The child nodded with an air of familiar interest, wholly untinged
with sadness. "I think," she said, laying her head against the old
man's shoulder, and curling one arm about his neck, "I think I should
like to hear about it again, please, Daddy. It's a long, long time
since you told me the whole of it."

"Much as a month, I should think it must be," assented the Captain.
"Why, Snowdrop, you know the story by heart, better'n I do, I believe.
'Pears to me I've told it reg'lar, once a month or so, ever since
you were old enough to understand it."

"Never mind!" said the Princess, with an imperious gesture. "That
makes no difference. I _want_ it now!"

"Wal, wal!" said the Captain, smoothing back the golden hair. "If
you _want_ it, why of course you must have it, Blossom! But first
I must light up, ye know. One star inside the old house, and the other
atop of it: that's what makes Light Island the lightest spot in the
natural world. Sit ye here, Star Bright, and play Princess till Daddy
comes back!"




CHAPTER II.

THE STORY


The lamps were lighted, and the long, level rays flashed their golden