Charlie's said that was fine and off they went. William still a little awestruck said he'd like to go but he'd have to be back by supper. Say, have you ever been to the lighthouse? I could take you if you'd like.' What is your name son?' Charlie stuck out a small paw for William to shake. 'Never seen me before have you? And you're curious?' His kind eyes sparkles behind his spectacle. 'Now tell my young man, why have you been following me all day?' He asked William with a hidden smile behind his white mustache. Eventually he lost sight of the man and frantically looked around. He dipped and dodged and hid behind carts. He shrugged his shoulders and snuck off to spy on this strange man. She was too preoccupied with the fruit she was examining to pay him any mind. 'Mother, who's that old man over there?' He asked as he tugged his mothers attire. His well kept end blue suit and hat was unlike a uniform he'd ever seen. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of an odd old man. Never.Ī few days later, young William was in the market place with his mother. On that day he swore he'd never become a sailor and leave his a children like this. William watched with tears in his eyes as the ship sailed further and further away. William and his father said their goodbyes and off his father went.

Where they were going and for how long, William did not know. They were standing at the dock, waiting to see William's father, John, off as he sailed with Benjamin Gibbs on his merchant ship. I owe that man my life after what happened at the Reef.'

'Father, do you really have to go?' 8 year old William Cherington asked his father.

The lighthouse keeper short story