The Launch made its way slowly towards the east-side landing on Eilean Mor. Aboard the small craft were Keeper Joseph Moore, Second Mate MacDonald and Seaman Jones, both members of the crew of the Hesperus.
Captain Harvie watched the progress of the launch from the bow of his ship. He had deep misgivings about the situation that was unfolding, and possibly putting his ship and crew at risk.
However, he had no choice. The Light on Eilean Mor had been out for days and needed to be activated as soon as possible. Naturally, the real mystery was not that the Light was out, but that there seemed to be no one on Eilean Mor present to tend the Beacon. His directions to the landing party were precise; Check the Lighthouse and the Living Quarters for any sign of the missing men. If they could not be located, the shore party was to return immediately to the Hesperus. There was to be no comprehensive search until after the Light was functioning again.
"Mr MacDonald," Jones began, "Is it true what they say, that they have all gone missing?"
The Second Mate sighed, and turned to the man who was next to him at the stern of the Launch. ''Lad," he replied, " You know just as much as I do. The Captain and Moore..." (He Gestured with his head to the man sitting at the Bow of the Launch), "...are pretty tight lipped about this whole thing. But I say this, the Captain is worried about what we may find, or maybe, what we do not find."
End of PT 4.
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