Ned said nothing, but he looked as if that would be the best part of it all, while Chunky’s eyes lighted up at the mention of another meal.
Mr. Hardack was soon ready to go. He had to walk the entire distance, as there was no conveyance handy, but he said he did not mind that.
“I’ll introduce you to the new man,” he said, calling his helper from where he was still busy filling the lamps. “His name is John Elkwood.”
The assistant did not seem a very good natured chap. He only nodded to the boys, when Mr. Hardack introduced them, and, as he went back to his work, Jerry heard him muttering to himself.
“Well, I guess I’ll get under way,” said the keeper as he started off.
“I don’t need those boys here. I can get along without ’em. They’ll be in the way.”
“I want ’em to stay,” was Mr. Hardack’s answer, at which the boys heard the new man muttering again.
“Not very friendly,” commented Jerry. “Still we can get along I guess.”
The boys spent an hour going over the lighthouse, with which they were now rather familiar. In the meanwhile Elkwood was busy filling lamps, there being a number used in the big tower. He attended to the light in the big glass lantern and spent some time oiling the machinery.
“I wonder what time Jessica is coming back?” said Bob, as they sat down in the sitting room.
“Was that one thought for her and two for the supper?” inquired Jerry.
“It’s about time she should be back, I think,” came from Ned.
“He’s only thinking of her, you see, Chunky,” Jerry went on.
“No, but it seems to be getting foggy,” added Ned, “and Noddy isn’t any too good a hand at managing a boat. I wish she hadn’t gone out with him.”
“Oh, she’ll be all right,” commented Bob. “Tell you what’s let’s do. We’ll get supper and have it all ready when she comes. I guess we can find the things to eat.”
“Trust Chunky for that even if he doesn’t have any dishes on the table,” Jerry remarked. “Well, we’ll get the meal and invite Noddy to it.”
“Not a bit of it!” exclaimed Ned. “When he sees us here he’ll go back where he came from, fast enough.”
The boys found a well-stocked pantry, and, because of their camping experiences had little difficulty in getting a meal ready. By this time it was nearly seven o’clock. Ned kept rather anxious watch of the hours.