (probably fifteen or twenty feet) becomes apparent; its velocity increases; the top, with what may be termed gentle rapidity, rushes in advance of the base; its dark green side becomes concave; the upper edge lips over, then curls majestically downwards, as if bowing to a superior power, and a gleam of light flashes for a moment on the curling top. As yet there is no sound; all has occurred in the profound silence of the calm, but another instant and there is a mighty crash  a deafening roar; the great wall of water has fallen, and a very sea of churning foam comes leaping, bursting, spouting over rocks and ledges, carrying all before it with a tremendous sweep that seems to be absolutely irresistible until it meets the higher ledges of rock, when it is hurled back, and retires with a watery hiss that suggests the idea of baffled rage.

But it is not conquered. With the calm majesty of unalterable determination, wave after wave comes on, in slow, regular succession, like the inexhaustible battalions of an unconquerable foe, to meet with a similar repulse again and again.

There is, however, this peculiar difference between the waves on the ordinary seashore and the billows on the Bell Rock, that the latter, unlike the former, are not always defeated. The spectator on shore plants his foot confidently at the very edge of the mighty sea, knowing that thus far it may come, but no farther. On the Bell Rock the rising tide makes the conflict, for a time, more equal. Now, the rock stands proudly above the sea: anon the sea sweeps furiously over the rock with a roar of Victory!

Thus the war goes on, and thus the tide of battle daily and nightly ebbs and flows all the year round.

But when the cunning hand of man began to interfere, the aspect of things was changed, the sea was forced to succumb, and the rock, once a dreaded enemy, became a servant of the human race. True, the former rages in rebellion still, and the latter, although compelled to uphold the light that warns against itself, continues its perpetual warfare with the sea; but both are effectually conquered by means of the wonderful intelligence that God has given to man, and the sea for more than half a century has vainly beat against the massive tower whose foundation is on the Bell Rock.

But all this savours somewhat of anticipation. Let us return to Ruby Brand, in whose interest we have gone into this long digression; for he it was who gazed intently at the mingled scene of storm and calm which we have attempted to describe, and it was he who thought out most of the ideas which we have endeavoured to convey.

Ruby had lent a hand to work the pump at the foundation-pit that morning. After a good spell at it he took his turn of rest, and, in order to enjoy it fully, went as far out as he could upon the seaward ledges, and sat down on a piece of rock to watch the waves.

While seated there, Robert Selkirk came and sat down beside him. Selkirk was the principal builder, and ultimately laid every stone of the lighthouse with his own hand. He was a sedate, quiet man, but full of energy and perseverance. When the stones were landed faster than they could be built into their places, he and Bremner, as well as some of the other builders, used to work on until the rising tide reached their waists.

Its a grand sight, Ruby, said Selkirk, as a larger wave than usual fell, and came rushing in torrents of foam up to their feet, sending a little of the spray over their heads.

It is indeed a glorious sight, said Ruby. If I had nothing to do, I believe I could sit here all day just looking at the waves and thinking.

Thinkin? repeated Selkirk, in a musing tone of voice. Can ye tell, lad, what ye think about when youre lookin at the waves?

Ruby smiled at the oddness of the question.

Well, said he, I dont think I ever thought of that before.

Ah, but I have! said the other, an Ive come to the conclusion that for the most part we dont think, properly speakin, at all; that our thoughts, so to speak, think for us; that they just take the bit in their teeth and go rumblin
and tumblin about anyhow or nohow!

Ruby knitted his brows and pondered. He was one of those men who, when they dont understand a thing, hold their tongues and think.

And, continued Selkirk, its curious to observe what a lot o nonsense one thinks too when one is lookin at the waves. Many a time I have pulled myself up, thinkin the most astonishin stuff ye could imagine.

I would hardly have expected this of such a grave kind o man as you, said Ruby.

Mayhap not. It is not always the gravest looking that have the gravest thoughts.

But you dont mean to say that you never think sense, continued Ruby, when you sit looking at the waves?

By no means, returned his companion; Im only talking of the way in which ones thoughts will wander. Sometimes I think seriously enough. Sometimes I think it strange that men can look at such a scene as that, and scarcely bestow a thought upon Him who made it.

Speak for yourself, friend, said Ruby, somewhat quickly; how know you that other men dont think about their Creator when they look at His works?

Because, returned Selkirk, I find that I so seldom do so myself, even although I wish to and often try to; and I hold that every man, no matter what he is or feels, is one of a class who think and feel as he does; also, because many people, especially Christians, have told me that they have had the same experience to a large extent; also, and chiefly, because, as far as unbelieving man is concerned, the Bible tells me that God is not in all his thoughts. But, Ruby, I did not make the remark as a slur upon men in general, I merely spoke of a fact,  an unfortunate fact,  that it is not natural to us, and not easy, to rise from nature to natures God, and I thought you would agree with me.

I believe you are right, said Ruby, half-ashamed of the petulance of his reply; at any rate, I confess you are right as far as I am concerned.

As Selkirk and Ruby were both fond of discussion, they continued this subject some time longer, and there is no saying how far they would have gone down into the abstruse depths of theology, had not their converse been interrupted by the appearance of a boat rowing towards the rock.

Is yonder craft a fishing boat, think you? said Ruby, rising and pointing to it.

Like enough, lad. Mayhap its the pilots, only its too soon for him to be off again with letters. Maybe its visitors to the rock, for I see something like a womans bonnet.

As there was only one woman in the world at that time as far as Ruby was concerned (of course putting his mother out of the question!), it will not surprise the reader to be told that the youth started, that his cheek reddened a little, and his heart beat somewhat faster than usual. He immediately smiled, however, at the absurdity of supposing it possible that the woman in the boat could be Minnie, and as the blacksmith shouted to him at that moment, he turned on his heel and leaped from ledge to ledge of rock until he gained his wonted place at the forge.

Soon he was busy wielding the fore-hammer, causing the sparks to fly about himself and his comrade in showers, while the anvil rang out its merry peal.

Meanwhile the boat drew near. It turned out to be a party of visitors, who had come off from Arbroath to see the operations at the Bell Rock. They had been brought off by Spink, the pilot, and numbered only three  namely, a tall soldier-like man, a stout sailor-like man, and a young woman with  yes,  with golden hair.

Poor Ruby almost leaped over the forge when he raised his eyes from his work and caught sight of Minnies sweet face. Minnie had recognised her lover before the boat reached the rock, for he stood on an elevated ledge, and the work in which he was engaged, swinging the large hammer round his shoulder, rendered him very conspicuous. She had studiously concealed her face from him until quite close, when, looking him straight in the eyes without the least sign of recognition, she turned away.

We have said that the first glance Ruby obtained caused him to leap nearly over the forge; the second created such a revulsion of feeling that he let the fore-hammer fall.

Hallo! Got a spark in yer eye? enquired Dove, looking up anxiously.

It flashed across Ruby at that instant that the look given him by Minnie was meant to warn him not to take any notice of her, so he answered the smiths query with No, no; Ive only let the hammer fall, dont you see? Get on, old boy, an dont let the metal cool.

The smith continued his work without further remark, and Ruby assisted, resolving in his own mind to be a little more guarded as to the expression of his feelings.

Meanwhile Mr Stevenson received the visitors, and showed them over the works, pointing out the peculiarities thereof, and the difficulties that stood in the way.

Presently he came towards the forge, and said, Brand, the stout gentleman there wishes to speak to you. He says he knew you in Arbroath. You can spare him for a few minutes, I suppose, Mr Dove?

Well, yes, but not for long, replied the smith. The tide will soon be up, and Ive enough to do to get through with all these.

Ruby flung down his hammer at the first word, and hastened to the ledge of rock where the visitors were standing, as far apart from the workmen as the space of the rock would admit of.

The stout gentleman was no other than his uncle, Captain Ogilvy, who put his finger to his lips as his nephew approached, and gave him a look of mystery that was quite sufficient to put the latter on his guard. He therefore went forward, pulled off his cap, and bowed respectfully to Minnie, who replied with a stiff curtsy, a slight smile, and a decided blush.

Although Ruby now felt convinced that they were all acting a part, he could scarcely bear this cold reception. His impulse was to seize Minnie in his arms; but he did not even get the comfort of a cold shake of the hand.

Nephy, said the captain in a hoarse whisper, putting his face close to that of Ruby, mums the word! Silence, mystery, an all that sort o thing. Dont appear to be an old friend, lad; and as to Minnie here

O no, we never mention her,

Her name its never heard.

Allow me to introduce you to Major Stewart, whose house you broke into, you know, Ruby, when

All in the Downs the fleet was moored,

at least when the Termagant was waitin for you to go aboard.

Here the captain winked and gave Ruby a facetious poke in the ribs, which was not quite in harmony with the ignorance of each other he was endeavouring to inculcate.

Young man, said the major quietly, we have come off to tell you that everything is in a prosperous state as regards the investigation into your innocence  the private investigation I mean, for the authorities happily know nothing of your being here. Captain Ogilvy has made me his confidant in this matter, and from what he tells me I am convinced that you had nothing to do with this robbery. Excuse me if I now add that the sight of your face deepens this conviction.

Ruby bowed to the compliment.

We were anxious to write at once to the captain of the vessel in which you sailed, continued the major, but you omitted to leave his full name and address when you left. We were afraid to write to you, lest your name on the letter might attract attention, and induce a premature arrest. Hence our visit to the rock to-day. Please to write the address in this pocket-book.

The major handed Ruby a small green pocket-book as he spoke, in which the latter wrote the full name and address of his late skipper.

Now, nephy, said the captain, we must, Im sorry to say, bid ye good day, and ask you to return to your work, for it wont do to rouse suspicion, lad. Only keep quiet here, and do yer dooty  England expects every man to do his dooty

 and as sure as your names Ruby all will be shipshape in a few weeks.

I thank you sincerely, said Ruby, addressing the major, but looking at Minnie.

Captain Ogilvy, observing this, and fearing some display of feeling that would be recognised by the workmen, who were becoming surprised at the length of the interview, placed himself between Minnie and her lover.

No, no, Ruby, said he, solemnly. Im sorry for ye, lad, but it wont do.

Patience is a virtue, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune.

My mother? said Ruby, wishing to prolong the interview.

Is well, said the captain. Now, goodbye, lad, and be off.

Goodbye, Minnie, cried Ruby, stepping forward suddenly and seizing the girls hand; then, wheeling quickly round, he sprang over the rocks, and returned to his post.

Ha! its time, cried the smith. I thought you would never be done makin love to that there girl. Come, blaze away!

Ruby felt so nettled by the necessity that was laid upon him of taking no notice of Minnie, that he seized the handle of the bellows passionately, and at the first puff blew nearly all the fire away.

Hallo! messmate, cried the smith, clearing the dust from his eyes; what on airth ails ye? Youve blowed the whole consarn out!

Ruby made no reply, but, scraping together the embers, heaped them up and blew more gently.

In a short time the visitors re-entered their boat, and rowed out of the creek in which it had been lying.

Ruby became so exasperated at not being able even to watch the boat going away, that he showered terrific blows on the mass of metal the smith was turning rapidly on the anvil.

Not so fast, lad; not so fast, cried Dove hurriedly.

Rubys chafing spirit blew up just at that point; he hit the iron a crack that knocked it as flat as a pancake, and then threw down the hammer and deliberately gazed in the direction of the boat.

The sight that met his eyes appalled him. The boat had been lying in the inlet named Port Stevenson. It had to pass out to the open sea through Wilsons Track, and past a small outlying rock named Grays Rock  known more familiarly among the men as Johnny Gray. The boat was nearing this point, when the sea, which had been rising for some time, burst completely over the seaward ledges, and swept the boat high against the rocks on the left. The men had scarcely got her again into the track when another tremendous billow, such as we have already described, swept over the rocks again and swamped the boat, which, being heavily ballasted, sank at once to the bottom of the pool.

It was this sight that met the horrified eyes of Ruby when he looked up.

He vaulted over the bellows like an antelope, and, rushing over Smiths Ledge and Trinity Ledge, sprang across Port Boyle, and dived head foremost into Neills Pool before any of the other men, who made a general rush, could reach the spot.

A few powerful strokes brought Ruby to the place where the major and the captain, neither of whom could swim, were struggling in the water. He dived at once below these unfortunates, and almost in a second, reappeared with Minnie in his arms.

A few seconds sufficed to bring him to Smiths Ledge, where several of his comrades hauled him and his burden beyond the reach of the next wave, and where, a moment or two later, the major and captain with the crew of the boat were landed in safety.

To bear the light form of Minnie in his strong arms to the highest and driest part of the rock were the work of a few moments to Ruby. Brief though those moments were, however, they were precious to the youth beyond all human powers of calculation, for Minnie recovered partial consciousness, and fancying, doubtless, that she was still in danger, flung her arms round his neck, and grasped him convulsively. Reader, we tell you in confidence that if Ruby had at that moment been laid on the rack and torn limb from limb, he would have cheered out his life triumphantly. It was not only that he knew she loved him  that he knew before,  but he had saved the life of the girl he loved, and a higher terrestrial happiness can scarcely be attained by man.

Laying her down as gently as a mother would her first-born, Ruby placed a coat under her head, and bade his comrades stand back and give her air. It was fortunate for him that one of the foremen, who understood what to do, came up at this moment, and ordered him to leave off chafing the girls hand with his wet fists, and go get some water boiled at the forge if he wanted to do her good.

Second words were not needed. The bellows were soon blowing, and the fire glowed in a way that it had not done since the works at the Bell Rock began. Before the water quite boiled some tea was put in, and, with a degree of speed that would have roused the jealousy of any living waiter, a cup of tea was presented to Minnie, who had recovered almost at the moment Ruby left her.

She drank a little, and then closing her eyes, moved her lips silently for a few seconds.

Captain Ogilvy, who had attended her with the utmost assiduity and tenderness as soon as he had wrung the water out of his own garments, here took an opportunity of hastily pouring something into the cup out of a small flask. When Minnie looked up again and smiled, he presented her with the cup. She thanked him, and drank a mouthful or two before perceiving that it had been tampered with.

Theres something in it, she said hurriedly.

So there is, my pet, said the captain, with a benignant smile, a little nectar, that will do you more good than all the tea. Come now, dont shake your head, but down with it all, like a good child.

But Minnie was proof against persuasion, and refused to taste any more.

Who was it that saved me, uncle? (She had got into the way of calling the captain uncle.)

Ruby Brand did it, my darlin, said the old man with a look of pride. Ah!

youre better now; stay, dont attempt to rise.

Yes, yes, uncle, she said, getting up and looking round, it is time that we should go now; we have a long way to go, you know. Where is the boat?

The boat, my precious, is at the bottom of the sea.

As he said this, he pointed to the mast, half of which was seen rising out of the pool where the boat had gone down.

But you dont need to mind, continued the captain, for theyre goin to send us in one o their own boats aboord the floatin lightship, where well get a change o clothes an somethin to eat.

As he spoke, one of the sailors came forward and announced that the boat was ready, so the captain and the major assisted Minnie into the boat, which soon pushed off with part of the workmen from the rock. It was to be sent back for the remainder of the crew, by which time the tide would render it necessary that all should leave.

Ruby purposely kept away from the group while they were embarking, and after they were gone proceeded to resume work.

You took a smart dive that time, lad, observed Joe Dumsby as they went along.

Not more than anyone would do for a girl, said Ruby.

An such a purty wan, too, said OConnor. Ah! av shes not Irish, she should ha bin.

Yere a lucky chap to hae sic a chance, observed John Watt.

Make up to her, lad, said Forsyth; I think she couldnt refuse ye after doin
her such service.

Time enough to chaff after work is over, cried Ruby with a laugh, as he turned up his sleeves, and, seizing the hammer, began, as his friend Dove said, to work himself dry.

In a few minutes, work was resumed, and for another hour all continued busy as bees, cutting and pounding at the flinty surface of the Bell Rock.

Chapter Thirteen.

A Sleepless but a Pleasant Night.

The evening which followed the day that has just been described was bright, calm, and beautiful, with the starry host unclouded and distinctly visible to the profoundest depths of space.

As it was intended to send the Smeaton to Arbroath next morning for a cargo of stones from the building-yard, the wrecked party were prevailed on to remain all night on board the Pharos, instead of going ashore in one of the ships boats, which could not well be spared at the time.

This arrangement, we need hardly say, gave inexpressible pleasure to Ruby, and was not altogether distasteful to Minnie, although she felt anxious about Mrs Brand, who would naturally be much alarmed at the prolonged absence of herself and the captain. However, there was no help for it; and it was wonderful the resignation which she displayed in the circumstances.

It was not Rubys duty to watch on deck that night, yet, strange to say, Ruby kept watch the whole night long!

There was no occasion whatever for Minnie to go on deck after it was dark, yet, strange to say, Minnie kept coming on deck at intervals nearly the whole night long! Sometimes to look at the stars, sometimes to get a mouthful of fresh air, frequently to find out what that strange noise could be that had alarmed her, and at last  especially towards the early hours of morning  for no reason whatever, except that she could not sleep below.

It was very natural that when Minnie paced the quarterdeck between the stern and the mainmast, and Ruby paced the forepart of the deck between the bows and the mainmast, the two should occasionally meet at the mainmast. It was also very natural that when they did meet, the girl who had been rescued should stop and address a few words of gratitude to the man who had saved her. But it was by no means natural  nay, it was altogether unnatural and unaccountable, that, when it became dark, the said man and the said girl should get into a close and confidential conversation, which lasted for hours, to the amusement of Captain Ogilvy and the major, who quite understood it, and to the amazement of many of the ships crew, who couldnt understand it at all.

At last Minnie bade Ruby a final good night and went below, and Ruby, who could not persuade himself that it was final, continued to walk the deck until his eyes began to shut and open involuntarily like those of a sick owl. Then he also went below, and, before he fell quite asleep (according to his own impression), was awakened by the bell that called the men to land on the rock and commence work.

It was not only Ruby who found it difficult to rouse himself that morning. The landing-bell was rung at four oclock, as the tide suited at that early hour, but the men were so fatigued that they would gladly have slept some hours longer. This, however, the nature of the service would not admit of. The building of the Bell Rock Lighthouse was a peculiar service. It may be said to have resembled duty in the trenches in military warfare. At times the work was light enough, but for the most part it was severe and irregular, as the men had to work in all kinds of weather, as long as possible, in the face of unusual difficulties and dangers, and were liable to be called out at all unseasonable hours. But they knew and expected this, and faced the work like men.

After a growl or two, and a few heavy sighs, they all tumbled out of their berths, and, in a very short time, were mustered on deck, where a glass of rum and a biscuit were served to each, being the regular allowance when they had to begin work before breakfast. Then they got into the boats and rowed away.

Rubys troubles were peculiar on this occasion. He could not bear the thought of leaving the Pharos without saying goodbye to Minnie; but as Minnie knew nothing of such early rising, there was no reasonable hope that she would be awake. Then he wished to put a few questions to his uncle which he had forgotten the day before, but his uncle was at that moment buried in profound repose, with his mouth wide open, and a trombone solo proceeding from his nose, which sadly troubled the unfortunates who lay near him.

As there was no way of escape from these difficulties, Ruby, like a wise man, made up his mind to cast them aside, so, after swallowing his allowance, he shouldered his big bellows, heaved a deep sigh, and took his place in one of the boats alongside.

The lassitude which strong men feel when obliged to rise before they have had enough of rest soon wears off. The two boats had not left the Pharos twenty yards astern, when Joe Dumsby cried, Ho! boys, lets have a race.

Hooray! shouted OConnor, whose elastic spirits were always equal to anything, an sure Ruby will sing us The girl weve left behind us. Och! an there she is, av Im not draymin.

At that moment a little hand was waved from one of the ports of the floating light. Ruby at once waved his in reply, but as the attention of the men had been directed to the vessel by Neds remark, each saw the salutation, and, claiming it as a compliment to himself, uttered a loud cheer, which terminated in a burst of laughter, caused by the sight of Rubys half-angry, half-ashamed expression of face.

As the other boat had shot ahead, however, at the first mention of the word race, the men forgot this incident in their anxiety to overtake their comrades. In a few seconds both boats were going at full speed, and they kept it up all the way to the rock.

While this was going on, the Smeatons boat was getting ready to take the strangers on board the sloop, and just as the workmen landed on the rock, the Smeaton cast loose her sails, and proceeded to Arbroath.

There were a few seals basking on the Bell Rock this morning when the men landed. These at once made off, and were not again seen during the day.

At first, seals were numerous on the rock. Frequently from fifty to sixty of them were counted at one time, and they seemed for a good while unwilling to forsake their old quarters, but when the forge was set up they could stand it no longer. Some of the boldest ventured to sun themselves there occasionally, but when the clatter of the anvil and the wreaths of smoke became matters of daily occurrence, they forsook the rock finally, and sought the peace and quiet which man denied them there in other regions of the deep.

The building of the lighthouse was attended with difficulties at every step. As a short notice of some of these, and an account of the mode in which the great work was carried on, cannot fail to be interesting to all who admire those engineering works which exhibit prominently the triumph of mind over matter, we shall turn aside for a brief space to consider this subject.

Chapter Fourteen.

Somewhat Statistical.

It has been already said that the Bell Rock rises only a few feet out of the sea at low tide. The foundation of the tower, sunk into the solid rock, was just three feet three inches above low water of the lowest spring-tides, so that the lighthouse may be said with propriety to be founded beneath the waves.

One great point that had to be determined at the commencement of the operations was the best method of landing the stones of the building, this being a delicate and difficult process, in consequence of the weight of the stones and their brittle nature, especially in those parts which were worked to a delicate edge or formed into angular points. As the loss of a single stone, too, would stop the progress of the work until another should be prepared at the workyard in Arbroath and sent off to the rock, it may easily be imagined that this matter of the landing was of the utmost importance, and that much consultation was held in regard to it.

It would seem that engineers, as well as doctors, are apt to differ. Some suggested that each particular stone should be floated to the rock, with a cork buoy attached to it; while others proposed an air-tank, instead of the cork buoy. Others, again, proposed to sail over the rock at high water in a flat-bottomed vessel, and drop the stones one after another when over the spot they were intended to occupy. A few, still more eccentric and daring in their views, suggested that a huge cofferdam or vessel should be built on shore, and as much of the lighthouse built in this as would suffice to raise the building above the level of the highest tides; that then it should be floated off to its station on the rock, which should be previously prepared for its reception; that the cofferdam should be scuttled, and the ponderous mass of masonry, weighing perhaps 1000 tons, allowed to sink at once into its place!

All these plans, however, were rejected by Mr Stevenson, who resolved to carry the stones to the rock in boats constructed for the purpose. These were named praam boats. The stones were therefore cut in conformity with exactly measured moulds in the workyard at Arbroath, and conveyed thence in the sloops already mentioned to the rock, where the vessels were anchored at a distance sufficient to enable them to clear it in case of drifting. The cargoes were then unloaded at the moorings, and laid on the decks of the praam boats, which conveyed them to the rock, where they were laid on small trucks, run along the temporary rails, to their positions, and built in at once.

Each stone of this building was treated with as much care and solicitude as if it were a living creature. After being carefully cut and curiously formed, and conveyed to the neighbourhood of the rock, it was hoisted out of the hold and laid on the vessels deck, when it was handed over to the landing-master, whose duty it became to transfer it, by means of a combination of ropes and blocks, to the deck of the praam boat, and then deliver it at the rock.

As the sea was seldom calm during the building operations, and frequently in a state of great agitation, lowering the stones on the decks of the praam boats was a difficult matter.

In the act of working the apparatus, one man was placed at each of the guy-tackles. This man assisted also at the purchase-tackles for raising the stones; and one of the ablest and most active of the crew was appointed to hold on the end of the fall-tackle, which often required all his strength and his utmost agility in letting go, for the purpose of lowering the stone at the instant the word lower was given. In a rolling sea, much depended on the promptitude with which this part of the operation was performed. For the purpose of securing this, the man who held the tackle placed himself before the mast in a sitting, more frequently in a lying posture, with his feet stretched under the winch and abutting against the mast, as by this means he was enabled to exert his greatest strength.

The signal being given in the hold that the tackle was hooked to the stone and all ready, every man took his post, the stone was carefully, we might almost say tenderly, raised, and gradually got into position over the praam boat; the right moment was intently watched, and the word lower given sternly and sharply. The order was obeyed with exact promptitude, and the stone rested on the deck of the praam boat. Six blocks of granite having been thus placed on the boats deck, she was rowed to a buoy, and moored near the rock until the proper time of the tide for taking her into one of the landing creeks.

We are thus particular in describing the details of this part of the work, in order that the reader may be enabled to form a correct estimate of what may be termed the minor difficulties of the undertaking.

The same care was bestowed upon the landing of every stone of the building; and it is worthy of record, that notwithstanding the difficulty of this process in such peculiar circumstances, not a single stone was lost, or even seriously damaged, during the whole course of the erection of the tower, which occupied four years in building, or rather, we should say, four seasons, for no work was or could be done during winter.

A description of the first entire course of the lower part of the tower, which was built solid, will be sufficient to give an idea of the general nature of the whole work.

This course or layer consisted of 123 blocks of stone, those in the interior being sandstone, while the outer casing was of granite. Each stone was fastened to its neighbour above, below, and around by means of dovetails, joggles, oaken trenails, and mortar. Each course was thus built from its centre to its circumference, and as all the courses from the foundation to a height of thirty feet were built in this way, the tower, up to that height, became a mass of solid stone, as strong and immovable as the Bell Rock itself. Above this, or thirty feet from the foundation, the entrance-door was placed, and the hollow part of the tower began.

Thus much, then, as to the tower itself, the upper part of which will be found described in a future chapter. In regard to the subsidiary works, the erection of the beacon house was in itself a work of considerable difficulty, requiring no common effort of engineering skill. The principal beams of this having been towed to the rock by the Smeaton, all the stanchions and other material for setting them up were landed, and the workmen set about erecting them as quickly as possible, for if a single day of bad weather should occur before the necessary fixtures could be made, the whole apparatus would be infallibly swept away.

The operation being, perhaps, the most important of the season, and one requiring to be done with the utmost expedition, all hands were, on the day in which its erection was begun, gathered on the rock, besides ten additional men engaged for the purpose, and as many of the seamen from the Pharos and other vessels as could be spared. They amounted altogether to fifty-two in number.

About half-past eight oclock in the morning a derrick, or mast, thirty feet high, was erected, and properly supported with guy-ropes for suspending the block for raising the first principal beam of the beacon, and a winch-machine was bolted down to the rock for working the purchase-tackle. The necessary blocks and tackle were likewise laid to hand and properly arranged. The men were severally allotted in squads to different stations; some were to bring the principal beams to hand, others were to work the tackles, while a third set had the charge of the iron stanchions, bolts, and wedges, so that the whole operation of raising the beams and fixing them to the rock might go forward in such a mariner that some provision might be made, in any stage of the work, for securing what had been accomplished, in case of an adverse change of weather.

The raising of the derrick was the signal for three hearty cheers, for this was a new era in the operations. Even that single spar, could it be preserved, would have been sufficient to have saved the workmen on that day when the Smeaton broke adrift and left them in such peril.

This was all, however, that could be accomplished that tide. Next day, the great beams, each fifty feet long, and about sixteen inches square, were towed to the rock about seven in the morning, and the work immediately commenced, although they had gone there so much too early in the tide that the men had to work a considerable time up to their middle in water. Each beam was raised by the tackle affixed to the derrick, until the end of it could be placed or stepped
into the hole which had been previously prepared for its reception; then two of the great iron stanchions or supports were set into their respective holes on each side of the beam, and a rope passed round them to keep it from slipping, until it could be more permanently fixed.

This having been accomplished, the first beam became the means of raising the second, and when the first and second were fastened at the top, they formed a pair of shears by which the rest were more easily raised to their places. The heads of the beams were then fitted together and secured with ropes in a temporary manner, until the falling of the tide would permit the operations to be resumed.

Thus the work went on, each man labouring with all his might, until this important erection was completed.

The raising of the first beams took place on a Sunday. Indeed, during the progress of the works at the Bell Rock, the men were accustomed to work regularly on Sundays when possible; but it is right to say that it was not done in defiance of, or disregard to, Gods command to cease from labour on the Sabbath day, but because of the urgent need of a lighthouse on a rock which, unlighted, would be certain to wreck numerous vessels and destroy many lives in time to come, as it had done in time past. Delay in this matter might cause death and disaster, therefore it was deemed right to carry on the work on Sundays. (See note 1.)

An accident happened during the raising of the last large beam of the beacon, which, although alarming, fortunately caused no damage. Considering the nature of the work, it is amazing, and greatly to the credit of all engaged, that so few accidents occurred during the building of the lighthouse.

When they were in the act of hoisting the sixth and last log, and just about to cant it into its place, the iron hook of the principal purchase-block gave way, and the great beam, measuring fifty feet in length, fell upon the rock with a terrible crash; but although there were fifty-two men around the beacon at the time, not one was touched, and the beam itself received no damage worth mentioning.

Soon after the beacon had been set up, and partially secured to the rock, a severe gale sprang up, as if Ocean were impatient to test the handiwork of human engineers. Gales set in from the eastward, compelling the attending sloops to slip from their moorings, and run for the shelter of Arbroath and St. Andrews, and raising a sea on the Bell Rock which was described as terrific, the spray rising more than thirty feet in the air above it.

In the midst of all this turmoil the beacon stood securely, and after the weather moderated, permitting the workmen once more to land, it was found that no damage had been done by the tremendous breaches of the sea over the rock.

That the power of the waves had indeed been very great, was evident from the effects observed on the rock itself, and on materials left there. Masses of rock upwards of a ton in weight had been cast up by the sea, and then, in their passage over the Bell Rock, had made deep and indelible ruts. An anchor of a ton weight, which had been lost on one side of the rock, was found to have been washed up and over it to the other side. Several large blocks of granite that had been landed and left on a ledge, were found to have been swept away like pebbles, and hurled into a hole at some distance; and the heavy hearth of the smiths forge, with the ponderous anvil, had been washed from their places of supposed security.

From the time of the setting up of the beacon a new era in the work began. Some of the men were now enabled to remain on the rock all day, working at the lighthouse when the tide was low, and betaking themselves to the beacon when it rose, and leaving it at night; for there was much to do before this beacon could be made the habitable abode which it finally became; but it required the strictest attention to the state of the weather, in case of their being overtaken with a gale, which might prevent the possibility of their being taken off the rock.

At last the beacon was so far advanced and secured that it was deemed capable of withstanding any gale that might blow. As yet it was a great ungainly pile of logs, iron stanchions, and bracing-chains, without anything that could afford shelter to man from winds or waves, but with a platform laid from its cross-beams at a considerable height above high-water mark.

The works on the rock were in this state, when two memorable circumstances occurred in the Bell Rock annals, to which we shall devote a separate chapter.

Note 1. It was always arranged, however, to have public worship on Sundays when practicable. And this arrangement was held to during the continuance of the work. Indeed, the manner in which Mr Stevenson writes in regard to the conclusion of the days work at the beacon, which we have described, shows clearly that he felt himself to be acting in this matter in accordance with the spirit of our Saviour, who wrought many of His works of mercy on the Sabbath day. Mr Stevenson writes thus:

All hands having returned to their respective ships, they got a shift of dry clothes, and some refreshment. Being Sunday, they were afterwards convened by signal on board of the lighthouse yacht, when prayers were read, for every heart upon this occasion felt gladness, and every mind was disposed to be thankful for the happy and successful termination of the operations of this day.

It is right to add that the men, although requested, were not constrained to work on Sundays. They were at liberty to decline if they chose. A few conscientiously refused at first, but were afterwards convinced of the necessity of working on all opportunities that offered, and agreed to do so.

Chapter Fifteen.

Ruby has a Rise in Life, and a Fall.

James Dove, the blacksmith, had, for some time past, been watching the advancing of the beacon-works with some interest, and a good deal of impatience. He was tired of working so constantly up to the knees in water, and aspired to a drier and more elevated workshop.

One morning he was told by the foreman that orders had been given for him to remove his forge to the beacon, and this removal, this flitting, as he called it, was the first of the memorable events referred to in the last chapter.

Hallo! Ruby, my boy, cried the elated son of Vulcan, as he descended the companion ladder, were goin to flit, lad. Were about to rise in the world, so get up your bellows. Its the last time we shall have to be bothered with them in the boat, I hope.

Thats well, said Ruby, shouldering the unwieldy bellows; they have worn my shoulders threadbare, and tried my patience almost beyond endurance.

Well, its all over now, lad, rejoined the smith. In future you shall have to blow up in the beacon yonder; so come along.

Come, Ruby, that ought to comfort the cockles o yer heart, said OConnor, who passed up the ladder as he spoke; the smith wont need to blow you up any more, av youre to blow yourself up in the beacon in futur. Arrah! theres the bell again. Sorrow wan o me iver gits to slape, but Im turned up immadiately to go an poke away at that rock  faix, its well named the Bell Rock, for it makes me like to bellow me lungs out wid vexation.

That pun is below contempt, said Joe Dumsby, who came up at the moment.

Thats yer sort, laddies; yere guid at ringing the changes on that head onyway, cried Watt.

I say, were gittin a belly-full of it, observed Forsyth, with a rueful look.

I hope nobodys goin to give us another!

Itll create a rebellion, said Bremner, if ye go on like that.

Itll bring my bellows down on the head o the next man that speaks! cried Ruby, with indignation.

Dont you hear the bell, there? cried the foreman down the hatchway.

There was a burst of laughter at this unconscious continuation of the joke, and the men sprang up the ladder,  down the side, and into the boats, which were soon racing towards the rock.

The day, though not sunny, was calm and agreeable, nevertheless the landing at the rock was not easily accomplished, owing to the swell caused by a recent gale. After one or two narrow escapes of a ducking, however, the crews landed, and the bellows, instead of being conveyed to their usual place at the forge, were laid at the foot of the beacon.

The carriage of these bellows to and fro almost daily had been a subject of great annoyance to the men, owing to their being so much in the way, and so unmanageably bulky, yet so essential to the progress of the works, that they did not dare to leave them on the rock, lest they should be washed away, and they had to handle them tenderly, lest they should get damaged.

Now, boys, lend a hand with the forge, cried the smith, hurrying towards his anvil.

Those who were not busy eating dulse responded to the call, and in a short time the ponderous matériel of the smithy was conveyed to the beacon, where, in process of time, it was hoisted by means of tackle to its place on the platform to which reference has already been made.

When it was safely set up and the bellows placed in position, Ruby went to the edge of the platform, and, looking down on his comrades below, took off his cap and shouted in the tone of a Stentor, Now, lads, three cheers for the Dovecot!

This was received with a roar of laughter and three tremendous cheers.

Howld on, boys, cried OConnor, stretching out his hand as if to command silence; youll scare the dove from his cot altogether av ye roar like that!

Surely theyre sendin us a fire to warm us, observed one of the men, pointing to a boat which had put off from the Smeaton, and was approaching the rock by way of Macurichs Track.

What cand be, I wonder? said Watt; I think I can smell somethin.

I halways thought you ad somethink of an old dog in you, said Dumsby.

Ay, man! said the Scot with a leer, I ken o war beasts than auld dowgs.

Do you? come lets ear wat they are, said the Englishman.

Young puppies, answered the other.

Hurrah! dinner, as Im a Dutchman, cried Forsyth.

This was indeed the case. Dinner had been cooked on board the Smeaton and sent hot to the men; and this,  the first dinner ever eaten on the Bell Rock,  was the second of the memorable events before referred to.

The boat soon ran into the creek and landed the baskets containing the food on Hopes Wharf.

The men at once made a rush at the viands, and bore them off exultingly to the flattest part of the rock they could find.

A regular picnic, cried Dumsby in high glee, for unusual events, of even a trifling kind, had the effect of elating those men more than one might have expected.

Heres the murphies, cried OConnor, staggering over the slippery weed with a large smoking tin dish.

Mind you dont let em fall, cried one.

Have a care, shouted the smith; if you drop them Ill beat you red-hot, and hammer ye so flat that the biggest flatterer as ever walked wont be able to spread ye out another half-inch.

Mutton! oh! exclaimed Forsyth, who had been some time trying to wrench the cover off the basket containing a roast leg, and at last succeeded.

Here, spread them all out on this rock. You hant forgot the grog, I hope, steward?

No fear of him: hes a good feller, is the steward, when hes asleep partiklerly. The grogs here all right.

Dinna let Dumsby git haud ot, then, cried Watt. What! hae ye begood aready?

Patience, man, patience. Is there ony saut?

Lots of it, darlin, in the say. Sure this shape must have lost his tail somehow. Och, murther! if there isnt Bobby Selkirk gone an tumbled into Port Hamilton wid the cabbage, av its not the carrots!

There now, dont talk so much, boys, cried Peter Logan. Lets drink success to the Bell Rock Lighthouse.

It need scarcely be said that this toast was drunk with enthusiasm, and that it was followed up with three times three.

Now for a song. Come, Joe Dumsby, strike up, cried one of the men.

OConnor, who was one of the most reckless of men in regard to duty and propriety, here shook his head gravely, and took upon himself to read his comrade a lesson.

Ye shouldnt talk o sitch things in workin hours, said he. Av we wos all foolish, waake-hidded cratures like you, how dye think wed iver git the lighthouse sot up! Ate yer dinner, lad, and howld yer tongue.

O Ned, I didnt think your jealousy would show out so strong, retorted his comrade. Now, then, Dumsby, fire away, if it was only to aggravate him.

Thus pressed, Joe Dumsby took a deep draught of the small-beer with which the men were supplied, and began a song of his own composition.

When the song was finished the meal was also concluded, and the men returned to their labours on the rock; some to continue their work with the picks at the hard stone of the foundation-pit, others to perform miscellaneous jobs about the rock, such as mixing the mortar and removing debris, while James Dove and his fast friend Ruby Brand mounted to their airy cot on the beacon, from which in a short time began to proceed the volumes of smoke and the clanging sounds that had formerly arisen from Smiths Ledge.

While they were all thus busily engaged, Ruby observed a boat advancing towards the rock from the floating light. He was blowing the bellows at the time, after a spell at the fore-hammer.

We seem to be favoured with unusual events to-day, Jamie, said he, wiping his forehead with the corner of his apron with one hand, while he worked the handle of the bellows with the other, yonder comes another boat; what can it be, think you?

Surely it cant be tea! said the smith with a smile, as he turned the end of a pickaxe in the fire, its too soon after dinner for that.

It looks like the boat of our friends the fishermen, Big Swankie and Davy Spink, said Ruby, shading his eyes with his hand, and gazing earnestly at the boat as it advanced towards them.

Friends! repeated the smith, rascally smugglers, both of them; theyre no friends of mine.

Well, I didnt mean bosom friends, replied Ruby, but after all, Davy Spink is not such a bad fellow, though I cant say that Im fond of his comrade.

The two men resumed their hammers at this point in the conversation, and became silent as long as the anvil sounded.

The boat had reached the rock when they ceased, and its occupants were seen to be in earnest conversation with Peter Logan.

There were only two men in the boat besides its owners, Swankie and Spink.

What can they want? said Dove, looking down on them as he turned to thrust the iron on which he was engaged into the fire.

As he spoke the foreman looked up.

Ho! Ruby Brand, he shouted, come down here; youre wanted.

Hallo! Ruby, exclaimed the smith, more friends o yours! Your acquaintance is extensive, lad, but theres no girl in the case this time.

Ruby made no reply, for an indefinable feeling of anxiety filled his breast as he threw down the fore-hammer and prepared to descend.

On reaching the rock he advanced towards the strangers, both of whom were stout, thickset men, with grave, stern countenances. One of them stepped forward and said, Your name is

Ruby Brand, said the youth promptly, at the same time somewhat proudly, for he knew that he was in the hands of the Philistines.

The man who first spoke hereupon drew a small instrument from his pocket, and tapping Ruby on the shoulder, said

I arrest you, Ruby Brand, in the name of the King.

The other man immediately stepped forward and produced a pair of handcuffs.

At sight of these Ruby sprang backward, and the blood rushed violently to his forehead, while his blue eyes glared with the ferocity of those of a tiger.

Come, lad, its of no use, you know, said the man, pausing; if you wont come quietly we must find ways and means to compel you.

Compel me! cried Ruby, drawing himself up with a look of defiance and a laugh of contempt, that caused the two men to shrink back in spite of themselves.

Ruby, said the foreman, gently, stepping forward and laying his hand on the youths shoulder, you had better go quietly, for theres no chance of escape from these fellows. I have no doubt its a mistake, and that youll come off with flyin colours, but its best to go quietly whatever turns up.

While Logan was speaking, Ruby dropped his head on his breast, the officer with the handcuffs advanced, and the youth held out his hands, while the flush of anger deepened into the crimson blush of shame.

It was at this point that Jamie Dove, wondering at the prolonged absence of his friend and assistant, looked down from the platform of the beacon, and beheld what was taking place.

The stentorian roar of amazement and rage that suddenly burst from him, attracted the attention of all the men on the rock, who dropped their tools and looked up in consternation, expecting, no doubt, to behold something terrible.

Their eyes at once followed those of the smith, and no sooner did they see Ruby being led in irons to the boat, which lay in Port Hamilton, close to Sir Ralph the Rovers Ledge, than they uttered a yell of execration, and rushed with one accord to the rescue.

The officers, who were just about to make their prisoner step into the boat, turned to face the foe,  one, who seemed to be the more courageous of the two, a little in advance of the other.

Ned OConnor, with that enthusiasm which seems to be inherent in Irish blood, rushed with such irresistible force against this man that he drove him violently back against his comrade, and sent them both head over heels into Port Hamilton.

Nay, with such momentum was this act performed, that Ned could hot help but follow them, falling on them both as they came to the surface and sinking them a second time, amid screams and yells of laughter.

OConnor was at once pulled out by his friends. The officers also were quickly landed.

I ax yer parding, gintlemen, said the former, with an expression of deep regret on his face, but the say-weed is so slippy on them rocks were almost for iver doin that sort o thing be the merest accident. But av yer as fond o
cowld wather as meself ye wont objec to it, although it do come raither onexpected.

The officers made no reply, but, collaring Ruby, pushed him into the boat.

Again the men made a rush, but Peter Logan stood between them and the boat.

Lads, said he, holding up his hand, its of no use resistin the law. These are Kings officers, and they are only doin their duty. Sure am I that Ruby Brand is guilty of no crime, so theyve only to enquire into it and set him free.

The men hesitated, but did not seem quite disposed to submit without another struggle.

Its a shame to let them take him, cried the smith.

So it is. I vote for a rescue, cried Joe Dumsby.

Hooray! so does I, cried OConnor, stripping off his waist-coat, and for once in his life agreeing with Joe.

Na, na, lads, cried John Watt, rolling up his sleeves, and baring his brawny arms as if about to engage in a fight, itll niver do to interfere wi the law; but what dye say to gie them anither dook?

Seeing that the men were about to act upon Watts suggestion, Ruby started up in the boat, and turning to his comrade, said: Boys, its very kind of you to be so anxious to save me but you cant

Faix, but we can, darlin, interrupted OConnor.

No, you cant, repeated Ruby firmly, because I wont let you. I dont think I need say to you that I am innocent, he added, with a look in which truth evidently shone forth like a sunbeam, but now that they have put these irons on me I will not consent that they shall be taken off except by the law which put them on.

While he was speaking the boat had been pushed off, and in a few seconds it was beyond the reach of the men.

Depend upon it, comrades, cried Ruby, as they pulled away, that I shall be back again to help you to finish the work on the Bell Rock.

So you will, lad, so you will, cried the foreman.

My blessin on ye, shouted OConnor. Ach! ye dirty villains, ye low-minded spalpeens, he added, shaking his fist at the officers of justice.

Dont be long away, Ruby, cried one.

Never say die, shouted another, earnestly.

Three cheers for Ruby Brand! exclaimed Forsyth, hip! hip! hip!—

The cheer was given with the most vociferous energy, and then the men stood in melancholy silence on Ralph the Rovers Ledge, watching the boat that bore their comrade to the shore.

Chapter Sixteen.

New Arrangements  The Captains Philosophy in Regard to Pipeology.

That night our hero was lodged in the common jail of Arbroath. Soon after, he was tried, and, as Captain Ogilvy had prophesied, was acquitted. Thereafter he went to reside for the winter with his mother, occupying the same room as his worthy uncle, as there was not another spare one in the cottage, and sleeping in a hammock, slung parallel with and close to that of the captain.

On the night following his release from prison, Ruby lay on his back in his hammock meditating intently on the future, and gazing at the ceiling, or rather at the place where he knew the ceiling to be, for it was a dark night, and there was no light in the room, the candle having just been extinguished.

We are not strictly correct, however, in saying that there was no light in the room, for there was a deep red glowing spot of fire near to Captain Ogilvys head, which flashed and grew dim at each alternate second of time. It was, in fact, the captains pipe, a luxury in which that worthy man indulged morning, noon, and night. He usually rested the bowl of the pipe on and a little over the edge of his hammock, and, lying on his back, passed the mouthpiece over the blankets into the corner of his mouth, where four of his teeth seemed to have agreed to form an exactly round hole suited to receive it. At each draw the fire in the bowl glowed so that the captains nose was faintly illuminated; in the intervals the nose disappeared.

The breaking or letting fall of this pipe was a common incident in the captains nocturnal history, but he had got used to it, from long habit, and regarded the event each time it occurred with the philosophic composure of one who sees and makes up his mind to endure an inevitable and unavoidable evil.

Ruby, said the captain, after the candle was extinguished.

Well, uncle?

Ive bin thinkin, lad,

Here the captain drew a few whiffs to prevent the pipe from going out, in which operation he evidently forgot himself and went on thinking, for he said nothing more.

Well, uncle, what have you been thinking?

Eh! ah, yes, Ive bin thinkin, lad (pull), that youll have to (puff) 
theres somethin wrong with the pipe to-night, it dont draw well (puff) 
youll have to do somethin or other in the town, for it wont do to leave the old woman, lad, in her delicate state o health. Had she turned in when you left the kitchen?

Oh yes, an hour or more.

An Blue Eyes,

The tender bit flower that waves in the breeze, And scatters its fragrance all over the seas. 

has she turned in too?

She was just going to when I left, replied Ruby; but what has that to do with the question?

I didnt say as it had anything to do with it, lad. Moreover, there aint no question between us as I knows on (puff); but what have you to say to stoppin
here all winter?

Impossible, said Ruby, with a sigh.

No so, lad; whats to hinder?  Ah! there she goes.

The pipe fell with a crash to the floor, and burst with a bright shower of sparks, like a little bombshell.

Thats the third, Ruby, since I turned in, said the captain, getting slowly over the side of his hammock, and alighting on the floor heavily. I wont git up again if it goes another time.

After knocking off the chimney-piece five or six articles which appeared to be made of tin from the noise they made in falling, the captain succeeded in getting hold of another pipe and the tinder-box, for in those days flint and steel were the implements generally used in procuring a light. With much trouble he re-lit the pipe.

Now, Ruby, lad, hold it till I tumble in.

But I cant see the stem, uncle.

What a speech for a seaman to make! Dont you see the fire in the bowl?

Yes, of course.

Well, just make a grab two inches astarn of the bowl and youll hook the stem.

The captain was looking earnestly into the bowl while he spoke, stuffing down the burning tobacco with the end of his little finger. Ruby, acting in rather too prompt obedience to the instructions, made a grab as directed, and caught his uncle by the nose.

A yell and an apology followed of course, in the midst of which the fourth pipe was demolished.

Oh! uncle, what a pity!

Ah! Ruby, that comes o inconsiderate youth, which philosophers tell us is the natral consequence of unavoidable necessity, for you cant put a young head on old shoulders, dye see?

From the tone in which this was said Ruby knew that the captain was shaking his head gravely, and from the noise of articles being kicked about and falling, he became aware that the unconquerable man was filling a fifth pipe.

This one was more successfully managed, and the captain once more got into his hammock, and began to enjoy himself.

Well, Ruby, where was I? O ay; whats to hinder you goin and gettin employed in the Bell Rock workyard? Theres plenty to do, and good wages there.

It may be as well to inform the reader here, that although the operations at the Bell Rock had come to an end for the season about the beginning of October, the work of hewing the stones for the lighthouse was carried on briskly during the winter at the workyard on shore; and as the tools, &c., required constant sharpening and mending, a blacksmith could not be dispensed with.

Do you think I can get in again? enquired Ruby.

No doubt of it, lad. But the question is, are ye willin to go if theyll take you?

Quite willing, uncle.

Good: then thats all square, an I knows how to lay my course  up anchor to-morrow mornin, crowd all sail, bear down on the workyard, bring-to off the countin-room, and open fire on the superintendent.

The captain paused at this point, and opened fire with his pipe for some minutes.

Now, he continued, theres another thing I want to ax you. Im goin
to-morrow afternoon to take a cruise along the cliffs to the eastard in the preventive boat, just to keep up my sea legs. Theyve got scent o some smugglin business thats goin on, an my friend Leftenant Lindsay has asked me to go. Now, Ruby, if you want a short cruise of an hour or so you may come with me.

Ruby smiled at the manner in which this offer was made, and replied: With pleasure, uncle.

So, then, thats settled too. Good night, nephy.

The captain turned on his side, and dropped the pipe on the floor, where it was shivered to atoms.

It must not be supposed that this was accidental.

It was done on purpose. Captain Ogilvy had found from experience that it was not possible to stretch out his arm to its full extent and lay the pipe on the chimney-piece, without waking himself up just at that critical moment when sleep was consenting to be wooed. He also found that on the average he broke one in every four pipes that he thus attempted to deposit. Being a philosophical and practical man, he came to the conclusion that it would be worth while to pay something for the comfort of being undisturbed at the minute of time that lay between the conclusion of smoking and the commencement of repose. He therefore got a sheet of foolscap and a pencil, and spent a whole forenoon in abstruse calculations. He ascertained the exact value of three hundred and sixty-five clay pipes. From this he deducted a fourth for breakage that would have certainly occurred in the old system of laying the pipes down every night, and which, therefore, he felt, in a confused sort of way, ought not to be charged in the estimates of a new system. Then he added a small sum to the result for probable extra breakages, such as had occurred that night, and found that the total was not too high a price for a man in his circumstances to pay for the blessing he wished to obtain.

From that night forward he deliberately dropped his pipe every night over the side of his hammock before going to sleep.

The captain, in commenting on this subject, was wont to observe that everything in life, no matter how small, afforded matter of thought to philosophical men.

He had himself found a pleasing subject of study each morning in the fact that some of the pipes survived the fall of the previous night. This led him to consider the nature of clay pipes in general, and to test them in various ways.

It is true he did not say that anything of importance resulted from his peculiar studies, but he argued that a true philosopher looks for facts, and leaves results alone. One discovery he undoubtedly did make, which was, that the pipes obtained from a certain maker in the town invariably broke, while those obtained from another maker broke only occasionally. Hence he came to the conclusion that one maker was an honest man, the other a doubtful character, and wisely bestowed his custom in accordance with that opinion.

About one minute after the falling of the pipe Ruby Brand fell asleep, and about two minutes after that Captain Ogilvy began to snore, both of which conditions were maintained respectively and uninterruptedly until the birds began to whistle and the sun began to shine.

Chapter Seventeen.

A Meeting with Old Friends, and an Excursion.

Next morning the captain and his nephew bore down, as the former expressed it, on the workyard, and Ruby was readily accepted, his good qualities having already been well tested at the Bell Rock.

Now, boy, well go and see about the little preventive craft, said the captain on quitting the office.

But first, said Ruby, let me go and tell my old comrade Dove that I am to be with him again.

There was no need to enquire the way to the forge, the sound of the anvil being distinctly heard above all the other sounds of that busy spot.

The workyard at Arbroath, where the stones for the lighthouse were collected and hewn into shape before being sent off to the rock, was an enclosed piece of ground, extending to about three-quarters of an acre, conveniently situated on the northern side of the Lady Lane, or Street, leading from the western side of the harbour.

Here were built a row of barracks for the workmen, and several apartments connected with the engineers office, mould-makers department, stores, workshops for smiths and joiners, stables, &c., extending 150 feet along the north side of the yard. All of these were fully occupied, there being upwards of forty men employed permanently.

Sheds of timber were also constructed to protect the workmen in wet weather; and a kiln was built for burning lime. In the centre of the yard stood a circular platform of masonry on which the stones were placed when dressed, so that each stone was tested and marked, and each course or layer of the lighthouse fitted up and tried, before being shipped to the rock.

The platform measured 44 feet in diameter. It was founded with large broad stones at a depth of about 2 feet 6 inches, and built to within 10 inches of the surface with rubble work, on which a course of neatly dressed and well-jointed masonry was laid, of the red sandstone from the quarries to the eastward of Arbroath, which brought the platform on a level with the surface of the ground.

Here the dressed part of the first entire course, or layer, of the lighthouse was lying, and the platform was so substantially built as to be capable of supporting any number of courses which it might be found convenient to lay upon it in the further progress of the work.

Passing this platform, the captain and Ruby threaded their way through a mass of workyard debris until they came to the building from which the sounds of the anvil proceeded. For a few minutes they stood looking at our old friend Jamie Dove, who, with bared arms, was causing the sparks to fly, and the glowing metal to yield, as vigorously as of old. Presently he ceased hammering, and turning to the fire thrust the metal into it. Then he wiped his brow, and glanced towards the door.

What! eh! Ruby Brand? he shouted in surprise.

Och! or his ghost! cried Ned OConnor, who had been appointed to Rubys vacant situation.

A pretty solid ghost youll find me, said Ruby with a laugh, as he stepped forward and seized the smith by the hand.

Musha! but its thrue, cried OConnor, quitting the bellows, and seizing Rubys disengaged hand, which he shook almost as vehemently as the smith did the other.

Now, then, dont dislocate him altogether, cried the captain, who was much delighted with this warm reception; hes goin to jine you, boys, so have mercy on his old timbers.

Jine us! cried the smith.

Ay, been appointed to the old berth, said Ruby, so Ill have to unship you, Ned.

The sooner the better; faix, I niver had much notion o this fiery style o
life; its only fit for sallymanders and bottle-imps. But when dye begin work, lad?

To-morrow, I believe. At least, I was told to call at the office to-morrow.

To-day I have an engagement.

Ay, an its time we was under weigh, said Captain Ogilvy, taking his nephew by the arm. Come along, lad, an dont keep them waiting.

So saying they bade the smith goodbye, and, leaving the forge, walked smartly towards that part of the harbour where the boats lay.

Ruby, said the captain, as they went along, its lucky its such a fine day, for Minnie is going with us.

Ruby said nothing, but the deep flush of pleasure that overspread his countenance proved that he was not indifferent to the news.

You see shes bin out of sorts, continued the captain, for some time back; and no wonder, poor thing, seein that your mother has been so anxious about you, and required more than usual care, so Ive prevailed on the leftenant to let her go. Shell get good by our afternoons sail, and we wont be the worse of her company. What say ye to that, nephy?

Ruby said that he was glad to hear it, but he thought a great deal more than he said, and among other things he thought that the lieutenant might perhaps be rather in the way; but as his presence was unavoidable he made up his mind to try to believe that he, the lieutenant, would in all probability be an engaged man already. As to the possibility of his seeing Minnie and being indifferent to her (in the event of his being a free man), he felt that such an idea was preposterous! Suddenly a thought flashed across him and induced a question

Is the lieutenant married, uncle?

Not as I know of, lad; why dye ask?

Because  because  married men are so much pleasanter than

Ruby stopped short, for he just then remembered that his uncle was a bachelor.

Pon my word, youngster! go on, why dye stop in your purlite remark?

Because, said Ruby, laughing, I meant to say that young married men were so much more agreeable than young bachelors.

Humph! ejaculated the captain, who did not see much force in the observation, and how dye know the leftenants a young man? I didnt say he was young; mayhap hes old. But here he is, so youll judge for yourself.

At the moment a tall, deeply-bronzed man of about thirty years of age walked up and greeted Captain Ogilvy familiarly as his buck, enquiring, at the same time, how his old timbers were, and where the bit of baggage was.

Shes to be at the end o the pier in five minutes, said the captain, drawing out and consulting a watch that was large enough to have been mistaken for a small eight-day clock. This is my nephy, Ruby. Ruby Brand  Leftenant Lindsay.

True blues, both of ye

When shall we three meet again?

Where the stormy winds do blow, do blow, do blow, And the thunder, lightenin, and the rain, Riots up above, and also down below, below, below.

Ah! here comes the pretty little craft.

Minnie appeared as he spoke, and walked towards them with a modest, yet decided air that was positively bewitching.

She was dressed in homely garments, but that served to enhance the beauty of her figure, and she had on the plainest of little bonnets, but that only tended to make her face more lovely. Ruby thought it was perfection. He glanced at Lieutenant Lindsay, and perceiving that he thought so too (as how could he think otherwise?) a pang of jealousy shot into his breast. But it passed away when the lieutenant, after politely assisting Minnie into the boat, sat down beside the captain and began to talk earnestly to him, leaving Minnie entirely to her lover. We may remark here, that the title of leftenant, bestowed on Lindsay by the captain was entirely complimentary.

The crew of the boat rowed out of the harbour, and the lieutenant steered eastward, towards the cliffs that have been mentioned in an earlier part of our tale.

The day turned out to be one of those magnificent and exceptional days which appear to have been cut out of summer and interpolated into autumn. It was bright, warm, and calm, so calm that the boats sail was useless, and the crew had to row; but this was, in Minnies estimation, no disadvantage, for it gave her time to see the caves and picturesque inlets which abound all along that rocky coast. It also gave her time to  but no matter.

O how very much I should like to have a little boat, said Minnie, with enthusiasm, and spend a long day rowing in and out among these wild rocks, and exploring the caves! Wouldnt it be delightful, Ruby?

Ruby admitted that it would, and added, You shall have such a day, Minnie, if we live long.

Have you ever been in the Forbidden Cave? enquired Minnie.

Ill warrant you he has, cried the captain, who overheard the question; you may be sure that wherever Ruby is forbidden to go, there hell be sure to go!

Ay, is he so self-willed? asked the lieutenant, with a smile, and a glance at Minnie.

A mule; a positive mule, said the captain.

Come, uncle, you know that I dont deserve such a character, and its too bad to give it to me to-day. Did I not agree to come on this excursion at once, when you asked me?

Ay, but you wouldnt if I had ordered you, returned the captain.

I rather think he would, observed the lieutenant, with another smile, and another glance at Minnie.

Both smiles and glances were observed and noticed by Ruby, whose heart felt another pang shoot through it; but this, like the former, subsided when the lieutenant again addressed the captain, and devoted himself to him so exclusively, that Ruby began to feel a touch of indignation at his want of appreciation of such a girl as Minnie.

Hes a stupid ass, thought Ruby to himself, and then, turning to Minnie, directed her attention to a curious natural arch on the cliffs, and sought to forget all the rest of the world.

In this effort he was successful, and had gradually worked himself into the firm belief that the world was paradise, and that he and Minnie were its sole occupants  a second edition, as it were, of Adam and Eve  when the lieutenant rudely dispelled the sweet dream by saying sharply to the man at the bow-oar

Is that the boat, Baker? You ought to know it pretty well.

I think it is, sir, answered the man, resting on his oar a moment, and glancing over his shoulder; but I cant be sure at this distance.

Well, pull easy, said the lieutenant; you see, it wont do to scare them, Captain Ogilvy, and theyll think were a pleasure party when they see a woman in the boat.

Ruby thought they would not be far wrong in supposing them a pleasure party. He objected, mentally, however, to Minnie being styled a woman  not that he would have had her called a man, but he thought that girl would have been more suitable  angel, perhaps, the most appropriate term of all.

Come, captain, I think I will join you in a pipe, said the lieutenant, pulling out a tin case, in which he kept the blackest of little cutty pipes. In days of old our ancestors loved to fight  now we degenerate souls love to smoke the pipe of peace.

I did not know that your ancestors were enemies, said Minnie to the captain.

Enemies, lass! ay, that they were. What! have ye never heard tell o the great fight between the Ogilvys and Lindsays?

Never, said Minnie.

Then, my girl, your education has been neglected, but Ill do what I can to remedy that defect.

Here the captain rekindled his pipe (which was in the habit of going out, and requiring to be relighted), and, clearing his throat with the emphasis of one who is about to communicate something of importance, held forth as follows.

Chapter Eighteen.

The Battle of Arbroath, and Other Warlike Matters.

It was in the year 1445  thats not far short o four hundred years ago  ah!

tempus fugit, which is a Latin quotation, my girl, from Horace Walpole, I believe, an signifies time and tide waits for no man; thats what they calls a free translation, you must know; well, it was in the winter o 1445 that a certain Alexander Ogilvy of Inverquharity, was chosen to act as Chief Justiciar in these parts  I suppose that means a kind of upper bailiff, a sort o
bosns mate, to compare great things with small. He was set up in place of one o the Lindsay family, who, it seems, was rather extravagant, though whether his extravagance lay in wearin a beard (for he was called Earl Beardie), or in spendin too much cash, I cant take upon me for to say. Anyhow, Beardie refused to haul down his colours, so the Ogilvys mustered their men and friends, and the Lindsays did the same, and they went at it, hammer and tongs, and fowt what ye may call the Battle of Arbroath, for it was close to the old town where they fell to.

It was a most bloody affair. The two families were connected with many o the richest and greatest people in the land, and these went to lend a hand when they beat to quarters, and there was no end o barbed horses, as they call them 
which means critters with steel spikes in their noses, Im told  and lots of embroidered banners and flags, though I never heard that anyone hoisted the Union Jack; but, however that may be, they fowt like bluejackets, for five hundred men were left dead on the field, an among them a lot o the great folk.

But Im sorry to say that the Ogilvys were licked, though I say it that shouldnt, continued the captain, with a sigh, as he relighted his pipe.

Howsever,

Never ventur, never win,

Blaze away an dont give in,

as Milton remarks in his preface to the Pilgrims Progress.

True, captain, said the lieutenant, and you know that he who fights and runs away, shall live to fight another day.

Leftenant, said the captain gravely, your quotation, besides bein a kind o
desecration, is not applicable; cause the Ogilvys did not run away. They fowt on that occasion like born imps, an they would ha certainly won the day, if they hadnt been, every man jack of em, cut to pieces before the battle was finished.

Well said, uncle, exclaimed Ruby, with a laugh. No doubt the Ogilvys would lick the Lindsays now if they had a chance.

I believe they would, said the lieutenant, for they have become a race of heroes since the great day of the Battle of Arbroath. No doubt, Miss Gray,
continued the lieutenant, turning to Minnie with an arch smile, no doubt you have heard of that more recent event, the threatened attack on Arbroath by the French fire-eater, Captain Fall, and the heroic part played on that occasion by an Ogilvy  an uncle, I am told, of my good friend here?

I have heard of Captain Fall, of course, replied Minnie, for it was not many years before I was born that his visit took place, and Mrs Brand has often told me of the consternation into which the town was thrown by his doings; but I never heard of the deeds of the Ogilvy to whom you refer.

No? Now, that is surprising! How comes it, captain, that you have kept so silent on this subject?

Cause it aint true, replied the captain stoutly, yet with a peculiar curl about the corners of his mouth, that implied something in the mind beyond what he expressed with the lips.

Ah! I see  modesty, said Lindsay. Your uncle is innately modest, Miss Gray, and never speaks of anything that bears the slightest resemblance to boasting.

See, the grave solemnity with which he smokes while I say this proves the truth of my assertion. Well, since he has never told you, I will tell yell myself. You have no objection, captain?

The captain sent a volume of smoke from his lips, and followed it up with Fire away, shipmet.

The lieutenant, having drawn a few whiffs in order to ensure the continued combustion of his pipe, related the following anecdote, which is now matter of history, as anyone may find by consulting the archives of Arbroath.

In the year 1781, on a fine evening of the month of May, the seamen of Arbroath who chanced to be loitering about the harbour observed a strange vessel manoeuvring in the offing. They watched and commented on the motions of the stranger with considerable interest, for the wary skill displayed by her commander proved that he was unacquainted with the navigation of the coast, and from the cut of her jib they knew that the craft was a foreigner. After a time she took up a position, and cast anchor in the bay, directly opposite the town.

At that time we were, as we still are, and as it really appears likely to me we ever shall be, at war with France; but as the scene of the war was far removed from Arbroath, it never occurred to the good people that the smell of powder could reach their peaceful town. That idea was somewhat rudely forced upon them when the French flag was run up to the mizzentop, and a white puff of smoke burst from the vessel, which was followed by a shot, that went hissing over their heads, and plumped right into the middle of the town!

That shot knocked over fifteen chimney-pots and two weathercocks in Market-gate, went slap through a house in the suburbs, and finally stuck in the carcass of an old horse belonging to the Provost of the town, which didnt survive the shock  the horse, I mean, not the Provost.

It is said that there was an old gentleman lying in bed in a room of the house that the shot went through. He was a sort of hipped character, and believed that he could not walk, if he were to try ever so much. He was looking quietly at the face of a great Dutch clock when the shot entered and knocked the clock inside out, sending its contents in a shower over the old gentleman, who jumped up and rushed out of the house like a maniac! He was cured completely from that hour. At least, so its said, but I dont vouch for the truth of the story.

However, certain it is that the shot was fired, and was followed up by two or three more; after which the Frenchman ceased firing, and a boat was seen to quit the side of the craft, bearing a flag of truce.

The consternation into which the town was thrown is said to have been tremendous.

Thats false, interrupted the captain, removing his pipe while he spoke. The word aint appropriate. The men of Arbroath doesnt know nothin about no such word as consternation. They was surprised, if ye choose, an powerfully enraged mayhap, but they wasnt consternated by no means.

Well, I dont insist on the point, said the lieutenant, but chroniclers write so

Chroniclers write lies sometimes, interrupted the captain curtly.

Perhaps they do; but you will admit, I dare say, that the women and children were thrown into a great state of alarm.

Im not so sure of that, interposed Ruby. In a town where the men were so bold, the women and children would be apt to feel very much at their ease. At all events, I am acquainted with some women who are not easily frightened.

Really, I think it is not fair to interrupt the story in this way, said Minnie, with a laugh.

Right, lass, right, said the captain. Come, leftenant, spin away at yer yarn, and dont ventur too much commentary thereon, cause its apt to lead to error, an ye know, as the poet says

Errors in the heart breed errors in the brain, An these are apt to twist ye wrong again.

Im not xactly sure o the precise words in this case, but thats the sentiment, and everybody knows that sentiment is everything in poetry, whether ye understand it or not. Fire away, leftenant, an dont be long-winded if ye can help it.

Well, to return to the point, resumed Lindsay. The town was certainly thrown into a tremendous state of some sort, for the people had no arms of any kind wherewith to defend themselves. There were no regular soldiers, no militia, and no volunteers. Everybody ran wildly about in every direction, not knowing what to do. There was no leader, and, in short, the town was very like a shoal of small fish in a pool when a boy wades in and makes a dash amongst them.

At last a little order was restored by the Provost, who was a sensible old man, and an old soldier to boot, but too infirm to take as active a part in such an emergency as he would have done had he been a dozen years younger. He, with several of the principal men of the town, went down to the beach to receive the bearers of the flag of truce.

The boat was manned by a crew of five or six seamen, armed with cutlasses and arquebusses. As soon as its keel grated on the sand a smart little officer leaped ashore, and presented to the Provost a letter from Captain Fall, which ran somewhat in this fashion:

At Sea, May twenty-third

Gentlemen,  I send these two words to inform you, that I will have you to bring-to the French colour in less than a quarter of an hour, or I set the town on fire directly. Such is the order of my master, the King of France, I am sent by. Send directly the Mair and chiefs of the town to make some agreement with me, or Ill make my duty. It is the will of yours, G. Fall.

To Monsieur Mair of the town called Arbrought, or in his absence to the chief man after him in Scotland.

On reading this the Provost bowed respectfully to the officer, and begged of him to wait a few minutes while he should consult with his chief men. This was agreed to, and the Provost said to his friends, as he walked to a neighbouring house

Ye see, freens, this whipper-snapper o a tade-eater has gotten the whup hand o us; but well be upsides wi him. The main thing is to get delay, so cut away, Tam Cargill, and tak horse to Montrose for the sodgers. Spare na the spur, lad, an gar them to understan that the case is urgent.

While Tam Cargill started away on his mission, the Provost, whose chief aim was to gain time and cause delay, penned an epistle to the Frenchman, in which he stated that he had neglected to name the terms on which he would consent to spare the town, and that he would consider it extremely obliging if he would, as speedily as possible, return an answer, stating them, in order that they might be laid before the chief men of the place.

When the Provost, who was a grave, dignified old man, with a strong dash of humour in him, handed this note to the French officer, he did so with a humble obeisance that appeared to afford much gratification to the little man. As the latter jumped into the boat and ordered the men to push off, the Provost turned slowly to his brother magistrates with a wink and a quiet smile that convulsed them with suppressed laughter, and did more to encourage any of the wavering or timid inhabitants than if he had harangued them heroically for an hour.

Some time after the boat returned with a reply, which ran thus:

At Sea, eight oclock in the Afternoon.

Gentlemen,  I received just now your answer, by which you say I ask no terms.

I thought it was useless, since I asked you to come aboard for agreement. But here are my terms: I will have Ł30,000 sterling at least, and six of the chiefs men of the town for otage. Be speedy, or I shot your town away directly, and I set fire to it. I am, gentlemen, your servant, G. Fall.

I sent some of my crew to you, but if some harm happens to them, youll be sure well hang up the mainyard all the prisoners we have aboard.

To Monsieurs the chiefs men of Arbrought in Scotland.

Im not quite certain, continued the lieutenant, what were the exact words of the Provosts reply to this letter, but they conveyed a distinct and contemptuous refusal to accede to any terms, and, I believe, invited Fall to come ashore, where, if he did not get precisely what he had asked, he would be certain to receive a great deal more than he wanted.

The enraged and disappointed Frenchman at once began a heavy fire upon the town, and continued it for a long time, but fortunately it did little or no harm, as the town lay in a somewhat low position, and Falls guns being too much elevated, the shot passed over it.

Next day another letter was sent to the Provost by some fishermen, who were captured while fishing off the Bell Rock. This letter was as tremendous as the two former. I can give it to you, word for word, from memory.

At Sea, May 24th.

Gentlemen,  See whether you will come to some terms with me, or I come in presently with my cutter into the arbour, and I will cast down the town all over. Make haste, because I have no time to spare. I give you a quarter of an hour to your decision, and after Ill make my duty. I think it would be better for you, gentlemen, to come some of you aboard presently, to settle the affairs of your town. Youll sure no to be hurt. I give you my parole of honour. I am your,

G. Fall.

When the Provost received this he looked round and said, Now, gentlemen all, well hae to fight. Send me Ogilvy.

Here I am, Provost, cried a stout, active young fellow; something like what the captain must have been when he was young, I should think!

Ahem! coughed the captain.

Well, continued Lindsay, the Provost said, Now, Ogilvy, youre a smart cheel, an ken aboot war and strategy and the like: I charge ye to organise the men o the toon without delay, and tak what steps ye think adveesable.

Meanwhile, Ill away and ripe oot a the airms and guns I can find. Haste ye, lad, an mak as muckle noise aboot it as ye can.

Trust me, said Ogilvy, who appeared to have been one of those men who regard a fight as a piece of good fun.

Turning to the multitude, who had heard the commission given, and were ready for anything, he shouted, Now, boys, ye heard the Provost. I need not ask if you are all ready to fight

A deafening cheer interrupted the speaker, who, when it ceased, proceeded

Well, then, Ive but one piece of advice to give ye: Obey orders at once. When I tell ye to halt, stop dead like lampposts; when I say, Charge! go at them like wild cats, and drive the Frenchmen into the sea! Hurrah! yelled the crowd, for they were wild with excitement and rage, and only wanted a leader to organise them and make them formidable. When the cheer ceased, Ogilvy cried, Now, then, every man who knows how to beat a kettledrum and blow a trumpet come here.

About twenty men answered to the summons, and to these Ogilvy said aloud, in order that all might hear, Go, get you all the trumpets, drums, horns, bugles, and trombones in the town; beat the drums till they split, and blow the bugles till they burst, and dont give in till ye cant go on. The rest of you, he added, turning to the crowd, go, get arms, guns, swords, pistols, scythes, pitchforks, pokers  any thing, everything  and meet me at the head of Market-gate  away!

No king of necromancers ever dispersed his legions more rapidly than did Ogilvy on that occasion. They gave one final cheer, and scattered like chaff before the wind, leaving their commander alone, with a select few, whom he kept by him as a sort of staff to consult with and despatch with orders.

The noise that instantly ensued in the town was something pandemoniacal. Only three drums were found, but tin kettles and pans were not wanting, and these, superintended by Hugh Barr, the town drummer, did great execution. Three key-bugles, an old French horn, and a tin trumpet of a mail-coach guard, were sounded at intervals in every quarter of the town, while the men were marshalled, and made to march hither and thither in detached bodies, as if all were busily engaged in making preparations for a formidable defence.

In one somewhat elevated position a number of men were set to work with spades, picks, and shovels, to throw up an earthwork. When it had assumed sufficiently large dimensions to attract the attention of the French, a body of men, with blue jackets, and caps with bits of red flannel hanging down the sides, were marched up behind it at the double, and posted there.

Meanwhile Ogilvy had prepared a dummy field piece, by dismounting a cart from its wheels and fixing on the axle a great old wooden pump, not unlike a big gun in shape; another cart was attached to this to represent a limber; four horses were harnessed to the affair; two men mounted these, and, amid a tremendous flourish of trumpets and beating of drums, the artillery went crashing along the streets and up the eminence crowned by the earthwork, where they wheeled the gun into position.

The artillerymen sprang at the old pump like true Britons, and began to sponge it out as if they had been bred to gunnery from childhood, while the limber was detached and galloped to the rear. In this operation the cart was smashed to pieces, and the two hindmost horses were thrown; but this mattered little, as they had got round a corner, and the French did not see it.

Fall and his brave men seem to have been upset altogether by these warlike demonstrations, for the moment the big gun made its appearance the sails were shaken loose, and the French privateer sheered off; capturing as he left the bay, however, several small vessels, which he carried off as prizes to France.

And so, concluded the lieutenant, Captain Fall sailed away, and never was heard of more.

Well told; well told, leftenant, cried the captain, whose eyes sparkled at the concluding account of the defensive operations, and true every word of it.

Thats good testimony to my truthfulness, then, said Lindsay, laughing, for you were there yourself!

There yourself, uncle? repeated Minnie, with a glance of surprise that quickly changed into a look of intelligence, as she exclaimed, with a merry laugh, Ah!

I see. It was you, uncle, who did it all; who commanded on that occasion

My child, said the captain, resuming his pipe with an expression of mild reproof on his countenance, dont go for to pry too deep into things o the past. I may have been a fire-eater once  I may have been a gay young feller as could; but no matter. Avast musin! As Lord Bacon says

The light of other days is faded,

An all their glorys past;

My boots no longer look as they did,

But, like my coat, are goin fast.

But I say, leftenant, how long do you mean to keep pullin about here, without an enemy, or, as far as I can see, an object in view? Dont you think we might land, and let Minnie see some of the caves?

With all my heart, captain, and here is a convenient bay to run the boat ashore.

As he spoke the boat shot past one of those bold promontories of red sandstone which project along that coast in wild picturesque forms, terminating in some instances in detached headlands, elsewhere in natural arches. The cliffs were so close to the boat that they could have been touched by the oars, while the rocks, rising to a considerable height, almost overhung them. Just beyond this a beautiful bay opened up to view, with a narrow strip of yellow shingle round the base of the cliffs, which here lost for a short distance their rugged character, though not their height, and were covered with herbage. A zigzag path led to the top, and the whole neighbourhood was full of ocean-worn coves and gullies, some of them dry, and many filled with water, while others were filled at high tide, and left empty when the tides fell.

O how beautiful! and what a place for smugglers! was Minnies enthusiastic exclamation on first catching sight of the bay.

The smugglers and you would appear to be of one mind, said Ruby, for they are particularly fond of this place.

So fond of it, said the lieutenant, that I mean to wait for them here in anticipation of a moonlight visit this night, if my fair passenger will consent to wander in such wild places at such late hours, guarded from the night air by my boat-cloak, and assured of the protection of my stout boatmen in case of any danger, although there is little prospect of our meeting with any greater danger than a breeze or a shower of rain.

Minnie said that she would like nothing better; that she did not mind the night air; and, as to danger from men, she felt that she should be well cared for in present circumstances.

As she uttered the last words she naturally glanced at Ruby, for Minnie was of a dependent and trusting nature; but as Ruby happened to be regarding her intently, though quite accidentally, at the moment, she dropped her eyes and blushed.

It is wonderful the power of a little glance at times. The glance referred to made Ruby perfectly happy. It conveyed to him the assurance that Minnie regarded the protection of the entire boats crew, including the lieutenant, as quite unnecessary, and that she deemed his single arm all that she required or wanted.

The sun was just dipping behind the tall cliffs, and his parting rays were kissing the top of Minnies head as if they positively could not help it, and had recklessly made up their mind to do it, come what might!

Ruby looked at the golden light kissing the golden hair, and he felt

Oh! you know, reader; if you have ever been in similar circumstances, you understand what he felt; if you have not, no words from me, or from any other man, can ever convey to you the most distant idea of what Ruby felt on that occasion!

On reaching the shore they all went up to the green banks at the foot of the cliffs, and turned round to watch the men as they pulled the boat to a convenient point for re-embarking at a moments notice.

You see, said the lieutenant, pursuing a conversation which he had been holding with the captain, I have been told that Big Swankie, and his mate Davy Spink (who, it seems, is not over-friendly with him just now), mean to visit one of the luggers which is expected to come in to-night, before the moon rises, and bring off some kegs of Auchmithie water, which, no doubt, they will try to hide in Dickmonts Den. I shall lie snugly here on the watch, and hope to nab them before they reach that celebrated old smugglers abode.

Well, Ill stay about here, said the captain, and show Minnie the caves. I would like to have taken her to see the Gaylet Pot, which is one o the queerest hereabouts; but Im too old for such rough work now.

But I am not too old for it, interposed Ruby, so if Minnie would like to go

But I wont desert you, uncle, said Minnie hastily.

Nay, lass, call it not desertion. I can smoke my pipe here, an contemplate.

Im fond of contemplation

By the starry light of the summer night, On the banks of the blue Moselle,

though, for the matter o that, moonlightll do, if theres no stars. I think its good for the mind, Minnie, and keeps all taut. Contemplation is just like takin an extra pull on the lee braces. So you may go with Ruby, lass.

Thus advised, and being further urged by Ruby himself, and being moreover exceedingly anxious to see this cave, Minnie consented; so the two set off together, and, climbing to the summit of the cliffs, followed the narrow footpath that runs close to their giddy edge all along the coast.

In less than half an hour they reached the Giel or Gaylet Pot.

Chapter Nineteen.

An Adventure  Secrets Revealed, and a Prize.

The Giel or Gaylet Pot, down into which Ruby, with great care and circumspection, led Minnie, is one of the most curious of Natures freaks among the cliffs of Arbroath.

In some places there is a small scrap of pebbly beach at the base of those perpendicular cliffs; in most places there is none  the cliffs presenting to the sea almost a dead wall, where neither ship nor boat could find refuge from the storm.

The country, inland, however, does not partake of the rugged nature of the cliffs. It slopes gradually towards them  so gradually that it may be termed flat, and if a stranger were to walk towards the sea over the fields in a dark night, the first intimation he would receive of his dangerous position would be when his foot descended into the terrible abyss that would receive his shattered frame a hundred feet below.

In one of the fields there is a hole about a hundred yards across, and as deep as the cliffs in that part are high. It is about fifty or eighty yards from the edge of the cliffs, and resembles an old quarry; but it is cut so sharply out of the flat field that it shows no sign of its existence until the traveller is close upon it. The rocky sides, too, are so steep, that at first sight it seems as if no man could descend into it. But the most peculiar point about this hole is, that at the foot of it there is the opening of a cavern, through which the sea rolls into the hole, and breaks in wavelets on a miniature shore. The sea has forced its way inland and underground until it has burst into the bottom of this hole, which is not inaptly compared to a pot with water boiling at the bottom of it. When a spectator looks into the cave, standing at the bottom of the Pot, he sees the seaward opening at the other end  a bright spot of light in the dark interior.

You wont get nervous, Minnie? said Ruby, pausing when about halfway down the steep declivity, where the track, or rather the place of descent, became still more steep and difficult; a slip here would be dangerous.

I have no fear, Ruby, as long as you keep by me.

In a few minutes they reached the bottom, and, looking up, the sky appeared above them like a blue circular ceiling, with the edges of the Gaylet Pot sharply defined against it.

Proceeding over a mass of fallen rock, they reached the pebbly strand at the caves inner mouth.

I can see the interior now, as my eyes become accustomed to the dim light,
said Minnie, gazing up wistfully into the vaulted roof, where the edges of projecting rocks seemed to peer out of darkness. Surely this must be a place for smugglers to come to!

They dont often come here. The place is not so suitable as many of the other caves are.

From the low, subdued tones in which they both spoke, it was evident that the place inspired them with feelings of awe.

Come, Minnie, said Ruby, at length, in a more cheerful tone, let us go into this cave and explore it.

But the water may be deep, objected Minnie; besides, I do not like to wade, even though it be shallow.

Nay, sweet one; do you think I would ask you to wet your pretty feet? There is very little wading required. See, I have only to raise you in my arms and take two steps into the water, and a third step to the left round that projecting rock, where I can set you down on another beach inside the cave. Your eyes will soon get used to the subdued light, and then you will see things much more clearly than you would think it possible viewed from this point.

Minnie did not require much pressing. She had perfect confidence in her lover, and was naturally fearless in disposition, so she was soon placed on the subterranean beach of the Gaylet Cave, and for some time wandered about in the dimly-lighted place, leaning on Rubys arm.

Gradually their eyes became accustomed to the place, and then its mysterious beauty and wildness began to have full effect on their minds, inducing them to remain for a long time, silent, as they sat side by side on a piece of fallen rock.

They sat looking in the direction of the seaward entrance to the cavern, where the light glowed brightly on the rocks, gradually losing its brilliancy as it penetrated the cave, until it became quite dim in the centre. No part of the main cave was quite dark, but the offshoot, in which the lovers sat, was almost dark. To anyone viewing it from the outer cave it would have appeared completely so.

Is that a sea-gull at the outlet? enquired Minnie, after a long pause.

Ruby looked intently for a moment in the direction indicated.

Minnie, he said quickly, and in a tone of surprise, that is a large gull, if it be one at all, and uses oars instead of wings. Who can it be? Smugglers never come here that I am aware of, and Lindsay is not a likely man to waste his time in pulling about when he has other work to do.

Perhaps it may be some fishermen from Auchmithie, suggested Minnie, who are fond of exploring, like you and me.

Mayhap it is, but we shall soon see, for here they come. We must keep out of sight, my girl.

Ruby rose and led Minnie into the recesses of the cavern, where they were speedily shrouded in profound darkness, and could not be seen by anyone, although they themselves could observe all that occurred in the space in front of them.

The boat, which had entered the cavern by its seaward mouth, was a small one, manned by two fishermen, who were silent as they rowed under the arched roof; but it was evident that their silence did not proceed from caution, for they made no effort to prevent or check the noise of the oars.

In a few seconds the keel grated on the pebbles, and one of the men leaped out.

Noo, Davy, he said, in a voice that sounded deep and hollow under that vaulted roof, oot wi the kegs. Haste ye, man.

Tis Big Swankie, whispered Ruby.

Theres nae hurry, objected the other fisherman, who, we need scarcely inform the reader, was our friend, Davy Spink.

Nae hurry! repeated his comrade angrily. Thats aye yer cry. Half o oor ventures hae failed because ye object to hurry.

Hoot, man! thats enough ot, said Spink, in the nettled tone of a man who has been a good deal worried. Indeed, the tones of both showed that these few sentences were but the continuation of a quarrel which had begun elsewhere.

Its plain to me that we must pairt, freen, said Swankie in a dogged manner, as he lifted a keg out of the boat and placed it on the ground.

Ay, exclaimed Spink, with something of a sneer, an dye think Ill pairt without a diveesion o the siller tea-pats and things that ye daurna sell for fear o bein fund out?

I wonder ye dinna claim half o the jewels and things as weel, retorted Swankie; ye hae mair right to them, seein ye had a hand in findin them.

Me a hand in findin them, exclaimed Spink, with sudden indignation. Was it me that fand the deed body o the auld man on the Bell Rock? Na, na, freend. I hae naething to do wi deed mens jewels.

Have ye no? retorted the other. Its strange, then, that ye should entertain such sma objections to deed mens siller.

Weel-a-weel, Swankie, the less we say on thae matters the better. Here, tak
haud o the tither keg.

The conversation ceased at this stage abruptly. Evidently each had touched on the others weak point, so both tacitly agreed to drop the subject.

Presently Big Swankie took out a flint and steel, and proceeded to strike a light. It was some some time before the tinder would catch. At each stroke of the steel a shower of brilliant sparks lit up his countenance for an instant, and this momentary glance showed that its expression was not prepossessing by any means.

Ruby drew Minnie farther into the recess which concealed them, and awaited the result with some anxiety, for he felt that the amount of knowledge with which he had become possessed thus unintentionally, small though it was, was sufficient to justify the smugglers in regarding him as a dangerous enemy.

He had scarcely drawn himself quite within the shadow of the recess, when Swankie succeeded in kindling a torch, which filled the cavern with a lurid light, and revealed its various forms, rendering it, if possible, more mysterious and unearthly than ever.

Here, Spink, cried Swankie, who was gradually getting into better humour, haud the light, and gie me the spade.

Ye better put them behind the rock, far in, suggested Spink.

The other seemed to entertain this idea for a moment, for he raised the torch above his head, and, advancing into the cave, carefully examined the rocks at the inner end.

Step by step he drew near to the place where Ruby and Minnie were concealed, muttering to himself, as he looked at each spot that might possibly suit his purpose, Na, na, the waves wad wash the kegs oot o that if it cam on to blaw.

He made another step forward, and the light fell almost on the head of Ruby, who felt Minnies arm tremble. He clenched his hands with that feeling of resolve that comes over a man when he has made up his mind to fight.

Just then an exclamation of surprise escaped from his comrade.

Losh! man, what have we here? he cried, picking up a small object that glittered in the light.

Minnies heart sank, for she could see that the thing was a small brooch which she was in the habit of wearing in her neckerchief, and which must have been detached when Ruby carried her into the cave.

She felt assured that this would lead to their discovery; but it had quite the opposite effect, for it caused Swankie to turn round and examine the trinket with much curiosity.

A long discussion as to how it could have come there immediately ensued between the smugglers, in the midst of which a wavelet washed against Swankies feet, reminding him that the tide was rising, and that he had no time to lose.

Theres nae place behint the rocks, said he quickly, putting the brooch in his pocket, so well just hide the kegs amang the stanes. Lucky for us that we got the rest o the cargo run ashore at Auchmithie. Thisll lie snugly here, and well pull past the leftenant, who thinks we havena seen him, with oor heeds up and oor tongues in oor cheeks.

They both chuckled heartily at the idea of disappointing the preventive officer, and while one held the torch the other dug a hole in the beach deep enough to contain the two kegs.

In ye go, my beauties, said Swankie, covering them up. Monys the time Ive buried ye.

Ay, an monys the time yeve helped at their resurrection, added Spink, with a laugh.

Noo, well away an have a look at the kegs in the Forbidden Cave, said Swankie, see that theyre a richt, an then have our game wi the land-sharks.

Next moment the torch was dashed against the stones and extinguished, and the two men, leaping into their boat, rowed away. As they passed through the outer cavern, Ruby heard them arrange to go back to Auchmithie. Their voices were too indistinct to enable him to ascertain their object in doing so, but he knew enough of the smugglers to enable him to guess that it was for the purpose of warning some of their friends of the presence of the preventive boat, which their words proved that they had seen.

Now, Minnie, said he, starting up as soon as the boat had disappeared, this is what I call good luck, for not only shall we be able to return with something to the boat, but we shall be able to intercept big Swankie and his comrade, and offer them a glass of their own gin!

Yes, and I shall be able to boast of having had quite a little adventure, said Minnie, who, now that her anxiety was ever, began to feel elated.

They did not waste time in conversation, however, for the digging up of two kegs from a gravelly beach with fingers instead of a spade was not a quick or easy thing to do; so Ruby found as he went down on his knees in that dark place and began the work.

Can I help you? asked his fair companion after a time.

Help me! What? Chafe and tear your little hands with work that all but skins mine? Nay, truly. But here comes one, and the other will soon follow. Yo, heave, Ho!

With the well-known nautical shout Ruby put forth an herculean effort, and tore the kegs out of the earth. After a short pause he carried Minnie out of the cavern, and led her to the field above by the same path by which they had descended.

Then he returned for the kegs of gin. They were very heavy, but not too heavy for the strength of the young giant, who was soon hastening with rapid strides towards the bay, where they had left their friends. He bore a keg under each arm, and Minnie tripped lightly by his side,  and laughingly, too, for she enjoyed the thought of the discomfiture that was in store for the smugglers.

Chapter Twenty.

The Smugglers are Treated to Gin and Astonishment.

They found the lieutenant and Captain Ogilvy stretched on the grass, smoking their pipes together. The daylight had almost deepened into night, and a few stars were beginning to twinkle in the sky.

Hey! what have we here  smugglers? cried the captain, springing up rather quickly, as Ruby came unexpectedly on them.

Just so, uncle, said Minnie, with a laugh. We have here some gin, smuggled all the way from Holland, and have come to ask your opinion of it.

Why, Ruby, how came you by this? enquired Lindsay in amazement, as he examined the kegs with critical care.

Suppose I should say that I have been taken into confidence by the smugglers and then betrayed them.

I should reply that the one idea was improbable, and the other impossible,
returned the lieutenant.

Well, I have at all events found out their secrets, and now I reveal them.

In a few words Ruby acquainted his friends with all that has just been narrated.

The moment he had finished, the lieutenant ordered his men to launch the boat.

The kegs were put into the stern-sheets, the party embarked, and, pushing off, they rowed gently out of the bay, and crept slowly along the shore, under the deep shadow of the cliffs.

How dark it is getting! said Minnie, after they had rowed for some time in silence.

The moon will soon be up, said the lieutenant. Meanwhile Ill cast a little light on the subject by having a pipe. Will you join me, captain?

This was a temptation which the captain never resisted; indeed, he did not regard it as a temptation at all, and would have smiled at the idea of resistance.

Minnie, lass, said he, as he complacently filled the blackened bowl, and calmly stuffed down the glowing tobacco with the end of that marvellously callous little fingers, its a wonderful thing that baccy. I dont know what man would do without it.

Quite as well as woman does, I should think, replied Minnie.

Im not so sure of that, lass. Its more natral for man to smoke than for woman. Ye see, woman, lovely woman, should be all my fancy painted her, both lovely and divine. It would never do to have baccy perfumes hangin about her rosy lips.

But, uncle, why should man have the disagreeable perfumes you speak of hanging about his lips?

I dont know, lass. Its all a matter o feeling. Twere vain to tell thee all I feel, how much my heart would wish to say; but of this Im certain sure, that Id never git along without my pipe. Its like compass, helm, and ballast all in one. Is that the moon, leftenant?

The captain pointed to a faint gleam of light on the horizon, which he knew well enough to be the moon; but he wished to change the subject.

Ay is it, and there comes a boat. Steady, men! lay on your oars a bit.

This was said earnestly. In one instant all were silent, and the boat lay as motionless as the shadows of the cliffs among which it was involved.

Presently the sound of oars was heard. Almost at the same moment, the upper edge of the moon rose above the horizon, and covered the sea with rippling silver.

Ere long a boat shot into this stream of light, and rowed swiftly in the direction of Arbroath.

There are only two men in it, whispered the lieutenant.

Ay, these are my good friends Swankie and Spink, who know a deal more about other improper callings besides smuggling, if I did not greatly mistake their words, cried Ruby.

Give way, lads! cried the lieutenant.

The boat sprang at the word from her position under the cliffs, and was soon out upon the sea in full chase of the smugglers, who bent to their oars more lustily, evidently intending to trust to their speed.

Strange, said the lieutenant, as the distance between the two began sensibly to decrease, if these be smugglers, with an empty boat, as you lead me to suppose they are, they would only be too glad to stop and let us see that they had nothing aboard that we could touch. It leads me to think that you are mistaken, Ruby Brand, and that these are not your friends.

Nay, the same fact convinces me that they are the very men we seek; for they said they meant to have some game with you, and what more amusing than to give you a long, hard chase for nothing?

True; you are right. Well, we will turn the tables on them. Take the helm for a minute, while I tap one of the kegs.

The tapping was soon accomplished, and a quantity of the spirit was drawn off into the captains pocket-flask.

Taste it, captain, and lets have your opinion. Captain Ogilvy complied. He put the flask to his lips, and, on removing it, smacked them, and looked at the party with that extremely grave, almost solemn expression, which is usually assumed by a man when strong liquid is being put to the delicate test of his palate.

Oh! exclaimed the captain, opening his eyes very wide indeed.

What oh meant, was rather doubtful at first; but when the captain put the flask again to his lips, and took another pull, a good deal longer than the first, much, if not all of the doubt was removed.

Prime! nectar! he murmured, in a species of subdued ecstasy, at the end of the second draught.

Evidently the right stuff, said Lindsay, laughing.

Liquid streams  celestial nectar,

Darted through the ambient sky,

said the captain; liquid, ay, liquid is the word.

He was about to test the liquid again:

Stop! stop! fair play, captain; its my turn now, cried the lieutenant, snatching the flask from his friends grasp, and applying it to his own lips.

Both the lieutenant and Ruby pronounced the gin perfect, and as Minnie positively refused either to taste or to pronounce judgment, the flask was returned to its owners pocket.

They were now close on the smugglers, whom they hailed, and commanded to lay on their oars.

The order was at once obeyed, and the boats were speedily rubbing sides together.

I should like to examine your boat, friends, said the lieutenant as he stepped across the gunwales.

Oh! sir, Im thankfu to find youre not smugglers, said Swankie, with an assumed air of mingled respect and alarm.

If wed only knowd ye was preventives wed ha backed oars at once. Theres nothin here; ye may seek as longs ye please.

The hypocritical rascal winked slyly to his comrade as he said this. Meanwhile Lindsay and one of the men examined the contents of the boat, and, finding nothing contraband, the former said

So, youre honest men, I find. Fishermen, doubtless?

Ay, some o yer crew ken us brawly, said Davy Spink with a grin.

Well, I wont detain you, rejoined the lieutenant; its quite a pleasure to chase honest men on the high seas in these times of war and smuggling. But its too bad to have given you such a fright, lads, for nothing. What say you to a glass of gin?

Big Swankie and his comrade glanced at each other in surprise. They evidently thought this an unaccountably polite Government officer, and were puzzled.

However, they could do no less than accept such a generous offer.

Thankee, sir, said Big Swankie, spitting out his quid and significantly wiping his mouth. I hae nae objection. Doubtless itll be the best that the like o you carries in yer bottle.

The best, certainly, said the lieutenant, as he poured out a bumper, and handed it to the smuggler. It was smuggled, of course, and you see His Majesty is kind enough to give his servants a little of what they rescue from the rascals, to drink his health.

Weel, I drink to the King, said Swankie, an confusion to all his enemies, specially to smugglers.

He tossed off the gin with infinite gusto, and handed back the cup with a smack of the lips and a look that plainly said, More, if you please!

But the hint was not taken. Another bumper was filled and handed to Davy Spink, who had been eyeing the crew of the boat with great suspicion. He accepted the cup, nodded curtly, and said

Heres tye, gentlemen, no forgettin the fair leddy in the stern-sheets.

While he was drinking the gin the lieutenant turned to his men

Get out the keg, lads, from which that came, and refill the flask. Hold it well up in the moonlight, and see that ye dont spill a single drop, as you value your lives. Hey! my man, what ails you? Does the gin disagree with your stomach, or have you never seen a smuggled keg of spirits before, that you stare at it as if it were a keg of ghosts!

The latter part of this speech was addressed to Swankie, who no sooner beheld the keg than his eyes opened up until they resembled two great oysters. His mouth slowly followed suit. Davy Spinks attention having been attracted, he became subject to similar alterations of visage.

Hallo! cried the captain, while the whole crew burst into a laugh, you must have given them poison. Have you a stomach-pump, doctor? he said, turning hastily to Ruby.

No, nothing but a penknife and a tobacco-stopper. If theyre of any use to you

He was interrupted by a loud laugh from Big Swankie, who quickly recovered his presence of mind, and declared that he had never tasted such capital stuff in his life.

Have ye much ot, sir?

O yes, a good deal. I have two kegs of it (the lieutenant grinned very hard at this point), and we expect to get a little more to-night.

Ha! exclaimed Davy Spink, theres no doot plenty ot in the coves hereaway, for theyre an awfu smugglin set. Whan did ye find the twa kegs, noo, if I may ask?

Oh, certainly. I got them not more than an hour ago.

The smugglers glanced at each other and were struck dumb; but they were now too much on their guard to let any further evidence of surprise escape them.

Weel, I wush ye success, sirs, said Swankie, sitting down to his oar. Its likely yell come across mair if ye try Dickmonts Den. Theres usually somethin hidden thereaboots.

Thank you, friend, for the hint, said the lieutenant, as he took his place at the tiller-ropes, but I shall have a look at the Gaylet Cove, I think, this evening.

What! the Gaylet Cove? cried Spink. Ye might as weel look for kegs at the bottom o the deep sea.

Perhaps so; nevertheless, I have taken a fancy to go there. If I find nothing, I will take a look into the Forbidden Cave.

The Forbidden Cave! almost howled Swankie. Wha iver heard o smugglers hidin
onything there? The air int wad pushen a rotten.

Perhaps it would, yet I mean to try.

Weel-a-weel, ye may try, but ye might as weel seek for kegs o gin on the Bell Rock.

Ha! its not the first time that strange things have been found on the Bell Rock, said Ruby suddenly. I have heard of jewels, even, being discovered there.

Give way, men; shove off, cried the lieutenant. A pleasant pull to you, lads.

Good night.

The two boats parted, and while the lieutenant and his friends made for the shore, the smugglers rowed towards Arbroath in a state of mingled amazement and despair at what they had heard and seen.

It was Ruby Brand that spoke last, Davy.

Ay; he was i the shadow o Captain Ogilvy and I couldna see his face, but I thought it like his voice when he first spoke.

Hoo can he hae come to ken aboot the jewels?

Thats mair than I can tell.

Ill bury them, said Swankie, an then itll puzzle onybody to tell whaur they are.

Yell please yoursell, said Spink.

Swankie was too angry to make any reply, or to enter into further conversation with his comrade about the kegs of gin, so they continued their way in silence.

Meanwhile, as Lieutenant Lindsay and his men had a night of work before them, the captain suggested that Minnie, Ruby, and himself should be landed within a mile of the town, and left to find their way thither on foot. This was agreed to; and while the one party walked home by the romantic pathway at the top of the cliffs, the other rowed away to explore the dark recesses of the Forbidden Cave.

Chapter Twenty One.

The Bell Rock Again  A Dreary Night in a Strange Habitation.

During that winter Ruby Brand wrought diligently in the workyard at the lighthouse materials, and, by living economically, began to save a small sum of money, which he laid carefully by with a view to his marriage with Minnie Gray.

Being an impulsive man, Ruby would have married Minnie, then and there, without looking too earnestly to the future. But his mother had advised him to wait till he should have laid by a little for a rainy day. The captain had recommended patience, tobacco, and philosophy, and had enforced his recommendations with sundry apt quotations from dead and living novelists, dramatists, and poets.

Minnie herself, poor girl, felt that she ought not to run counter to the wishes of her best and dearest friends, so she too advised delay for a little time; and Ruby was fain to content himself with bewailing his hard lot internally, and knocking Jamie Doves bellows, anvils, and sledge-hammers about in a way that induced that son of Vulcan to believe his assistant had gone mad!

As for big Swankie, he hid his ill-gotten gains under the floor of his tumble-down cottage, and went about his evil courses as usual in company with his comrade Davy Spink, who continued to fight and make it up with him as of yore.

It must not be supposed that Ruby forgot the conversation he had overheard in the Gaylet Cove. He and Minnie and his uncle had frequent discussions in regard to it, but to little purpose; for although Swankie and Spink had discovered old Mr Brands body on the Bell Rock, it did not follow that any jewels or money they had found there were necessarily his. Still Ruby could not divest his mind of the feeling that there was some connexion between the two, and he was convinced, from what had fallen from Davy Spink about silver teapots and things, that Swankie was the man of whose bad deeds he himself had been suspected.

As there seemed no possibility of bringing the matter home to him, however, he resolved to dismiss the whole affair from his mind in the meantime.

Things were very much in this state when, in the spring, the operations at the Bell Rock were resumed.

Jamie Dove, Ruby, Robert Selkirk, and several of the principal workmen, accompanied the engineers on their first visit to the rock, and they sailed towards the scene of their former labours with deep and peculiar interest, such as one might feel on renewing acquaintance with an old friend who had passed through many hard and trying struggles since the last time of meeting.

The storms of winter had raged round the Bell Rock as usual  as they had done, in fact, since the world began; but that winter the handiwork of man had also been exposed to the fury of the elements there. It was known that the beacon had survived the storms, for it could be seen by telescope from the shore in clear weather  like a little speck on the seaward horizon. Now they were about to revisit the old haunt, and have a close inspection of the damage that it was supposed must certainly have been done.

To the credit of the able engineer who planned and carried out the whole works, the beacon was found to have resisted winds and waves successfully.

It was on a bitterly cold morning about the end of March that the first visit of the season was paid to the Bell Rock. Mr Stevenson and his party of engineers and artificers sailed in the lighthouse yacht; and, on coming within a proper distance of the rock, two boats were lowered and pushed off. The sea ran with such force upon the rock that it seemed doubtful whether a landing could be effected. About half-past eight, when the rock was fairly above water, several attempts were made to land, but the breach of the sea was still so great that they were driven back.

On the eastern side the sea separated into two distinct waves, which came with a sweep round the western side, where they met, and rose in a burst of spray to a considerable height. Watching, however, for what the sailors termed a smooth, and catching a favourable opportunity, they rowed between the two seas dexterously, and made a successful landing at the western creek.

The sturdy beacon was then closely examined. It had been painted white at the end of the previous season, but the lower parts of the posts were found to have become green  the sea having clothed them with a soft garment of weed. The sea-birds had evidently imagined that it was put up expressly for their benefit; for a number of cormorants and large herring-gulls had taken up their quarters on it  finding it, no doubt, conveniently near to their fishing-grounds.

A critical inspection of all its parts showed that everything about it was in a most satisfactory state. There was not the slightest indication of working or shifting in the great iron stanchions with which the beams were fixed, nor of any of the joints or places of connexion; and, excepting some of the bracing-chains which had been loosened, everything wars found in the same entire state in which it had been left the previous season.

Only those who know what that beacon had been subjected to can form a correct estimate of the importance of this discovery, and the amount of satisfaction it afforded to those most interested in the works at the Bell Rock. To say that the party congratulated themselves would be far short of the reality. They hailed the event with cheers, and their looks seemed to indicate that some piece of immense and unexpected good fortune had befallen each individual.

From that moment Mr Stevenson saw the practicability and propriety of fitting up the beacon, not only as a place of refuge in case of accidents to the boats in landing, but as a residence for the men during the working months.

From that moment, too, poor Jamie Dove began to see the dawn of happier days; for when the beacon should be fitted up as a residence he would bid farewell to the hated floating light, and take up his abode, as he expressed it, on land.

On land! It is probable that this Jamie Dove was the first man, since the world began, who had entertained the till then absurdly preposterous notion that the fatal Bell Rock was land, or that it could be made a place of even temporary residence.

A hundred years ago men would have laughed at the bare idea. Fifty years ago that idea was realised; for more than half a century that sunken reef has been, and still is, the safe and comfortable home of man!

Forgive, reader, our tendency to anticipate. Let us proceed with our inspection.

Having ascertained that the foundations of the beacon were all right, the engineers next ascended to the upper parts, where they found the cross-beams and their fixtures in an equally satisfactory condition.

On the top a strong chest had been fixed the preceding season, in which had been placed a quantity of sea-biscuits and several bottles of water, in case of accident to the boats, or in the event of shipwreck occurring on the rock. The biscuit, having been carefully placed in tin canisters, was found in good condition, but several of the water-bottles had burst, in consequence, it was supposed, of frost during the winter. Twelve of the bottles, however, remained entire, so that the Bell Rock may be said to have been transformed, even at that date, from a point of destruction into a place of comparative safety.

While the party were thus employed, the landing-master reminded them that the sea was running high, and that it would be necessary to set off while the rock afforded anything like shelter to the boats, which by that time had been made fast to the beacon and rode with much agitation, each requiring two men with boat-hooks to keep them from striking each other, or ranging up against the beacon. But under these circumstances the greatest confidence was felt by everyone, from the security afforded by that temporary erection; for, supposing that the wind had suddenly increased to a gale, and that it had been found inadvisable to go into the boats; or supposing they had drifted or sprung a leak from striking upon the rocks, in any of these possible, and not at all improbable, cases, they had now something to lay hold of, and, though occupying the dreary habitation of the gull and the cormorant, affording only bread and water, yet life would be preserved, and, under the circumstances, they would have been supported by the hope of being ultimately relieved.

Soon after this the works at the Bell Rock were resumed, with, if possible, greater vigour than before, and ere long the house was fixed to the top of the beacon, and the engineer and his men took up their abode there.

Think of this, reader. Six great wooden beams were fastened to a rock, over which the waves roared twice every day, and on the top of these a pleasant little marine residence was nailed, as one might nail a dovecot on the top of a pole!

This residence was ultimately fitted up in such a way as to become a comparatively comfortable and commodious abode. It contained four storeys. The first was the mortar-gallery, where the mortar for the lighthouse was mixed as required; it also supported the forge. The second was the cook-room. The third the apartment of the engineer and his assistants; and the fourth was the artificers barrack-room. This house was of course built of wood, but it was firmly put together, for it had to pass through many a terrific ordeal.

In order to give some idea of the interior, we shall describe the cabin of Mr Stevenson. It measured four feet three inches in breadth on the floor, and though, from the oblique direction of the beams of the beacon, it widened towards the top, yet it did not admit of the full extension of the occupants arms when he stood on the floor. Its length was little more than sufficient to admit of a cot-bed being suspended during the night. This cot was arranged so as to be triced up to the roof during the day, thus leaving free room for occasional visitors, and for comparatively free motion. A folding table was attached with hinges immediately under the small window of the apartment. The remainder of the space was fitted up with books, barometer, thermometer, portmanteau, and two or three camp-stools.

The walls were covered with green cloth, formed into panels with red tape, a substance which, by the way, might have had an accidental connexion with the Bell Rock Lighthouse, but which could not, by any possibility, have influenced it as a principle, otherwise that building would probably never have been built, or, if built, would certainly not have stood until the present day! The bed was festooned with yellow cotton stuff, and the diet being plain, the paraphernalia of the table was proportionally simple.

It would have been interesting to know the individual books required and used by the celebrated engineer in his singular abode, but his record leaves no detailed account of these. It does, however, contain a sentence in regard to one volume which we deem it just to his character to quote. He writes thus:

If, in speculating upon the abstract wants of man in such a state of exclusion, one were reduced to a single book, the Sacred Volume, whether considered for the striking diversity of its story, the morality of its doctrine, or the important truths of its gospel, would have proved by far the greatest treasure.

It may be easily imagined that in a place where the accommodation of the principal engineer was so limited, that of the men was not extensive.

Accordingly, we find that the barrack-room contained beds for twenty-one men.

But the completion of the beacon house, as we have described it, was not accomplished in one season. At first it was only used as a smiths workshop, and then as a temporary residence in fine weather.

One of the first men who remained all night upon it was our friend Bremner. He became so tired of the floating light that he earnestly solicited, and obtained, permission to remain on the beacon.

At the time it was only in a partially sheltered state. The joiners had just completed the covering of the roof with a quantity of tarpaulin, which the seamen had laid over with successive coats of hot tar, and the sides of the erection had been painted with three coats of white lead. Between the timber framing of the habitable part, the interstices were stuffed with moss, but the green baize cloth with which it was afterwards lined had not been put on when Bremner took possession.

It was a splendid summer evening when the bold man made his request, and obtained permission to remain. None of the others would join him. When the boats pushed off and left him the solitary occupant of the rock, he felt a sensation of uneasiness, but, having formed his resolution, he stuck by it, and bade his comrades good night cheerfully.

Good night, and goodbye, cried Forsyth, as he took his seat at the oar.

Farewell, dear, cried OConnor, wiping his eyes with a very ragged pocket handkerchief.

You wont forget me? retorted Bremner.

Never, replied Dumsby, with fervour.

Av the beacon should be carried away, darlin, cried OConnor, howld tight to the provision-chest, praps yell be washed ashore.

Ill drink your health in water, Paddy, replied Bremner.

Faix, I hope it wont be salt wather, retorted Ned.

They continued to shout good wishes, warnings, and advice to their comrade until out of hearing, and then waved adieu to him until he was lost to view.

We have said that Bremner was alone, yet he was not entirely so; he had a comrade with him, in the shape of his little black dog, to which reference has already been made. This creature was of that very thin and tight-skinned description of dog, that trembles at all times as if afflicted with chronic cold, summer and winter. Its thin tail was always between its extremely thin legs, as though it lived in a perpetual condition of wrong-doing, and were in constant dread of deserved punishment. Yet no dog ever belied its looks more than did this one, for it was a good dog, and a warm-hearted dog, and never did a wicked thing, and never was punished, so that its excessive humility and apparent fear and trembling were quite unaccountable. Like all dogs of its class it was passionately affectionate, and intensely grateful for the smallest favour. In fact, it seemed to be rather thankful than otherwise for a kick when it chanced to receive one, and a pat on the head, or a kind word made it all but jump out of its black skin for very joy.

Bremner called it Pup. It had no other name, and didnt seem to wish for one.

On the present occasion it was evidently much perplexed, and very unhappy, for it looked at the boat, and then wistfully into its masters face, as if to say, This is awful; have you resolved that we shall perish together?

Now, Pup, said Bremner, when the boat disappeared in the shades of evening, you and I are left alone on the Bell Rock!

There was a touch of sad uncertainty in the wag of the tail with which Pup received this remark.

But cheer up, Pup, cried Bremner with a sudden burst of animation that induced the creature to wriggle and dance on its hind legs for at least a minute, you and I shall have a jolly night together on the beacon; so come along.

Like many a night that begins well, that particular night ended ill. Even while the man spoke, a swell began to rise, and, as the tide had by that time risen a few feet, an occasional billow swept over the rocks and almost washed the feet of Bremner as he made his way over the ledges. In five minutes the sea was rolling all round the foot of the beacon, and Bremner and his friend were safely ensconced on the mortar-gallery.

There was no storm that night, nevertheless there was one of those heavy ground swells that are of common occurrence in the German Ocean.

It is supposed that this swell is caused by distant westerly gales in the Atlantic, which force an undue quantity of water into the North Sea, and thus produce the apparent paradox of great rolling breakers in calm weather.

On this night there was no wind at all, but there was a higher swell than usual, so that each great billow passed over the rock with a roar that was rendered more than usually terrible, in consequence of the utter absence of all other sounds.

At first Bremner watched the rising tide, and as he sat up there in the dark he felt himself dreadfully forsaken and desolate, and began to comment on things in general to his dog, by way of inducing a more sociable and cheery state of mind.

Pup, this is a lugubrious state o things. Wot dye think ot?

Pup did not say, but he expressed such violent joy at being noticed, that he nearly fell off the platform of the mortar-gallery in one of his extravagant gyrations.

That wont do, Pup, said Bremner, shaking his head at the creature, whose countenance expressed deep contrition. Dont go on like that, else youll fall into the sea and be drownded, and then I shall be left alone. What a dark night it is, to be sure! I doubt if it was wise of me to stop here. Suppose the beacon were to be washed away?

Bremner paused, and Pup wagged his tail interrogatively, as though to say, What then?

Ah! its of no use supposin, continued the man slowly. The beacon has stood it out all winter, and it aint likely its goin to be washed away to-night.

But suppose I was to be took bad?

Again the dog seemed to demand, What then?

Well, thats not very likely either, for I never was took bad in my life since I took the measles, and thats more than twenty years ago. Come, Pup, dont let us look at the black side o things, let us try to be cheerful, my dog. Hallo!

The exclamation was caused by the appearance of a green billow, which in the uncertain light seemed to advance in a threatening attitude towards the beacon as if to overwhelm it, but it fell at some distance, and only rolled in a churning sea of milky foam among the posts, and sprang up and licked the beams, as a serpent might do before swallowing them.

Come, it was the light deceived me. If I go for to start at every wave like that Ill have a poor night of it, for the tide has a long way to rise yet.

Lets go and have a bit supper, lad.

Bremner rose from the anvil, on which he had seated himself, and went up the ladder into the cook-house above. Here all was pitch dark, owing to the place being enclosed all round, which the mortar-gallery was not, but a light was soon struck, a lamp trimmed, and the fire in the stove kindled.

Bremner now busied himself in silently preparing a cup of tea, which, with a quantity of sea-biscuit, a little cold salt pork, and a hunk of stale bread, constituted his supper. Pup watched his every movement with an expression of earnest solicitude, combined with goodwill, in his sharp intelligent eyes.

When supper was ready Pup had his share, then, feeling that the duties of the day were now satisfactorily accomplished, he coiled himself up at his masters feet, and went to sleep. His master rolled himself up in a rug, and lying down before the fire, also tried to sleep, but without success for a long time.

As he lay there counting the number of seconds of awful silence that elapsed between the fall of each successive billow, and listening to the crash and the roar as wave after wave rushed underneath him, and caused his habitation to tremble, he could not avoid feeling alarmed in some degree. Do what he would, the thought of the wrecks that had taken place there, the shrieks that must have often rung above these rocks, and the dead and mangled bodies that must have lain among them, would obtrude upon him and banish sleep from his eyes.

At last he became somewhat accustomed to the rush of waters and the tremulous motion of the beacon. His frame, too, exhausted by a day of hard toil, refused to support itself, and he sank into slumber. But it was not unbroken. A falling cinder from the sinking fire would awaken him with a start; a larger wave than usual would cause him to spring up and look round in alarm; or a shrieking sea-bird, as it swooped past, would induce a dream, in which the cries of drowning men arose, causing him to awake with a cry that set Pup barking furiously.

Frequently during that night, after some such dream, Bremner would get up and descend to the mortar-gallery to see that all was right there. He found the waves always hissing below, but the starry sky was calm and peaceful above, so he returned to his couch comforted a little, and fell again into a troubled sleep, to be again awakened by frightful dreams of dreadful sights, and scenes of death and danger on the sea.

Thus the hours wore slowly away. As the tide fell the noise of waves retired a little from the beacon, and the wearied man and dog sank gradually at last into deep, untroubled slumber.

So deep was it, that they did not hear the increasing noise of the gulls as they wheeled round the beacon after having breakfasted near it; so deep, that they did not feel the sun as it streamed through an opening in the woodwork and glared on their respective faces; so deep, that they were ignorant of the arrival of the boats with the workmen, and were dead to the shouts of their companions, until one of them, Jamie Dove, put his head up the hatchway and uttered one of his loudest roars, close to their ears.

Then indeed Bremner rose up and looked bewildered, and Pup, starting up, barked as furiously as if its own little black body had miraculously become the concentrated essence of all the other noisy dogs in the wide world rolled into one!

Chapter Twenty Two.

Life in the Beacon  Story of the Eddystone Lighthouse.

Some time after this a number of the men took up their permanent abode in the beacon house, and the work was carried on by night as well as by day, when the state of the tide and the weather permitted.

Immense numbers of fish called poddlies were discovered to be swimming about at high water. So numerous were they, that the rock was sometimes hidden by the shoals of them. Fishing for these thenceforth became a pastime among the men, who not only supplied their own table with fresh fish, but at times sent presents of them to their friends in the vessels.

All the men who dwelt on the beacon were volunteers, for Mr Stevenson felt that it would be cruel to compel men to live at such a post of danger. Those who chose, therefore, remained in the lightship or the tender, and those who preferred it went to the beacon. It is scarcely necessary to add, that among the latter were found all the sea-sick men!

These bold artificers were not long of having their courage tested. Soon after their removal to the beacon they experienced some very rough weather, which shook the posts violently, and caused them to twist in a most unpleasant way.

But it was not until some time after that a storm arose, which caused the stoutest-hearted of them all to quail more than once.

It began on the night of as fine a day as they had had the whole season.

In order that the reader may form a just conception of what we are about to describe, it may not be amiss to note the state of things at the rock, and the employment of the men at the time.

A second forge had been put up on the higher platform of the beacon, but the night before that of which we write, the lower platform had been burst up by a wave, and the mortar and forge thereon, with all the implements, were cast down.

The damaged forge was therefore set up for the time on its old site, near the foundation-pit of the lighthouse, while the carpenters were busy repairing the mortar-gallery.

The smiths were as usual busy sharpening picks and irons, and making bats and stanchions, and other iron work connected with the building operations. The landing-masters crew were occupied in assisting the millwrights to lay the railways to hand, and joiners were kept almost constantly employed in fitting picks to their handles, which latter were very frequently broken.

Nearly all the miscellaneous work was done by seamen. There was no such character on the Bell Rock as the common labourer. The sailors cheerfully undertook the work usually performed by such men, and they did it admirably.

In consequence of the men being able to remain on the beacon, the work went on literally by double tides; and at night the rock was often ablaze with torches, while the artificers wrought until the waves drove them away.

On the night in question there was a low spring-tide, so that a night-tides work of five hours was secured. This was one of the longest spells they had had since the beginning of the operations.

The stars shone brightly in a very dark sky. Not a breath of air was felt. Even the smoke of the forge fire rose perpendicularly a short way, until an imperceptible zephyr wafted it gently to the west. Yet there was a heavy swell rolling in from the eastward, which caused enormous waves to thunder on Ralph the Rovers Ledge, as if they would drive down the solid rock.

Mingled with this solemn, intermittent roar of the sea was the continuous clink of picks, chisels, and hammers, and the loud clang of the two forges; that on the beacon being distinctly different from the other, owing to the wooden erection on which it stood rendering it deep and thunderous. Torches and forge fires cast a glare over all, rendering the foam pale green and the rocks deep red. Some of the active figures at work stood out black and sharp against the light, while others shone in its blaze like red-hot fiends. Above all sounded an occasional cry from the sea-gulls, as they swooped down into the magic circle of light, and then soared away shrieking into darkness.

Hard works not easy, observed James Dove, pausing in the midst of his labours to wipe his brow.

True for ye; but as weve got to arn our brid be the sweat of our brows, were in the fair way to fortin, said Ned OConnor, blowing away energetically with the big bellows.

Ned had been reappointed to this duty since the erection of the second forge, which was in Rubys charge. It was our heros hammer that created such a din up in the beacon, while Dove wrought down on the rock.

Well have a gale to-night, said the smith; I know that by the feelin of the air.

Well, I cant boast o much knowledge o feelin, said OConnor; but I believe youre right, for the fish towld me the news this mornin.

This remark of Ned had reference to a well-ascertained fact, that, when a storm was coming, the fish invariably left the neighbourhood of the rock; doubtless in order to seek the security of depths which are not affected by winds or waves.

While Dove and his comrade commented on this subject, two of the other men had retired to the south-eastern end of the rock to take a look at the weather.

These were Peter Logan, the foreman, whose position required him to have a care for the safety of the men as well as for the progress of the work, and our friend Bremner, who had just descended from the cooking-room, where he had been superintending the preparation of supper.

It will be a stiff breeze, I fear, to-night, said Logan.

Dye think so I said Bremner; it seems to me so calm that I would think a storm amost impossible. But the fish never tell lies.

True. You got no fish to-day, I believe? said Logan.

Not a nibble, replied the other.

As he spoke, he was obliged to rise from a rock on which he had seated himself, because of a large wave, which, breaking on the outer reefs, sent the foam a little closer to his toes than was agreeable.

That was a big one, but yonder is a bigger, cried Logan.

The wave to which he referred was indeed a majestic wall of water. It came on with such an awful appearance of power, that some of the men who perceived it could not repress a cry of astonishment.

In another moment it fell, and, bursting over the rocks with a terrific roar, extinguished the forge fire, and compelled the men to take refuge in the beacon.

Jamie Dove saved his bellows with difficulty. The other men, catching up their things as they best might, crowded up the ladder in a more or less draggled condition.

The beacon house was gained by means of one of the main beams, which had been converted into a stair, by the simple process of nailing small battens thereon, about a foot apart from each other. The men could only go up one at a time, but as they were active and accustomed to the work, were all speedily within their place of refuge. Soon afterwards the sea covered the rock, and the place where they had been at work was a mass of seething foam.

Still there was no wind; but dark clouds had begun to rise on the seaward horizon.

The sudden change in the appearance of the rock after the last torches were extinguished was very striking. For a few seconds there seemed to be no light at all. The darkness of a coal mine appeared to have settled down on the scene. But this soon passed away, as the mens eyes became accustomed to the change, and then the dark loom of the advancing billows, the pale light of the flashing foam, and occasional gleams of phosphorescence, and glimpses of black rocks in the midst of all, took the place of the warm, busy scene which the spot had presented a few minutes before.

Supper, boys! shouted Bremner.

Peter Bremner, we may remark in passing, was a particularly useful member of society. Besides being small and corpulent, he was a capital cook. He had acted during his busy life both as a groom and a house-servant; he had been a soldier, a sutler, a writers clerk, and an apothecary  in which latter profession he had acquired the art of writing and suggesting recipes, and a taste for making collections in natural history. He was very partial to the use of the lancet, and quite a terrible adept at tooth-drawing. In short, Peter was the factotum of the beacon house, where, in addition to his other offices, he filled those of barber and steward to the admiration of all.

But Bremner came out in quite a new and valuable light after he went to reside in the beacon  namely, as a storyteller. During the long periods of inaction that ensued, when the men were imprisoned there by storms, he lightened many an hour that would have otherwise hung heavily on their hands, and he cheered the more timid among them by speaking lightly of the danger of their position.

On the signal for supper being given, there was a general rush down the ladders into the kitchen, where as comfortable a meal as one could wish for was smoking in pot and pan and platter.

As there were twenty-three to partake, it was impossible, of course, for all to sit down to table. They were obliged to stow themselves away on such articles of furniture as came most readily to hand, and eat as they best could. Hungry men find no difficulty in doing this. For some time the conversation was restricted to a word or two. Soon, however, as appetite began to be appeased, tongues began to loosen. The silence was first broken by a groan.

Ochone! exclaimed OConnor, as well as a mouthful of pork and potatoes would allow him; was it you that groaned like a dyin pig?

The question was put to Forsyth, who was holding his head between his hands, and swaying his body to and fro in agony.

Hae ye the colic, freen? enquired John Watt, in a tone of sympathy.

Nono, groaned Forsyth, its aatotooth!

Och! is that all?

Have it out, man, at once.

Ram a red-hot skewer into it.

No, no; let it alone, and itll go away.

Such was the advice tendered, and much more of a similar nature, to the suffering man.

Theres nothink like ot water an cold, said Joe Dumsby in the tones of an oracle. Just fill your mouth with bilin ot Water, an dip your face in a basin o cold, and its sartain to cure.

Or kill, suggested Jamie Dove.

Its better now, said Forsyth, with a sigh of relief. I scrunched a bit o
bone into it; that was all.

Theres nothing like the string and the red-hot poker, suggested Ruby Brand.

Tie the one end o the string to a post and tother end to the tooth, an stick a red-hot poker to your nose. Away it comes at once.

Hoot! nonsense, said Watt. Ye might as weel tie a string to his lug an dip him into the sea. Tak my word fort, theres naethin like pooin.

Dyou mean pooh pooin? enquired Dumsby.

Watts reply was interrupted by a loud gust of wind, which burst upon the beacon house at that moment and shook it violently.

Everyone started up, and all clustered round the door and windows to observe the appearance of things without. Every object was shrouded in thick darkness, but a flash of lightning revealed the approach of the storm which had been predicted, and which had already commenced to blow.

All tendency to jest instantly vanished, and for a time some of the men stood watching the scene outside, while others sat smoking their pipes by the fire in silence.

What think ye of things? enquired one of the men, as Ruby came up from the mortar-gallery, to which he had descended at the first gust of the storm.

I dont know what to think, said he gravely. Its clear enough that we shall have a stiffish gale. I think little of that with a tight craft below me and plenty of sea-room; but I dont know what to think of a beacon in a gale.

As he spoke another furious burst of wind shook the place, and a flash of vivid lightning was speedily followed by a crash of thunder, that caused some hearts there to beat faster and harder than usual.

Pooh! cried Bremner, as he proceeded coolly to wash up his dishes, thats nothing, boys. Has not this old timber house weathered all the gales o last winter, and dye think its goin to come down before a summer breeze? Why, theres a lighthouse in France, called the Tour de Cordouan, which rises light out o the sea, an Im told it had some fearful gales to try its metal when it was buildin. So dont go an git narvous.

Whos gittin narvous? exclaimed George Forsyth, at whom Bremner had looked when he made the last remark.

Sure ye misjudge him, cried OConnor. Its only another twist o the toothick. But its all very well in you to spake lightly o gales in that fashion. Wasnt the Eddystone Lighthouse cleared away wan stormy night, with the engineer and all the men, an was niver more heard on?

Thats true, said Ruby. Come, Bremner, I have heard you say that you had read all about that business. Lets hear the story; it will help to while away the time, for theres no chance of anyone gettin to sleep with such a row outside.

I wish it may be no worse than a row outside, said Forsyth in a doleful tone, as he shook his head and looked round on the party anxiously.

Wot! another fit o the toothick? enquired OConnor ironically.

Dont try to put us in the dismals, said Jamie Dove, knocking the ashes out of his pipe, and refilling that solace of his leisure hours. Let us hear about the Eddystone, Bremner; itll cheer up our spirits a bit.

Will it though? said Bremner, with a look that John Watt described as awesome, Well, we shall see.

You must know, boys

Ere, light your pipe, my earty, said Dumsby.

Hold yer tongue, an dont interrupt him, cried one of the men, flattening Dumsbys cap over his eyes.

And dont drop yer haitches, observed another, cause if ye do theyll fall into the sea an be drownded, an then yell have none left to put into their wrong places when ye wants em.

Come, Bremner, go on.

Well, then, boys, began Bremner, you must know that it is more than a hundred years since the Eddystone Lighthouse was begun  in the year 1696, if I remember rightly  that would be just a hundred and thirteen years to this date. Up to that time these rocks were as great a terror to sailors as the Bell Rock is now, or, rather, as it was last year, for now that this here comfortable beacon has been put up, its no longer a terror to nobody

Except Geordie Forsyth, interposed OConnor.

Silence, cried the men.

Well, resumed Bremner, as you all know, the Eddystone Rocks lie in the British Channel, fourteen miles from Plymouth and ten from the Ram Head, an
open to a most tremendious sea from the Bay o Biscay and the Atlantic, as I knows well, for Ive passed the place in a gale, close enough amost to throw a biscuit on the rocks.

They are named the Eddystone Rocks because of the whirls and eddies that the tides make among them; but for the matter of that, the Bell Rock might be so named on the same ground. Howsever, its six o one an half a dozen o tother.

Only theres this difference, that the highest point o the Eddystone is barely covered at high water, while here the rock is twelve or fifteen feet below water at high tide.

Well, it was settled by the Trinity Board in 1696, that a lighthouse should be put up, and a Mr Winstanley was engaged to do it. He was an uncommon clever an
ingenious man. He used to exhibit wonderful waterworks in London; and in his house, down in Essex, he used to astonish his friends, and frighten them sometimes, with his queer contrivances. He had invented an easy chair which laid hold of anyone that sat down in it, and held him prisoner until Mr Winstanley set him free. He made a slipper also, and laid it on his bedroom floor, and when anyone put his foot into it he touched a spring that caused a ghost to rise from the hearth. He made a summer house, too, at the foot of his garden, on the edge of a canal, and if anyone entered into it and sat down, he very soon found himself adrift on the canal.

Such a man was thought to be the best for such a difficult work as the building of a lighthouse on the Eddystone, so he was asked to undertake it, and agreed, and began it well. He finished it, too, in four years, his chief difficulty being the distance of the rock from land, and the danger of goin backwards and forwards. The light was first shown on the 14th November, 1698. Before this the engineer had resolved to pass a night in the building, which he did with a party of men; but he was compelled to pass more than a night, for it came on to blow furiously, and they were kept prisoners for eleven days, drenched with spray all the time, and hard up for provisions.

It was said the sprays rose a hundred feet above the lantern of this first Eddystone Lighthouse. Well, it stood till the year 1703, when repairs became necessary, and Mr Winstanley went down to Plymouth to superintend. It had been prophesied that this lighthouse would certainly be carried away. But dismal prophecies are always made about unusual things. If men were to mind prophecies there would be precious little done in this world. Howsever, the prophecies unfortunately came true. Winstanleys friends advised him not to go to stay in it, but he was so confident of the strength of his work that he said he only wished to have the chance o bein there in the greatest storm that ever blew, that he might see what effect it would have on the buildin. Poor man! he had his wish. On the night of the 26th November a terrible storm arose, the worst that had been for many years, and swept the lighthouse entirely away. Not a vestige of it or the people on it was ever seen afterwards. Only a few bits of the iron fastenings were left fixed in the rocks.

That was terrible, said Forsyth, whose uneasiness was evidently increasing with the rising storm.

Ay, but the worst of it was, continued Bremner, that, owing to the absence of the light, a large East Indiaman went on the rocks immediately after, and became a total wreck. This, however, set the Trinity House on putting up another, which was begun in 1706, and the light shown in 1708. This tower was ninety-two feet high, built partly of wood and partly of stone. It was a strong building, and stood for forty-nine years. Mayhap it would have been standin to this day but for an accident, which you shall hear of before I have done. While this lighthouse was building, a French privateer carried off all the workmen prisoners to France, but they were set at liberty by the King, because their work was of such great use to all nations.

The lighthouse, when finished, was put in charge of two keepers, with instructions to hoist a flag when anything was wanted from the shore. One of these men became suddenly ill, and died. Of course his comrade hoisted the signal, but the weather was so bad that it was found impossible to send a boat off for four weeks. The poor keeper was so afraid that people might suppose he had murdered his companion that he kept the corpse beside him all that time.

What his feelins could have been I dont know, but they must have been awful; for, besides the horror of such a position in such a lonesome place, the body decayed to an extent

Thatll do, lad; dont be too partickler, said Jamie Dove.

The others gave a sigh of relief at the interruption, and Bremner continued

There were always three keepers in the Eddystone after that. Well, it was in the year 1755, on the 2nd December, that one o the keepers went to snuff the candles, for they only burned candles in the lighthouses at that time, and before that time great open grates with coal fires were the most common; but there were not many lights either of one kind or another in those days. On gettin up to the lantern he found it was on fire. All the efforts they made failed to put it out, and it was soon burned down. Boats put off to them, but they only succeeded in saving the keepers; and of them, one went mad on reaching the shore, and ran off, and never was heard of again; and another, an old man, died from the effects of melted lead which had run down his throat from the roof of the burning lighthouse. They did not believe him when he said he had swallowed lead, but after he died it was found to be a fact.

The tower became red-hot, and burned for five days before it was utterly destroyed. This was the end o the second Eddystone. Its builder was a Mr John Rudyerd, a silk mercer of London.

The third Eddystone, which has now stood for half a century as firm as the rock itself, and which bids fair to stand till the end of time, was begun in 1756 and completed in 1759. It was lighted by means of twenty-four candles. Of Mr Smeaton, the engineer who built it, those who knew him best said that he had never undertaken anything without completing it to the satisfaction of his employers.

Dye know, lads, continued Bremner in a half-musing tone, Ive sometimes been led to couple this character of Smeaton with the text that he put round the top of the first room of the lighthouse Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it; and also the words, Praise God, which he cut in Latin on the last stone, the lintel of the lantern door. I think these words had somethin to do with the success of the last Eddystone Lighthouse.

I agree with you, said Robert Selkirk, with a nod of hearty approval; and, moreover, I think the Bell Rock Lighthouse stands a good chance of equal success, for whether he means to carve texts on the stones or not I dont know, but I feel assured that our engineer is animated by the same spirit.

When Bremners account of the Eddystone came to a close, most of the men had finished their third or fourth pipes, yet no one proposed going to rest.

The storm without raged so furiously that they felt a strong disinclination to separate. At last, however, Peter Logan rose, and said he would turn in for a little. Two or three of the others also rose, and were about to ascend to their barrack, when a heavy sea struck the building, causing it to quiver to its foundation.

Chapter Twenty Three.

The Storm.

Tis a fearful night, said Logan, pausing with his foot on the first step of the ladder. Perhaps we had better sit up.

Whats the use? said OConnor, who was by nature reckless. Av the beacon howlds on, we may as well slape as not; an if it dont howld on, why, well be none the worse o slapin anyhow.

I mean to sit up, said Forsyth, whose alarm was aggravated by another fit of violent toothache.

So do I, exclaimed several of the men, as another wave dashed against the beacon, and a quantity of spray came pouring down from the rooms above.

This latter incident put an end to further conversation. While some sprang up the ladder to see where the leak had occurred, Ruby opened the door, which was on the lee-side of the building, and descended to the mortar-gallery to look after his tools, which lay there.

Here he was exposed to the full violence of the gale, for, as we have said, this first floor of the beacon was not protected by sides. There was sufficient light to enable him to see all round for a considerable distance. The sight was not calculated to comfort him.

The wind was whistling with what may be termed a vicious sound among the beams, to one of which Ruby was obliged to cling to prevent his being carried away. The sea was bursting, leaping, and curling wildly over the rocks, which were now quite covered, and as he looked down through the chinks in the boards of the floor, he could see the foam whirling round the beams of his trembling abode, and leaping up as if to seize him. As the tide rose higher and higher, the waves roared straight through below the floor, their curling backs rising terribly near to where he stood, and the sprays drenching him and the whole edifice completely.

As he gazed into the dark distance, where the turmoil of waters seemed to glimmer with ghostly light against a sky of the deepest black, he missed the light of the Smeaton, which, up to that time, had been moored as near to the lee of the rock as was consistent with safety. He fancied she must have gone down, and it was not till next day that the people on the beacon knew that she had parted her cables, and had been obliged to make for the Firth of Forth for shelter from the storm.

While he stood looking anxiously in the direction of the tender, a wave came so near to the platform that he almost involuntarily leaped up the ladder for safety. It broke before reaching the beacon, and the spray dashed right over it, carrying away several of the smiths tools.

Ho, boys! lend a hand here, some of you, shouted Ruby, as he leaped down on the mortar-gallery again.

Jamie Dove, Bremner, OConnor, and several others were at his side in a moment, and, in the midst of tremendous sprays, they toiled to secure the movable articles that lay there. These were passed up to the sheltered parts of the house; but not without great danger to all who stood on the exposed gallery below.

Presently two of the planks were torn up by a sea, and several bags of coal, a barrel of small-beer, and a few casks containing lime and sand, were all swept away. The men would certainly have shared the fate of these, had they not clung to the beams until the sea had passed.

As nothing remained after that which could be removed to the room above, they left the mortar-gallery to its fate, and returned to the kitchen, where they were met by the anxious glances and questions of their comrades.

The fire, meanwhile, could scarcely be got to burn, and the whole place was full of smoke, besides being wet with the sprays that burst over the roof, and found out all the crevices that had not been sufficiently stopped up. Attending to these leaks occupied most of the men at intervals during the night. Ruby and his friend the smith spent much of the time in the doorway, contemplating the gradual destruction of their workshop.

For some time the gale remained steady, and the anxiety of the men began to subside a little, as they became accustomed to the ugly twisting of the great beams, and found that no evil consequences followed.

In the midst of this confusion, poor Forsyths anxiety of mind became as nothing compared with the agony of his toothache!

Bremner had already made several attempts to persuade the miserable man to have it drawn, but without success.

I could do it quite easy, said he, only let me get a hold of it, an before you could wink Id have it out.

Well, you may try, cried Forsyth in desperation, with a face of ashy paleness.

It was an awful situation truly. In danger of his life; suffering the agonies of toothache, and with the prospect of torments unbearable from an inexpert hand; for Forsyth did not believe in Bremners boasted powers.

Whatll you do it with? he enquired meekly.

Jamie Doves small pincers. Here they are, said Bremner, moving about actively in his preparations, as if he enjoyed such work uncommonly.

By this time the men had assembled round the pair, and almost forgot the storm in the interest of the moment.

Hold him, two of you, said Bremner, when his victim was seated submissively on a cask.

You dont need to hold me, said Forsyth, in a gentle tone.

Dont we! said Bremner. Here, Dove, Ned, grip his arms, and some of you stand by to catch his legs; but you neednt touch them unless he kicks. Ruby, youre a strong fellow; hold his head.

The men obeyed. At that moment Forsyth would have parted with his dearest hopes in life to have escaped, and the toothache, strange to say, left him entirely; but he was a plucky fellow at bottom; having agreed to have it done, he would not draw back.

Bremner introduced the pincers slowly, being anxious to get a good hold of the tooth. Forsyth uttered a groan in anticipation! Alarmed lest he should struggle too soon, Bremner made a sudden grasp and caught the tooth. A wrench followed; a yell was the result, and the pincers slipped!

This was fortunate, for he had caught the wrong tooth.

Now be aisy, boy, said Ned OConnor, whose sympathies were easily roused.

Once more, said Bremner, as the unhappy man opened his mouth. Be still, and it will be all the sooner over.

Again Bremner inserted the instrument, and fortunately caught the right tooth.

He gave a terrible tug, that produced its corresponding howl; but the tooth held on. Again! again! again! and the beacon house resounded with the deadly yells of the unhappy man, who struggled violently, despite the strength of those who held him.

Och! poor sowl! ejaculated OConnor.

Bremner threw all his strength into a final wrench, which tore away the pincers and left the tooth as firm as ever!

Forsyth leaped up and dashed his comrades right and left.

Thatll do, he roared, and darted up the ladder into the apartment above, through which he ascended to the barrack-room, and flung himself on his bed. At the same time a wave burst on the beacon with such force that every man there, except Forsyth, thought it would be carried away. The wave not only sprang up against the house, but the spray, scarcely less solid than the wave, went quite over it, and sent down showers of water on the men below.

Little cared Forsyth for that. He lay almost stunned on his couch, quite regardless of the storm. To his surprise, however, the toothache did not return.

Nay, to make a long story short, it never again returned to that tooth till the end of his days!

The storm now blew its fiercest, and the men sat in silence in the kitchen listening to the turmoil, and to the thundering blows given by the sea to their wooden house. Suddenly the beacon received a shock so awful, and so thoroughly different from any that it had previously received, that the men sprang to their feet in consternation.

Ruby and the smith were looking out at the doorway at the time, and both instinctively grasped the woodwork near them, expecting every instant that the whole structure would be carried away; but it stood fast. They speculated a good deal on the force of the blow they had received, but no one hit on the true cause; and it was not until some days later that they discovered that a huge rock of fully a ton weight had been washed against the beams that night.

While they were gazing at the wild storm, a wave broke up the mortar-gallery altogether, and sent its remaining contents into the sea. All disappeared in a moment; nothing was left save the powerful beams to which the platform had been nailed.

There was a small boat attached to the beacon. It hung from two davits, on a level with the kitchen, about thirty feet above the rock. This had got filled by the sprays, and the weight of water proving too much for the tackling, it gave way at the bow shortly after the destruction of the mortar-gallery, and the boat hung suspended by the stern-tackle. Here it swung for a few minutes, and then was carried away by a sea. The same sea sent an eddy of foam round towards the door and drenched the kitchen, so that the door had to be shut, and as the fire had gone out, the men had to sit and await their fate by the light of a little oil-lamp.

They sat in silence, for the noise was now so great that it was difficult to hear voices, unless when they were raised to a high pitch.

Thus passed that terrible night; and the looks of the men, the solemn glances, the closed eyes, the silently moving lips, showed that their thoughts were busy reviewing bygone days and deeds; perchance in making good resolutions for the future if spared!

Morning brought a change. The rush of the sea was indeed still tremendous, but the force of the gale was broken and the danger was past.

Chapter Twenty Four.

A Chapter of Accidents.

Time rolled on, and the lighthouse at length began to grow.

It did not rise slowly, as does an ordinary building. The courses of masonry having been formed and fitted on shore during the winter, had only to be removed from the workyard at Arbroath to the rock, where they were laid, mortared, wedged, and trenailed, as fast as they could be landed.

Thus, foot by foot it grew, and soon began to tower above its foundation.

From the foundation upwards for thirty feet it was built solid. From this point rose the spiral staircase leading to the rooms above. We cannot afford space to trace its erection step by step, neither is it desirable that we should do so.

But it is proper to mention, that there were, as might be supposed, leading points in the process  eras, as it were, in the building operations.

The first of these, of course, was the laying of the foundation stone, which was done ceremoniously, with all the honours. The next point was the occasion when the tower showed itself for the first time above water at full tide. This was a great event. It was proof positive that the sea had been conquered; for many a time before that event happened had the sea done its best to level the whole erection with the rock.

Three cheers announced and celebrated the fact, and a glass all round stamped it on the memories of the men.

Another noteworthy point was the connexion  the marriage, if the simile may be allowed  of the tower and the beacon. This occurred when the former rose to a few feet above high-water mark, and was effected by means of a rope-bridge, which was dignified by the sailors with the name of Jacobs ladder.

Heretofore the beacon and lighthouse had stood in close relation to each other.

They were thenceforward united by a stronger tie; and it is worthy of record that their attachment lasted until the destruction of the beacon after the work was done. Jacobs ladder was fastened a little below the doorway of the beacon.

Its other end rested on, and rose with, the wall of the tower. At first it sloped downward from beacon to tower; gradually it became horizontal; then it sloped upward. When this happened it was removed, and replaced by a regular wooden bridge, which extended from the doorway of the one structure to that of the other.

Along this way the men could pass to and fro at all tides, and during any time of the day or night.

This was a matter of great importance, as the men were no longer so dependent on tides as they had been, and could often work as long as their strength held out.

Although the work was regular, and, as some might imagine, rather monotonous, there were not wanting accidents and incidents to enliven the routine of daily duty. The landing of the boats in rough weather with stones, &c., was a never-failing source of anxiety, alarm, and occasionally amusement. Strangers sometimes visited the rock, too, but these visits were few and far between.

Accidents were much less frequent, however, than might have been expected in a work of the kind. It was quite an event, something to talk about for days afterwards, when poor John Bonnyman, one of the masons, lost a finger. The balance crane was the cause of this accident. We may remark, in passing, that this balance crane was a very peculiar and clever contrivance, which deserves a little notice.

It may not have occurred to readers who are unacquainted with mechanics that the raising of ponderous stones to a great height is not an easy matter. As long as the lighthouse was low, cranes were easily raised on the rock, but when it became too high for the cranes to reach their heads up to the top of the tower, what was to be done? Block-tackles could not be fastened to the skies!

Scaffolding in such a situation would not have survived a moderate gale.

In these circumstances Mr Stevenson constructed a balance crane, which was fixed in the centre of the tower, and so arranged that it could be raised along with the rising works. This crane resembled a cross in form. At one arm was hung a movable weight, which could be run out to its extremity, or fixed at any part of it. The other arm was the one by means of which the stones were hoisted. When a stone had to be raised, its weight was ascertained, and the movable weight was so fixed as exactly to counterbalance it. By this simple contrivance all the cumbrous and troublesome machinery of long guys and bracing-chains extending from the crane to the rock below were avoided.

Well, Bonnyman was attending to the working of the crane, and directing the lowering of a stone into its place, when he inadvertently laid his left hand on a part of the machinery where it was brought into contact with the chain, which passed over his forefinger, and cut it so nearly off that it was left hanging by a mere shred of skin. The poor man was at once sent off in a fast rowing boat to Arbroath, where the finger was removed and properly dressed. (See note 1.) A much more serious accident occurred at another time, however, which resulted in the death of one of the seamen belonging to the Smeaton.

It happened thus. The Smeaton had been sent from Arbroath with a cargo of stones one morning, and reached the rock about half-past six oclock a.m. The mate and one of the men, James Scott, a youth of eighteen years of age, got into the sloops boat to make fast the hawser to the floating buoy of her moorings.

The tides at the time were very strong, and the mooring-chain when sweeping the ground had caught hold of a rock or piece of wreck, by which the chain was so shortened, that when the tide flowed the buoy got almost under water, and little more than the ring appeared at the surface. When the mate and Scott were in the act of making the hawser fast to the ring, the chain got suddenly disentangled at the bottom, and the large buoy, measuring about seven feet in length by three in diameter in the middle, vaulted upwards with such force that it upset the boat, which instantly filled with water. The mate with great difficulty succeeded in getting hold of the gunwale, but Scott seemed to have been stunned by the buoy, for he lay motionless for a few minutes on the water, apparently unable to make any exertion to save himself, for he did not attempt to lay hold of the oars or thwarts which floated near him.

A boat was at once sent to the rescue, and the mate was picked up, but Scott sank before it reached the spot.

This poor lad was a great favourite in the service, and for a time his melancholy end cast a gloom over the little community at the Bell Rock. The circumstances of the case were also peculiarly distressing in reference to the boys mother, for her husband had been for three years past confined in a French prison, and her son had been the chief support of the family. In order in some measure to make up to the poor woman for the loss of the monthly aliment regularly allowed her by her lost son, it was suggested that a younger brother of the deceased might be taken into the service. This appeared to be a rather delicate proposition, but it was left to the landing-master to arrange according to circumstances. Such was the resignation, and at the same time the spirit of the poor woman, that she readily accepted the proposal, and in a few days the younger Scott was actually afloat in the place of his brother. On this distressing case being represented to the Board, the Commissioners granted an annuity of Ł5 to the lads mother.

The painter who represents only the sunny side of nature portrays a one-sided, and therefore a false view of things, for, as everyone knows, nature is not all sunshine. So, if an author makes his pen-and-ink pictures represent only the amusing and picturesque view of things, he does injustice to his subject.

We have no pleasure, good reader, in saddening you by accounts of fatal accidents, but we have sought to convey to you a correct impression of things, and scenes, and incidents at the building of the Bell Rock Lighthouse, as they actually were, and looked, and occurred. Although there was much, very much, of risk, exposure, danger, and trial connected with the erection of that building, there was, in the good providence of God, very little of severe accident or death. Yet that little must be told,  at least touched upon,  else will our picture remain incomplete as well as untrue.

Now, do not imagine, with a shudder, that these remarks are the prelude to something that will harrow up your feelings. Not so. They are merely the apology, if apology be needed, for the introduction of another accident.

Well, then. One morning the artificers landed on the rock at a quarter-past six, and as all hands were required for a piece of special work that day, they breakfasted on the beacon, instead of returning to the tender, and spent the day on the rock.

The special work referred to was the raising of the crane from the eighth to the ninth course  an operation which required all the strength that could be mustered for working the guy-tackles. This, be it remarked, was before the balance crane, already described, had been set up; and as the top of the crane stood at the time about thirty-five feet above the rock, it became much more unmanageable than heretofore.

At the proper hour all hands were called, and detailed to their several posts on the tower, and about the rock. In order to give additional purchase or power in tightening the tackle, one of the blocks of stone was suspended at the end of the movable beam of the crane, which, by adding greatly to the weight, tended to slacken the guys or supporting-ropes in the direction to which the beam with the stone was pointed, and thereby enabled the men more easily to brace them one after another.

While the beam was thus loaded, and in the act of swinging round from one guy to another, a great strain was suddenly brought upon the opposite tackle, with the end of which the men had very improperly neglected to take a turn round some stationary object, which would have given them the complete command of the tackle.

Owing to this simple omission, the crane, with the large stone at the end of the beam, got a preponderancy to one side, and, the tackle alluded to having rent, it fell upon the building with a terrible crash.

The men fled right and left to get out of its way; but one of them, Michael Wishart, a mason, stumbled over an uncut trenail and rolled on his back, and the ponderous crane fell upon him. Fortunately it fell so that his body lay between the great shaft and the movable beam, and thus he escaped with his life, but his feet were entangled with the wheel-work, and severely injured.

Wishart was a robust and spirited young fellow, and bore his sufferings with wonderful firmness while he was being removed. He was laid upon one of the narrow frame-beds of the beacon, and despatched in a boat to the tender. On seeing the boat approach with the poor man stretched on a bed covered with blankets, and his face overspread with that deadly pallor which is the usual consequence of excessive bleeding, the seamens looks betrayed the presence of those well-known but indescribable sensations which one experiences when brought suddenly into contact with something horrible. Relief was at once experienced, however, when Wisharts voice was heard feebly accosting those who first stepped into the boat.

He was immediately sent on shore, where the best surgical advice was obtained, and he began to recover steadily, though slowly. Meanwhile, having been one of the principal masons, Robert Selkirk was appointed to his vacant post.

And now let us wind up this chapter of accidents with an account of the manner in which a party of strangers, to use a slang but expressive phrase, came to grief during a visit to the Bell Rock.

One morning, a trim little vessel was seen by the workmen making for the rock at low tide. From its build and size, Ruby at once judged it to be a pleasure yacht. Perchance some delicate shades in the seamanship, displayed in managing the little vessel, had influenced the sailor in forming his opinion. Be this as it may, the vessel brought up under the lee of the rock and cast anchor.

It turned out to be a party of gentlemen from Leith, who had run down the firth to see the works. The weather was fine, and the sea calm, but these yachters had yet to learn that fine weather and a calm sea do not necessarily imply easy or safe landing at the Bell Rock! They did not know that the swell which had succeeded a recent gale was heavier than it appeared to be at a distance; and, worst of all, they did not know, or they did not care to remember, that there is a time for all things, and that the time for landing at the Bell Rock is limited.

Seeing that the place was covered with workmen, the strangers lowered their little boat and rowed towards them.

Theyre mad, said Logan, who, with a group of the men, watched the motions of their would-be visitors.

No, observed Joe Dumsby; they are brave, but hignorant.

Faix, they wont be ignorant long! cried Ned OConnor, as the little boat approached the rock, propelled by two active young rowers in Guernsey shirts, white trousers, and straw hats. Youre stout, lads, both of ye, an purty good hands at the oar, for gintlemen; but av ye wos as strong as Samson it would puzzle ye to stem these breakers, so ye better go back.

The yachters did not hear the advice, and they would not have taken it if they had heard it. They rowed straight up towards the landing-place, and, so far, showed themselves expert selectors of the right channel; but they soon came within the influence of the seas, which burst on the rock and sent up jets of spray to leeward.

These jets had seemed very pretty and harmless when viewed from the deck of the yacht, but they were found on a nearer approach to be quite able, and, we might almost add, not unwilling, to toss up the boat like a ball, and throw it and its occupants head over heels into the air.

But the rowers, like most men of their class, were not easily cowed. They watched their opportunity  allowed the waves to meet and rush on, and then pulled into the midst of the foam, in the hope of crossing to the shelter of the rock before the approach of the next wave.

Heedless of a warning cry from Ned OConnor, whose anxiety began to make him very uneasy, the amateur sailors strained every nerve to pull through, while their companion who sat at the helm in the stern of the boat seemed to urge them on to redoubled exertions. Of course their efforts were in vain. The next billow caught the boat on its foaming crest, and raised it high in the air. For one moment the wave rose between the boat and the men on the rock, and hid her from view, causing Ned to exclaim, with a genuine groan, Arrah! theys gone!

But they were not; the boats head had been carefully kept to the sea, and, although she had been swept back a considerable way, and nearly half-filled with water, she was still afloat.

The chief engineer now hailed the gentlemen, and advised them to return and remain on board their vessel until the state of the tide would permit him to send a proper boat for them.

In the meantime, however, a large boat from the floating light, pretty deeply laden with lime, cement, and sand, approached, when the strangers, with a view to avoid giving trouble, took their passage in her to the rock. The accession of three passengers to a boat, already in a lumbered state, put her completely out of trim, and, as it unluckily happened, the man who steered her on this occasion was not in the habit of attending the rock, and was not sufficiently aware of the run of the sea at the entrance of the eastern creek.

Instead, therefore, of keeping close to the small rock called Johnny Gray, he gave it, as Ruby expressed it, a wide berth. A heavy sea struck the boat, drove her to leeward, and, the oars getting entangled among the rocks and seaweed, she became unmanageable. The next sea threw her on a ledge, and, instantly leaving her, she canted seaward upon her gunwale, throwing her crew and part of her cargo into the water.

All this was the work of a few seconds. The men had scarce time to realise their danger ere they found themselves down under the water; and when they rose gasping to the surface, it was to behold the next wave towering over them, ready to fall on their heads. When it fell it scattered crew, cargo, and boat in all directions.

Some clung to the gunwale of the boat, others to the seaweed, and some to the thwarts and oars which floated about, and which quickly carried them out of the creek to a considerable distance from the spot where the accident happened.

The instant the boat was overturned, Ruby darted towards one of the rock boats which lay near to the spot where the party of workmen who manned it had landed that morning. Wilson, the landing-master, was at his side in a moment.

Shove off, lad, and jump in! cried Wilson.

There was no need to shout for the crew of the boat. The men were already springing into her as she floated off. In a few minutes all the men in the water were rescued, with the exception of one of the strangers, named Strachan.

This gentleman had been swept out to a small insulated rock, where he clung to the seaweed with great resolution, although each returning sea laid him completely under water, and hid him for a second or two from the spectators on the rock. In this situation he remained for ten or twelve minutes; and those who know anything of the force of large waves will understand how severely his strength and courage must have been tried during that time.

When the boat reached the rock the most difficult part was still to perform, as it required the greatest nicety of management to guide her in a rolling sea, so as to prevent her from being carried forcibly against the man whom they sought to save.

Take the steering-oar, Ruby; you are the best hand at this, said Wilson.

Ruby seized the oar, and, notwithstanding the breach of the seas and the narrowness of the passage, steered the boat close to the rock at the proper moment.

Starboard, noo, stiddy! shouted John Watt, who leant suddenly over the bow of the boat and seized poor Strachan by the hair. In another moment he was pulled inboard with the aid of Selkirks stout arms, and the boat was backed out of danger.

Now, a cheer, boys! cried Ruby.

The men did not require urging to this. It burst from them with tremendous energy, and was echoed back by their comrades on the rock, in the midst of whose wild hurrah, Ned OConnors voice was distinctly heard to swell from a cheer into a yell of triumph!

The little rock on which this incident occurred was called Strachans Ledge, and it is known by that name at the present day.

Note 1. It is right to state that this man afterwards obtained a light-keepers situation from the Board of Commissioners of Northern Lights, who seem to have taken a kindly interest in all their servants, especially those of them who had suffered in the service.

Chapter Twenty Five.

The Bell Rock in a Fog  Narrow Escape of the Smeaton.

Change of scene is necessary to the healthful working of the human mind; at least, so it is said. Acting upon the assumption that the saying is true, we will do our best in this chapter for the human minds that condescend to peruse these pages, by leaping over a space of time, and by changing at least the character of the scene, if not the locality.

We present the Bell Rock under a new aspect, that of a dense fog and a dead calm.

This is by no means an unusual aspect of things at the Bell Rock, but as we have hitherto dwelt chiefly on storms it may be regarded as new to the reader.

It was a June morning. There had been few breezes and no storms for some weeks past, so that the usual swell of the ocean had gone down, and there were actually no breakers on the rock at low water, and no ruffling of the surface at all at high tide. The tide had, about two hours before, overflowed the rock and driven the men into the beacon house, where, having breakfasted, they were at the time enjoying themselves with pipes and small talk.

The lighthouse had grown considerably by this time. Its unfinished top was more than eighty feet above the foundation; but the fog was so dense that only the lower part of the column could be seen from the beacon, the summit being lost, as it were, in the clouds.

Nevertheless that summit, high though it was, did not yet project beyond the reach of the sea. A proof of this had been given in a very striking manner, some weeks before the period about which we now write, to our friend George Forsyth.

George was a studious man, and fond of reading the Bible critically. He was proof against laughter and ridicule, and was wont sometimes to urge the men into discussions. One of his favourite arguments was somewhat as follows

Boys, he was wont to say, you laugh at me for readin the Bible carefully.

You would not laugh at a schoolboy for reading his books carefully, would you?

Yet the learnin of the way of salvation is of far more consequence to me than book learnin is to a schoolboy. An astronomer is never laughed at for readin
his books o geometry an suchlike day an night  even to the injury of his health  but what is an astronomers business to him compared with the concerns of my soul to me? Ministers tell me there are certain things I must know and believe if I would be saved  such as the death and resurrection of our Saviour Jesus Christ; and they also point out that the Bible speaks of certain Christians, who did well in refusin to receive the Gospel at the hands of the apostles, without first enquirin into these things, to see if they were true.

Now, lads, if these things that so many millions believe in, and that you all profess to believe in, are lies, then you may well laugh at me for enquirin
into them; but if they be true, why, I think the devils themselves must be laughing at you for not enquirin into them!

Of course, Forsyth found among such a number of intelligent men, some who could argue with him, as well as some who could laugh at him. He also found one or two who sympathised openly, while there were a few who agreed in their hearts, although they did not speak.

Well, it was this tendency to study on the part of Forsyth, that led him to cross the wooden bridge between the beacon and the lighthouse during his leisure hours, and sit reading at the top of the spiral stair, near one of the windows of the lowest room.

Forsyth was sitting at his usual window one afternoon at the end of a storm. It was a comfortless place, for neither sashes nor glass had at that time been put in, and the wind howled up and down the shaft dreadfully. The man was robust, however, and did not mind that.

The height of the building was at that time fully eighty feet. While he was reading there a tremendous breaker struck the lighthouse with such force that it trembled distinctly. Forsyth started up, for he had never felt this before, and fancied the structure was about to fall. For a moment or two he remained paralysed, for he heard the most terrible and inexplicable sounds going on overhead. In fact, the wave that shook the building had sent a huge volume of spray right over the top, part of which fell into the lighthouse, and what poor Forsyth heard was about a ton of water coming down through storey after storey, carrying lime, mortar, buckets, trowels, and a host of other things, violently along with it.

To plunge down the spiral stair, almost headforemost, was the work of a few seconds. Forsyth accompanied the descent with a yell of terror, which reached the ears of his comrades in the beacon, and brought them to the door, just in time to see their comrades long legs carry him across the bridge in two bounds.

Almost at the same instant the water and rubbish burst out of the doorway of the lighthouse, and flooded the bridge.

But let us return from this digression, or rather, this series of digressions, to the point where we branched off: the aspect of the beacon in the fog, and the calm of that still morning in June.

Some of the men inside were playing draughts, others were finishing their breakfast; one was playing Auld Lang Syne, with many extempore flourishes and trills, on a flute, which was very much out of tune. A few were smoking, of course (where exists the band of Britons who can get on without that!), and several were sitting astride on the cross-beams below, bobbing  not exactly for whales, but for any monster of the deep that chose to turn up.

The men fishing, and the beacon itself, loomed large and mysterious in the half-luminous fog. Perhaps this was the reason that the sea-gulls flew so near them, and gave forth an occasional and very melancholy cry, as if of complaint at the changed appearance of things.

Theres naethin to be got the day, said John Watt, rather peevishly, as he pulled up his line and found the bait gone.

Baits are always found gone when lines are pulled up! This would seem to be an angling law of nature. At all events, it would seem to have been a very aggravating law of nature on the present occasion, for John Watt frowned and growled to himself as he put on another bait.

Theres a bite! exclaimed Joe Dumsby, with a look of doubt, at the same time feeling his line.

Pood in then, said Watt ironically.

No, es hoff, observed Joe.

Hm! he never was on, muttered Watt.

What are you two growling at? said Ruby, who sat on one of the beams at the other side.

At our luck, Ruby, said Joe. Ha! was that a nibble? (Naethin o the kind,
from Watt.) It was! as I live its large; an addock, I think.

A naddock! sneered Watt; mair like a bit o tangle than eh! losh me! it is a fish

Well done, Joe! cried Bremner, from the doorway above, as a large rock-cod was drawn to the surface of the water.

Stay, its too large to pull up with the line. Ill run down and gaff it,
cried Ruby, fastening his own line to the beam, and descending to the water by the usual ladder, on one of the main beams. Now, draw him this way  gently, not too roughly  take time. Ah! that was a miss  hes off; no! Again; now then

Another moment, and a goodly cod of about ten pounds weight was wriggling on the iron hook which Ruby handed up to Dumsby, who mounted with his prize in triumph to the kitchen.

From that moment the fish began to take.

While the men were thus busily engaged, a boat was rowing about in the fog, vainly endeavouring to find the rock.

It was the boat of two fast friends, Jock Swankie and Davy Spink.

These worthies were in a rather exhausted condition, having been rowing almost incessantly from daybreak.

I tell ee what it is, said Swankie; Ill be hanged if I poo another stroke.

He threw his oar into the boat, and looked sulky.

Its my belief, said his companion, that we ought to be near aboot Denmark be this time.

Denmark or Rooshia, its a ane to me, rejoined Swankie; Ill hae a smoke.

So saying, he pulled out his pipe and tobacco-box, and began to cut the tobacco.

Davy did the same.

Suddenly both men paused, for they heard a sound. Each looked enquiringly at the other, and then both gazed into the thick fog.

Is that a ship? said Davy Spink.

They seized their oars hastily.

The beacon, as Im a leevin sinner! exclaimed Swankie.

If Spink had not backed his oar at that moment, there is some probability that Swankie would have been a dead, instead of a living, sinner in a few minutes, for they had almost run upon the north-east end of the Bell Rock, and distinctly heard the sound of voices on the beacon. A shout settled the question at once, for it was replied to by a loud holloa from Ruby.

In a short time the boat was close to the beacon, and the water was so very calm that day, that they were able to venture to hand the packet of letters with which they had come off into the beacon, even although the tide was full.

Letters, said Swankie, as he reached out his hand with the packet.

Hurrah! cried the men, who were all assembled on the mortar-gallery, looking down at the fishermen, excepting Ruby, Watt, and Dumsby, who were still on the cross-beams below.

Mind the boat; keep her aff, said Swankie, stretching out his hand with the packet to the utmost, while Dumsby descended the ladder and held out his hand to receive it.

Take care, cried the men in chorus, for news from shore was always a very exciting episode in their career, and the idea of the packet being lost filled them with sudden alarm.

The shout and the anxiety together caused the very result that was dreaded. The packet fell into the sea and sank, amid a volley of yells.

It went down slowly. Before it had descended a fathom, Rubys head cleft the water, and in a moment he returned to the surface with the packet in his hand amid a wild cheer of joy; but this was turned into a cry of alarm, as Ruby was carried away by the tide, despite his utmost efforts to regain the beacon.

The boat was at once pushed off but so strong was the current there, that Ruby was carried past the rock, and a hundred yards away to sea, before the boat overtook him.

The moment he was pulled into her he shook himself, and then tore off the outer covering of the packet in order to save the letters from being wetted. He had the great satisfaction of finding them almost uninjured. He had the greater satisfaction, thereafter, of feeling that he had done a deed which induced every man in the beacon that night to thank him half a dozen times over; and he had the greatest possible satisfaction in finding that among the rest he had saved two letters addressed to himself, one from Minnie Gray, and the other from his uncle.

The scene in the beacon when the contents of the packet were delivered was interesting. Those who had letters devoured them, and in many cases read them (unwittingly) half-aloud. Those who had none read the newspapers, and those who had neither papers nor letters listened.

Rubys letter ran as follows (we say his letter, because the other letter was regarded, comparatively, as nothing):

Arbroath, &c.

Darling Ruby,  I have just time to tell you that we have made a discovery which will surprise you. Let me detail it to you circumstantially. Uncle Ogilvy and I were walking on the pier a few days ago, when we overheard a conversation between two sailors, who did not see that we were approaching. We would not have stopped to listen, but the words we heard arrested our attention, so O what a pity! there, Big Swankie has come for our letters. Is it not strange that he should be the man to take them off? I meant to have given you such an account of it, especially a description of the case. They wont wait. Come ashore as soon as you can, dearest Ruby.

The letter broke off here abruptly. It was evident that the writer had been obliged to close it abruptly, for she had forgotten to sign her name.