rful intelligence that God has given to man, and the sea for more
than half a century has vainly beat against the massive tower whose
foundation is on the Bell Rock.

But all this savours somewhat of anticipation. Let us return to Ruby
Brand, in whose interest we have gone into this long digression; for he
it was who gazed intently at the mingled scene of storm and calm which
we have attempted to describe, and it was he who thought out most of the
ideas which we have endeavoured to convey.

Ruby had lent a hand to work the pump at the foundation-pit that
morning. After a good spell at it he took his turn of rest, and, in
order to enjoy it fully, went as far out as he could upon the seaward
ledges, and sat down on a piece of rock to watch the waves.

While seated there, Robert Selkirk came and sat down beside him.
Selkirk was the principal builder, and ultimately laid every stone of
the lighthouse with his own hand. He was a sedate, quiet man, but full
of energy and perseverance. When the stones were landed faster than
they could be built into their places, he and Bremner, as well as some
of the other builders, used to work on until the rising tide reached
their waists.

"It's a grand sight, Ruby," said Selkirk, as a larger wave than usual
fell, and came rushing in torrents of foam up to their feet, sending a
little of the spray over their heads.

"It is indeed a glorious sight," said Ruby. "If I had nothing to do, I
believe I could sit here all day just looking at the waves and
thinking."

"Thinkin'?" repeated Selkirk, in a musing tone of voice. "Can ye tell,
lad, what ye think about when you're lookin' at the waves?"

Ruby smiled at the oddness of the question.

"Well," said he, "I don't think I ever thought of that before."

"Ah, but _I_ have!" said the other, "an' I've come to the conclusion
that for the most part we don't think, properly speakin', at all; that
our thoughts, so to speak, think for us; that they just take the bit in
their teeth and go rumblin' and tumblin' about anyhow or nohow!"

Ruby knitted his brows and pondered. He was one of those men who, when
they don't understand a thing, hold their tongues and think.

"And," continued Selkirk, "it's curious to observe what a lot o'
nonsense one thinks too when one is lookin' at the waves. Many a time I
have pulled myself up, thinkin' the most astonishin' stuff ye could
imagine."

"I would hardly have expected this of such a grave kind o