210 MR. rudyard's lighthouse. 



storm. But on the first of December, the 

 \ buildmg took fire, and in a few days was re- 



duced to a charred ruin on its foundation. 

 How the fire originated, none can tell. One 

 of the three men, who had the care of this 

 edifice, made off* as soon as he was brought on 

 shore from the blazing tower, and was never 

 again heard of ; but as it was but a chance that 

 any on the spot should escape with their lives, 

 it does not seem probable that the fire was wil- 

 ful ; unless the incendiary were indeed mad. 



It appears, that when the light-keeper 

 went into the lantern, to snuff* the candles, he 

 found the whole in a smoke, and upon his 

 opening the door, a flame burst forth. He 

 immediately endeavoured to alarm his com- 

 panions ; but they, being in bed and asleep, 

 were not ready in coming to his assistance. 

 The poor man did what he could in throwing 



