Half a dozen times over was Tom Downey called upon to read the communication from their Chief, and if it be true that a person’s right ear tingles when good is spoken of them, the Superintendent of the Life-Saving Service must have been surprised because of the warmth of that organ. Even amid the general rejoicing Benny found opportunity to study the _Regulations_ and observing him at this work Sam Hardy proposed that Keeper Downey write an additional paragraph to the Station Bill. “Benny must have a regular duty, and we’ll call him No. 8. Set down exactly what part he is to play, an’ let him learn it with the rest.” That night when Benny, with Fluff in his arms, stood on the threshold to bid his kindly guardians a “good-night,” all hands replied in concert: “Good-night, No. 8.” “That means Fluff as well as me,” Benny cried with a laugh, and as he laid down to sleep that night “No. 8” was an exceedingly happy boy. On the following morning Benny had a serious proposition to make Sam Hardy, and after his portion of the morning’s work had been done he called the surfman aside. “I want to ask a favor of you, Mr. Hardy.” “Well, lad, what is it?” “All hands call me No. 8, so that proves I’m regularly one of the crew, don’t it?” “Of course it does, Benny.” “Then I should have some regular work.” “So you have, my lad. You’re doin’ as much now as the cook, an’ some of the boys are beginnin’ to think you can take his place next season.” “My work in the kitchen don’t count. It’s only enough to take up the spare time. What I mean is, I ought to have a share in all that the crew does.” “What are you drivin’ at, Benny? Suppose you talk it right out plain, an’ then I’ll understand the quicker.” “It’s this, Mr. Hardy: I want to go on patrol duty with you every night, no matter what time you start out.” “Now look here, Benny, there are some nights when that’s precious hard work, and almost any time in the winter it’s no joke to turn out, say about midnight, an’ walk this blooming shore four hours.” “I know that, sir; but yet it will toughen me to do it, and after a spell I won’t mind it any more’n you do.” “But what’s your idea in doin’ such work?” “I want to grow into so much of a surfman that I can see at night the same as you do. When the _Three Brothers_ was sighted I couldn’t make her out at all.” “It’s trainin’ your eyes you’re after, eh?” “Yes, sir, perhaps that’s what you could call it.” “Well, I’ll talk with Downey, and see what he thinks of the scheme, although I’m willing to say right up an’ down now that I don’t just like it. The job is too rough for a little chap like you.” “I must get hardened to bad weather, and the cold, and all that sort of thing if I’m goin’ to stay in the life-saving service.” Sam turned away with a laugh, and not until evening did he make any reply to the request. Then, when the hour was near at hand for him to go on patrol, he said, speaking to all hands, including Fluff’s master: