As the inspector spoke, the two keepers and Sidney gazed at him in open-mouthed astonishment, while from the head of the stairs could be heard the heavy breathing of Uncle Zenas, and when the cases containing the medals were being opened by the officer, the second assistant could remain silent no longer. "You ain't makin' the littlest bit of a mistake, Mr. Inspector, when you call them two brave men! I know what they did, an' I'll take my affidavy that you won't find another couple of their age who'd put out in a dory sich a mornin' as that when the barkentine laid on the shoal!" "I am willing to say, judging from the statement made by Captain Nutter, that it was an exceptional show of bravery, Mr. Stubbs, and am thoroughly well pleased to be able to put the medals in their hands. Why don't you look at them?" he added as Captain Eph and Mr. Peters held the leather cases gingerly without offering to touch the heavy golden tokens. "To tell the truth, sir, you've knocked the gimp all out of me!" the old keeper said as he brushed his eyes, and then threw his arms around Sidney as if on the verge of bursting into tears, while Mr. Peters choked and coughed, but spoke never a word. Then the inspector, as if to break the silence which was becoming almost painful, said as he laid his hand on Sidney's head: "It was because of you that we tried to land here the other day; your father had requested that you be taken from the ledge, and a boarding-place be found for you on the mainland. Since having received your letter, however, he telegraphed, yesterday, that you be allowed to remain in the light until his return, and because of the assistance which I learn you have rendered the keepers, I see no reason why the Board will not grant his request." "Then he's to stay, is he?" Captain Eph cried, displaying a keener interest in the matter than he had in the medals, and the inspector repeated what he had already said. "I'd rather have the little shaver with me for a year to come, than all the gold an' letters the Board can send!" he cried, again holding Sidney very close to him, and the inspector quietly went down-stairs, leaving the two men and the boy alone. Uncle Zenas was not disposed to keep secret Mr. Peters' latest exhibition of bravery, and, calling upon Mr. Sawyer for confirmation, he told the story to the inspector in detail, concluding by saying: "There are times when it's terribly tryin' to have Sammy pokin' 'round the kitchen; but if any trouble comes up, you can count on him every minute of the day or night, no matter how many chances he may be takin' of losin' his own life. He an' Sonny together have run the light, done the cookin', an' doctored Cap'n Eph and me up in great shape since we were laid by the heels."