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 CHAPTER XVIII

HE afternoon did not bring Joan and Garth many additions to their record, but toward its close it brought a gray Government launch steaming very definitely in the direction of the Light.

"It can't be coming here," Garth said; "that is, I don't see why it should."

But the launch proceeded steadily, and made a neat landing at the lighthouse pier. A sailor grappled the steps with a boat-hook, and the launch bobbed and puffed while a white-clad officer came ashore. With his cap in his hand, he ran up the rocks, smiling expectantly. When he saw Joan he stopped short, seemingly much embarrassed, for he was a very young officer.

"I'm mighty sorry," he said, twirling his white and gold cap. "I thought the Pemberleys lived here still." And he was about to flee, when Joan said: