OYSTERS AND SMALL CLAMS 51 



the turnstile into the lighthouse grounds, past the 

 tower where the lamp had been burning all night, 

 down through the sandy pasture and on towards the 

 point of rocks, where the mournful note of the 

 whistling buoy told of active waves and restless 

 tides. There had been some tog and the trees were 

 dripping, but now the sun was just breaking through 

 the clouds in the far east, and the whole morning 

 was glorious. 



A few other early risers were out on the point 

 before me; some on the beach, some searching for 

 pretty seaweeds, while others were exploring the 

 moss-covered rocks for star-fishes, sea-urchins and 

 other sea-creatures. 



The tide was low, and one could easily cross the 

 sand to the first island, then work his way down and 

 get to the second without much risk of taking an 

 involuntary bath. The second island is rather craggy, 

 and though one could see treasures on the slippery 

 rocks beyond, still it was not wise to venture much 

 farther, for the green water was surging in and out 

 among the rocks and warning you that all things 

 beyond were strictly "taboo." All right; there is 

 enough left any way; and up we clamber to the 

 highest point of the little island and look off sea- 

 ward. What a wonderful view I The ocean is on three 

 sides of you, blue and white and green; deliberately 

 active, vigorously quiet; in short, a mighty old giant, 

 who knows his strength and who wishes you to know 

 and admire it also. 



Out on the distant rocks are flocks of sea-birds, 

 mingling their morning cries with the sigh of the 



