the lighthouse
should be completed.

Besides these there were two large boats, used for landing stones and
building materials on the rock.

These vessels lay floating almost motionless on the calm sea, and at
first there was scarcely any noise aboard of them to indicate that they
were tenanted by human beings, but when the sound of the _Smeaton's_
cable was heard there was a bustle aboard of each, and soon faces were
seen looking inquisitively over the sides of the ships.

The _Smeaton's_ boat was lowered after the anchor was let go, and the
new hands were transferred to the _Pharos_, which was destined to be
their home for some time to come.

Just as they reached her the bell rang for breakfast, and when Ruby
stepped upon the deck he found himself involved in all the bustle that
ensues when men break off from work and make preparation for the morning
meal.

There were upwards of thirty artificers on board the lightship at this
time. Some of these, as they hurried to and fro, gave the new arrivals
a hearty greeting, and asked, "What news from the shore?" Others were
apparently too much taken up with their own affairs to take notice of
them.

While Ruby was observing the busy scene with absorbing interest, and
utterly forgetful of the fact that he was in any way connected with it,
an elderly gentleman, whose kind countenance and hearty manner gave
indication of a genial spirit within, came up and accosted him:

"You are our assistant blacksmith, I believe?"

"Yes, sir, I am," replied Ruby, doffing his cap, as if he felt
instinctively that he was in the presence of someone of note.

"You have had considerable practice, I suppose, in your trade?"

"A good deal, sir, but not much latterly, for I have been at sea for
some time."

"At sea? Well, that won't be against you here," returned the gentleman,
with a meaning smile. "It would be well if some of my men were a little
more accustomed to the sea, for they suffer much from sea-sickness. You
can go below, my man, and get breakfast. You'll find your future
messmate busy at his, I doubt not. Here, steward," (turning to one of
the men who chanced to pass at the moment,) "take Ruby Brand--that is
your name, I think?"

"It is, sir."

"Take Brand below, and introduce him to James Dove as his assistant."

The steward escorted Ruby down the ladder that conducted to those dark
and littered depths of the ship's hull that were assigned to the
artificers as th