pleasant frame of mind was speedily encouraged and augmented, first, by
water and towels _ad libitum_, and then by an introduction to the
dining-room, in whose ample grate now roared a fire, of what our
travellers were informed was peat,--an article supplying, in the absence
of all other indigenous fuel, nearly every chimney upon the island.

A good cup of tea and a substantial supper prepared the trio to accept
the invitation of the excellent Mr. F. (the chief keeper, and their
host) to go up with him "into the Light."

And now our travellers suddenly found that they had made a pilgrimage
unawares. They had come to the island for sea-air and pebbles, to shoot
ducks, see the Indians, and find out who Martha was, and had come to the
Light-house, as the only "white" dwelling upon the Head,--the rest
being all occupied by the descendants of the red men,--and now found
themselves applauded by their host for having "come so far to see our
Light;--not so far as some, either," continued he, "for we have had
visitors from every part of the Union,--even from Florida; every one who
understands such things is so anxious to see it."

"Why, is it different from common light-houses?" carelessly inquired
Caleb.

"Don't you know? Haven't you come on purpose to see it?" asked the
keeper, in astonishment,--and then proceeded to explain, that this is
the famous Fresnel light, the identical structure exhibited at the great
Exposition at Paris, bought there by an agent of the United States, and
shipped by him to America.

Owing, however, to some inexplicable blunder, its arrival was not made