The fickle character of the North Sea where it rolls over the Rothersand is reflected by an experience which befell the Harkort engineer and the superintendent of erection for the authorities, who wished to complete his duty of inspection. The finishing touches were being applied, a squad of twelve workmen being in the tower to continue the work during the winter. The early December day was fair and the sea smooth, as well as giving every indication of remaining quiescent for some hours. The superintendent had arranged to spend his Christmas holidays with some friends, and desired to complete his duty in good time, so that his sojourn might be free from care. The two started off in the steamer, and landed without effort. But while they were engaged in their work of inspection the wind and sea freshened, so that a boat could not be sent from the steamer to take them off. It was an amusing situation which was keenly enjoyed at Bremerhaven; but all would be right on the morrow, said everyone. But the next day the weather was worse, and continued so for day after day. When a fortnight had passed without it being possible to succour the weather-bound engineers, amusement gave way to anxiety, more especially as a signal was flying from the tower which conveyed the unwelcome intelligence that one of the workmen had fallen ill. The feelings of the superintendent may be imagined. He had visions of spending his Yuletide in a draughty, half-finished lighthouse tower, where comfort was conspicuous by its absence, and where seasonal fare such as he had been anticipating keenly was unknown. But on December 21 the constructional engineers, having grown impatient with the weather, sent out one of their boats, with instructions to bring everyone ashore at all hazards. The waves were running high and the wind was gusty, but the steamer anchored as near the lighthouse as she dared, and by means of her boats, which were in momentary danger of being swamped, brought off the two engineers as well as all the workmen except two. The latter remained behind as a guard, and, being given a good stock of seasonal provisions and other necessities, were left in their splendid isolation. The superintendent, after all, was able to enjoy his Christmas holidays.