The Lighthouse by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne
page 83 of 352 (23%)
page 83 of 352 (23%)
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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 Hope's 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, _Kennedy's Reach, Lagan's Reach, Watt's Reach_, and _Slights Reach_. The ends of them, where they dipped into the sea, were named _Hope's Wharf, Duff's Wharf, Rae's 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. |
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