."

They took the lead, the captain following with Lulu, and Max bringing up
the rear.

Having reached the top and viewed the great light (one of the finest on
the coast) from the interior, Elsie stepped outside, and holding fast to
Edward's hand made the entire circuit, enjoying the extended view on all
sides.

Stepping in again, she drew a long breath of relief. "I should not like
to try that in a strong wind," she said, "or at all if I were easily
made dizzy; no, nor in any case without a strong arm to cling to for
safety; for there is plenty of space to fall through between the iron
railing and the masonry."

"I should tremble to see you try it alone, mother," Edward said.

"It is a trifle dangerous," acknowledged the keeper.

"Yet safe enough for a sailor," laughed the captain, stepping out.

"Oh, papa, let me go too, please do!" pleaded Lulu.

"Why should you care to?" asked her father.

"To see the prospect, papa; oh, do let me! there can't be any danger
with you to hold me tight."

For answer he leaned down and helped her up the step, then led her
slowly round, giving her time to take in all the beauties of the scene,
taking care of Max too, who was slowly following.

"I presume you are a little careful whom you allow to make that round?"
the captain observed inquiringly to the keeper when again they stood
inside.

"Yes, and we have never had an accident; but I don't know but there was
a narrow escape from it the other day.

"Of course crowds of people come here almost every day while summer
visitors are on the island, and we can't always judge what kind they
are; but we know it is not an uncommon thing for people standing on the
brink of a precipice or any height to feel an uncontrollable inclination
to throw themselves down it, and therefore we are on the watch.

"Well, the other day I let a strange woman out there, but presently when
I saw her looking down over the edge and heard her mutter to herself,
'Shall I know him when I see him? shall I know him when I see him?' I
pulled her inside in a hurry."

"You thought she was deranged and about to commit suicide by
precipitating herself to the ground?" Edward said inquiringly.

"Exactly, sir," returned the keeper.

All of their number who wished to do so having visited the top of the
tower, our party prepared to leave.

"Are you going to walk back, papa? Mayn't I go with you?" pleaded Grace.

"No, daughter, we must not try your strength t