Darkness by Richard Otter




Darkness
by Richard Otter, version 1.00

A pocket adventure written during 2004, using ADRIFT version 4.00 Release 45

At any time during the game you can type Intro, credits or details for more information.

If you get stuck you could try hints which should give you a clue.

[Press ENTER to read the Introduction]

Darkness
by Richard Otter, version 1.00

For the first time in living memory the lighthouse on the Croxton Rock was in darkness.

You have been the harbour master at Tolleth for over 10 years and have never seen anything like this; the light did not shine out through the night. From the harbour wall you kept watch from early evening until very late into the night, but the lighthouse remained dark.

When the morning finally came you tried calling the lighthouse on the radio, but received no answer. As the weather looked good and the water relatively calm you took the decision to go over to see what was wrong. Care was needed as it is nearly five miles to Croxton Rock, with the fishing fleet away you only had your little rowing boat with the broken engine.

The lighthouse is manned by three keepers at any one time and John Collins, Albert Taylor and William 'Tosh' Graham are the current keepers. You saw them only last week when you took over mail and supplies.

Now, after a very long row you have just tied up at the lighthouse jetty.

[Press ENTER to start]



Row Boat
Your small row boat is a type know as a dory and is about 15 feet (4.5m) long and 4 feet (1.2m) wide. The narrow bottom and wide flaring sides makes for easy rowing. They are used the world over in all weather conditions, although you hope to be home long before you put that to the test. You can see a wooden ladder which leads up to the jetty. Your boat is currently tied to the ladder.

> x boat
It is a type know as a Dory and is about 15 feet long and 4 feet wide. Her narrow bottom makes for rowing easy, while the wide flaring sides make the boat dry. Fishermen the world over have used dories in all weather conditions, although you hope to be home long before you put that to the test.

In the bottom of the boat you find your old rucksack.

> get rucksack
You take the rucksack.

> open rucksack
You open the rucksack. Inside the rucksack is a torch (flashlight), a thermos flask and a notepad.

> get all from rucksack
You take the torch (flashlight), the thermos flask and the notepad from the rucksack.

> u
You climb out of your boat onto the jetty.
The Jetty
The lighthouse jetty is made of stone with a metal handrail running around it. You notice immediately that the handrail is damaged. Down a wooden ladder you can see your boat and to the east is a path leading to the lighthouse. In the water just below the jetty, you can see something floating. It appears to be a woollen hat.

> e
You move east.
The Path
You are on a narrow path leading from the jetty and from here you can see the main part of the Croxton Rock. The rock is only about 50 feet (15.2m) in length and no more than 20 feet (6m) wide; however a northern reef extends another 1000 feet (304.8m) beyond the main area. You can go west to the jetty or east in the direction of the lighthouse.

You look up at the sky. It is an overcast sort of day and it will get dark early tonight.

> e
You move east.
Outside the Lighthouse
Before you is the granite structure of the Croxton Rock lighthouse. This part of the rock on which the lighthouse is built is no more than 10 feet (3m) above the water level. You ponder that it must be a frightening place during a high tide. To the east you can see the door into the lighthouse and west a path leads back to the jetty. The door to the lighthouse is wide open and blowing in the wind.

> e
You move east.
Entrance
After the space outside the entrance of the lighthouse feels very enclosed and cramped. A cupboard, which you guess contains wet weather gear, is just near the door. The exit out of the lighthouse is west and some worn stone steps lead up. The lights are out so it is fairly gloomy in here. The door to the lighthouse is wide open and blowing in the wind.

> open cupboard
You open the cupboard. Inside the battered cupboard is a sou'wester hat, a weatherproof coat and some weatherproof boots.

As you open the cupboard you notice immediately that it only contains one pair of wet weather clothing. It should contain three, one for each of the crew. Two of the crew must be outside?

You make a note about this in your notepad.

> turn on torch
You turn on your torch.


Entrance
After the space outside the entrance of the lighthouse feels very enclosed and cramped. A cupboard, which you guess contains wet weather gear, is just near the door. The exit out of the lighthouse is west and some worn stone steps lead up. The door to the lighthouse is wide open and blowing in the wind.

> u
As you head up, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Fuel Store
The fuel store for the lighthouse is completely taken up by two storage tanks, one large and one small. The lighthouse is a very claustrophobic place at the best of times, but it feels even worse in here. The room seems to be filled with the faint smell of petrol or maybe it is diesel. You can see some stone steps leading up and down.

> u
As you head up, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Generator Room
The centre of the room is taken up by one enormous diesel engine, so you are obviously in the generator room. It is in here that the electrical power is produced for the light and the rest of the lighthouse. You know from your last visit that this room can be an extremely noisy place. Some worn stone steps lead up and down. An old toolbox is sitting near the generator.

> x generator
It appears that someone has been working on the very large diesel generator recently. The generator has two buttons marked start and stop.

You do not know enough about diesel engines to work out what is missing, if anything.
You make a note about this in your notepad.

Somewhere in the lighthouse you hear a door closing.

> open toolbox
You open the toolbox. Inside the toolbox is a broken spark plug, a screwdriver and a spanner.

Is that footsteps echoing on the stones steps?

> get spanner
You take the spanner from the toolbox.

> u
As you head up, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Store Room
Although only having an internal diameter of 11 feet (3.3m) every square inch of this room is occupied. It packed with storage tanks and floor to ceiling racks, which contain everything you can think of. A large freezer stands just inside the door and is alongside some sacks of vegetables and boxes of foodstuffs. Squeezed in between the racks is a petrol generator, although a much smaller unit than the one downstairs. Almost hidden in one corner is a battered old locker. Some stone steps lead up and down. You can also see a boat hook and a fire extinguisher.

> get boat hook
You take the boat hook.

> d
As you head down, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Generator Room
The centre of the room is taken up by one enormous diesel engine, so you are obviously in the generator room. It is in here that the electrical power is produced for the light and the rest of the lighthouse. You know from your last visit that this room can be an extremely noisy place. Some worn stone steps lead up and down. An old toolbox is sitting near the generator.

> d
As you head down, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Fuel Store
The fuel store for the lighthouse is completely taken up by two storage tanks, one large and one small. The lighthouse is a very claustrophobic place at the best of times, but it feels even worse in here. The room seems to be filled with the faint smell of petrol or maybe it is diesel. You can see some stone steps leading up and down.

> d
As you head down, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Entrance
After the space outside the entrance of the lighthouse feels very enclosed and cramped. A cupboard, which you guess contains wet weather gear, is just near the door. The exit out of the lighthouse is west and some worn stone steps lead up. The door to the lighthouse is wide open and blowing in the wind.

> w
You move west.
Outside the Lighthouse
Before you is the granite structure of the Croxton Rock lighthouse. This part of the rock on which the lighthouse is built is no more than 10 feet (3m) above the water level. You ponder that it must be a frightening place during a high tide. To the east you can see the door into the lighthouse and west a path leads back to the jetty. The door to the lighthouse is wide open and blowing in the wind.

> w
You move west.
The Path
You are on a narrow path leading from the jetty and from here you can see the main part of the Croxton Rock. The rock is only about 50 feet (15.2m) in length and no more than 20 feet (6m) wide; however a northern reef extends another 1000 feet (304.8m) beyond the main area. You can go west to the jetty or east in the direction of the lighthouse.

> w
You move west.
The Jetty
The lighthouse jetty is made of stone with a metal handrail running around it. You notice immediately that the handrail is damaged. Down a wooden ladder you can see your boat and to the east is a path leading to the lighthouse. In the water just below the jetty, you can see something floating. It appears to be a woollen hat.

> get hat
With the boat hook you fish the hat from the water. As you take the hat you drop the boat hook in the sea and it floats away.

> x hat
Inside the woollen hat the label reads 'Albert Taylor'.
You make a note about this in your notepad.

> e
You move east.
The Path
You are on a narrow path leading from the jetty and from here you can see the main part of the Croxton Rock. The rock is only about 50 feet (15.2m) in length and no more than 20 feet (6m) wide; however a northern reef extends another 1000 feet (304.8m) beyond the main area. You can go west to the jetty or east in the direction of the lighthouse.

> e
You move east.
Outside the Lighthouse
Before you is the granite structure of the Croxton Rock lighthouse. This part of the rock on which the lighthouse is built is no more than 10 feet (3m) above the water level. You ponder that it must be a frightening place during a high tide. To the east you can see the door into the lighthouse and west a path leads back to the jetty. The door to the lighthouse is wide open and blowing in the wind.

> e
You move east.
Entrance
After the space outside the entrance of the lighthouse feels very enclosed and cramped. A cupboard, which you guess contains wet weather gear, is just near the door. The exit out of the lighthouse is west and some worn stone steps lead up. The door to the lighthouse is wide open and blowing in the wind. You notice that you are no longer carrying the woollen hat.

> u
As you head up, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Fuel Store
The fuel store for the lighthouse is completely taken up by two storage tanks, one large and one small. The lighthouse is a very claustrophobic place at the best of times, but it feels even worse in here. The room seems to be filled with the faint smell of petrol or maybe it is diesel. You can see some stone steps leading up and down.

> u
As you head up, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Generator Room
The centre of the room is taken up by one enormous diesel engine, so you are obviously in the generator room. It is in here that the electrical power is produced for the light and the rest of the lighthouse. You know from your last visit that this room can be an extremely noisy place. Some worn stone steps lead up and down. An old toolbox is sitting near the generator.

> u
As you head up, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Store Room
Although only having an internal diameter of 11 feet (3.3m) every square inch of this room is occupied. It packed with storage tanks and floor to ceiling racks, which contain everything you can think of. A large freezer stands just inside the door and is alongside some sacks of vegetables and boxes of foodstuffs. Squeezed in between the racks is a petrol generator, although a much smaller unit than the one downstairs. Almost hidden in one corner is a battered old locker. Some stone steps lead up and down. You can also see a fire extinguisher.

> open locker
You open the old locker. Inside the old locker is some ear defenders, a hard hat, some safety guidelines and a flare gun.

> get flare
You take the flare gun from the old locker.

> u
As you head up, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Sleeping Quarters
Looking around the sleeping quarters they seem to have three basic levels. The lowest level is a cupboard for storage of kit. The middle level consists of three bunk spaces, one of which seems to have been slept in. The top bunk also provides sleeping spaces, although you would need to be very agile to climb up and squeeze inside. Just inside the door is a wardrobe and nearby is a rusty panel heater. Some stone steps lead up and down. You can also see a mattress and a vacuum cleaner.

Just out of the corner of your eye, you see something move. Turning round sharply, you find nothing.

> open wardrobe
You open the wardrobe. A coat is inside the wardrobe.

> x coat
It is a warm looking, brown woollen coat. In one of the pockets you find a small key which you take.

> u
As you head up, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Living Quarters
The quarters appear very small considering three people live here, but it contains all the items you would expect in a kitchen. There is a sink and drainer standing next to a kitchen unit and then a small cooker. On the unit you can see a microwave and a television. Three comfortable armchairs are in a strategic position in front of the television. Some stone steps lead up and down.

> x table
The round metal table is just about large enough for three people to sit at. On the round table is the lighthouse log book, a plate and a mug.

> x plate
It is a plate of half finished food, which after touching you discover is cold. Someone did not get the chance to finish their meal.

You make a note about this in your notepad.

> x mug
The mug is nearly full of cold coffee. Someone did not get the chance to finish their coffee.

You make a note about this in your notepad.

> get logbook
You take the lighthouse log book from the round table.

> read logbook
A quick flick through it does not reveal much and it all looks pretty normal.

The crew had noticed a problem with the diesel generator and had planned some maintenance on the 23rd, "day before yesterday" you ponder.

The log also contains the note, "The storm the other night has caused serious damage to the jetty handrail. This will need looking at before it is carried away. Hopefully get this sorted out on the 24th." Although, the page for the 24th is actually missing.
You make a note about this in your notepad.

> u
As you head up, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Radio Room
On one side of the room is work bench on which sits a radio, the remaining space is taken up with a dozen of more bright red gas bottles. To your right, sitting on the floor, is a blue metal box. Some stone steps lead up and down. You can also see an old bucket.

> x bucket
The old metal bucket is missing its handle and appears to be used as a rubbish bin. The bin has a very hole in the bottom. Some old rags are inside the old bucket.

> get rags
You take the rags out of the bucket. As you pull out the rags something drops from them back into the bucket - it is a spark plug.

> get spark plug
You take the spark plug from the old bucket.

> open box
You unlock and open the metal box. A battery is inside the metal box.

> get battery
You take the battery from the metal box.

You are sure you can hear voices.

> u
As you head up, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Light Control Room
One complete half of this room is taken up by loads of batteries, charged from some solar panels and the generators below. Near the door is a large lever in the off position and next to it is a noticeboard. Some stone steps lead up and down.

> u
As you head up, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Lantern Room
Compared to the rest of the lighthouse the lantern room is an uncluttered and light space. It is from here that you have an uninterrupted, all round view of the ocean. In the centre of the room is the optic which consist of eight beautiful lense panels sitting on a pedestal, it truly is a magnificent sight. It is possible to go out onto a walkway which runs around the outside of the room, through a metal hatch which is closed at the moment. Just behind you are the stone steps leading down into the rest of the lighthouse. The beautiful optics are still at the moment.

> open hatch
You open the metal hatch.

> out
You move out.
Lantern Walkway
The metal walkway runs right around the outside of the lantern room. Looking over the side you can see down to the rocks below where the waves continually rise and fall in a boiling mass. You spot your little boat tied up to the jetty. As this is one of the few flat surfaces around is a favourite resting place for the sea gulls. The gulls do what gulls do with the result that the walkway is covered in bird droppings; you will need to watch you step. Your grip on the handrail tightens. It is possible to go back inside the lighthouse, through a metal hatch which is open at the moment.

> x jetty
You can see the jetty and wooden ladder against which you boat is secured. You can see two men in wet weather gear working on the jetty handrail! You rub your eyes but you can still see the men, trying to shout your voice is carried away on the wind.

> ne
You move northeast.
Lantern Walkway
You are on a metal walkway running around the outside of the lantern room. The panes of glass are covered by a thin layer of salt. Looking down to the rocks below the waves continually rise and fall in a boiling mass. You can go northwest and southwest.

> nw
You move northwest.
Lantern Walkway
You are on a metal walkway running around the outside of the lantern room. The panes of glass are covered by a thin layer of salt. Looking down to the rocks below the waves continually rise and fall in a boiling mass. Attached to the side of the lighthouse is a box with is closed. You can go southeast and southwest. You can also see a fuel can.

> get can
You take the fuel can.

> sw
You move southwest.
Lantern Walkway
You are on a metal walkway running around the outside of the lantern room. The panes of glass are covered by a thin layer of salt. Looking down to the rocks below the waves continually rise and fall in a boiling mass. You can go northeast and southeast. A sheet of paper is caught on the walkway handrail; it looks like it might blow away at anytime.

> get paper
You grab the sheet of paper before it is blown away.

> read paper
It is a missing page from the lighthouse log book for the 24th. Reading through the entries, John Collins and Albert Taylor went outside to carry out repairs to the handrail. Tosh Graham was staying inside to look at the main generator.
You make a note about this in your notepad.

> se
You move southeast.
Lantern Walkway
The metal walkway runs right around the outside of the lantern room. Looking over the side you can see down to the rocks below where the waves continually rise and fall in a boiling mass. You spot your little boat tied up to the jetty. As this is one of the few flat surfaces around is a favourite resting place for the sea gulls. The gulls do what gulls do with the result that the walkway is covered in bird droppings; you will need to watch you step. Your grip on the handrail tightens. It is possible to go back inside the lighthouse, through a metal hatch which is closed at the moment.

> open hatch
You open the metal hatch.

> in
You move in.
Lantern Room
Compared to the rest of the lighthouse the lantern room is an uncluttered and light space. It is from here that you have an uninterrupted, all round view of the ocean. In the centre of the room is the optic which consist of eight beautiful lense panels sitting on a pedestal, it truly is a magnificent sight. It is possible to go out onto a walkway which runs around the outside of the room, through a metal hatch which is open at the moment. Just behind you are the stone steps leading down into the rest of the lighthouse. The beautiful optics are still at the moment.

> d
As you head down, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Light Control Room
One complete half of this room is taken up by loads of batteries, charged from some solar panels and the generators below. Near the door is a large lever in the off position and next to it is a noticeboard. Some stone steps lead up and down.

> d
As you head down, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Radio Room
On one side of the room is work bench on which sits a radio, the remaining space is taken up with a dozen of more bright red gas bottles. To your right, sitting on the floor, is a blue metal box. Some stone steps lead up and down. You can also see an old bucket.

> d
As you head down, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Living Quarters
The quarters appear very small considering three people live here, but it contains all the items you would expect in a kitchen. There is a sink and drainer standing next to a kitchen unit and then a small cooker. On the unit you can see a microwave and a television. Three comfortable armchairs are in a strategic position in front of the television. Some stone steps lead up and down.

> d
As you head down, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Sleeping Quarters
Looking around the sleeping quarters they seem to have three basic levels. The lowest level is a cupboard for storage of kit. The middle level consists of three bunk spaces, one of which seems to have been slept in. The top bunk also provides sleeping spaces, although you would need to be very agile to climb up and squeeze inside. Just inside the door is a wardrobe and nearby is a rusty panel heater. Some stone steps lead up and down. You can also see a mattress and a vacuum cleaner.

> d
As you head down, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Store Room
Although only having an internal diameter of 11 feet (3.3m) every square inch of this room is occupied. It packed with storage tanks and floor to ceiling racks, which contain everything you can think of. A large freezer stands just inside the door and is alongside some sacks of vegetables and boxes of foodstuffs. Squeezed in between the racks is a petrol generator, although a much smaller unit than the one downstairs. Almost hidden in one corner is a battered old locker. Some stone steps lead up and down. You can also see a fire extinguisher.

> d
As you head down, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Generator Room
The centre of the room is taken up by one enormous diesel engine, so you are obviously in the generator room. It is in here that the electrical power is produced for the light and the rest of the lighthouse. You know from your last visit that this room can be an extremely noisy place. Some worn stone steps lead up and down. An old toolbox is sitting near the generator.

> d
As you head down, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Fuel Store
The fuel store for the lighthouse is completely taken up by two storage tanks, one large and one small. The lighthouse is a very claustrophobic place at the best of times, but it feels even worse in here. The room seems to be filled with the faint smell of petrol or maybe it is diesel. You can see some stone steps leading up and down.

Is that footsteps echoing on the stones steps?

> fill can
You turn the tap on the fuel tank and fill the fuel can you are carrying.

> u
As you head up, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Generator Room
The centre of the room is taken up by one enormous diesel engine, so you are obviously in the generator room. It is in here that the electrical power is produced for the light and the rest of the lighthouse. You know from your last visit that this room can be an extremely noisy place. Some worn stone steps lead up and down. An old toolbox is sitting near the generator.

> u
As you head up, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Store Room
Although only having an internal diameter of 11 feet (3.3m) every square inch of this room is occupied. It packed with storage tanks and floor to ceiling racks, which contain everything you can think of. A large freezer stands just inside the door and is alongside some sacks of vegetables and boxes of foodstuffs. Squeezed in between the racks is a petrol generator, although a much smaller unit than the one downstairs. Almost hidden in one corner is a battered old locker. Some stone steps lead up and down. You can also see a fire extinguisher.

> mend generator
You fill the generator with the fuel you are carrying. You fit the battery you are carrying to the generator. You fit the spark plug you are carrying to the generator.

> press start
You press the start button and the generator splutters to lift. You notice that the lighthouse lights do not come on, perhaps this little generator cannot run everything.

> u
As you head up, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Sleeping Quarters
Looking around the sleeping quarters they seem to have three basic levels. The lowest level is a cupboard for storage of kit. The middle level consists of three bunk spaces, one of which seems to have been slept in. The top bunk also provides sleeping spaces, although you would need to be very agile to climb up and squeeze inside. Just inside the door is a wardrobe and nearby is a rusty panel heater. Some stone steps lead up and down. You can also see a mattress and a vacuum cleaner.

> u
As you head up, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Living Quarters
The quarters appear very small considering three people live here, but it contains all the items you would expect in a kitchen. There is a sink and drainer standing next to a kitchen unit and then a small cooker. On the unit you can see a microwave and a television. Three comfortable armchairs are in a strategic position in front of the television. Some stone steps lead up and down.

> u
As you head up, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Radio Room
On one side of the room is work bench on which sits a radio, the remaining space is taken up with a dozen of more bright red gas bottles. To your right, sitting on the floor, is a blue metal box. Some stone steps lead up and down. You can also see an old bucket.

> x bench
You can see the work bench. On the work bench is the weather journal, the radio and an ashtray.

Somewhere in the lighthouse you hear a door closing.

> get journal
You take the weather journal from the work bench.

> read journal
The log contains various recordings of wind speed, direction, cloud layer, type and cover, visibility, precipitation, barometric pressure and tendency, humidity, dew point and of course, wet and dry temperatures.

It seems a couple of days again very strong wind and high waves hit the lighthouse. Stormy conditions were expected again on the 24th. You look at the entries for the 24th and can see that a storm was indeed brewing on that day. The last entry in the journal is at 9.50am.

You make a note about this in your notepad.

> u
As you head up, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Light Control Room
One complete half of this room is taken up by loads of batteries, charged from some solar panels and the generators below. Near the door is a large lever in the off position and next to it is a noticeboard. Some stone steps lead up and down.

> pull lever
You pull the lever to the on position. Almost immediately you hear the sound of the light rotating above you.

> u
As you head up, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Lantern Room (working)
Compared to the rest of the lighthouse the lantern room is an uncluttered and light space. It is from here that you have an uninterrupted, all round view of the ocean. In the centre of the room is the optic which consist of eight beautiful lense panels sitting on a pedestal, it truly is a magnificent sight. It is possible to go out onto a walkway which runs around the outside of the room, through a metal hatch which is closed at the moment. Just behind you are the stone steps leading down into the rest of the lighthouse. The beautiful optics circle constantly, throwing the beams of light across the sea, one white flash every fifteen seconds.

With the light working you should really call for help.

> open hatch
You open the metal hatch.

> out
You move out.
Lantern Walkway
The metal walkway runs right around the outside of the lantern room. Looking over the side you can see down to the rocks below where the waves continually rise and fall in a boiling mass. You spot your little boat tied up to the jetty. As this is one of the few flat surfaces around is a favourite resting place for the sea gulls. The gulls do what gulls do with the result that the walkway is covered in bird droppings; you will need to watch you step. Your grip on the handrail tightens. It is possible to go back inside the lighthouse, through a metal hatch which is open at the moment.
You can see a ship passing the lighthouse.

> fire flare
Pointing the gun into the air, you fire the flare. Hopefully someone on the ship is awake.

The ship looks like it is turning and is heading towards the jetty.

You can see a small cargo ship near the jetty.

> in
You move in.
Lantern Room (working)
Compared to the rest of the lighthouse the lantern room is an uncluttered and light space. It is from here that you have an uninterrupted, all round view of the ocean. In the centre of the room is the optic which consist of eight beautiful lense panels sitting on a pedestal, it truly is a magnificent sight. It is possible to go out onto a walkway which runs around the outside of the room, through a metal hatch which is open at the moment. Just behind you are the stone steps leading down into the rest of the lighthouse. The beautiful optics circle constantly, throwing the beams of light across the sea, one white flash every fifteen seconds.

You hear a ships siren.

> d
As you head down, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Light Control Room
One complete half of this room is taken up by loads of batteries, charged from some solar panels and the generators below. Near the door is a large lever in the on position and next to it is a noticeboard. Some stone steps lead up and down. You can hear the noise of the light rotating above you.

> d
As you head down, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Radio Room
On one side of the room is work bench on which sits a radio, the remaining space is taken up with a dozen of more bright red gas bottles. To your right, sitting on the floor, is a blue metal box. Some stone steps lead up and down. You can also see an old bucket.

You hear the sound of running footsteps.

> d
As you head down, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Living Quarters
The quarters appear very small considering three people live here, but it contains all the items you would expect in a kitchen. There is a sink and drainer standing next to a kitchen unit and then a small cooker. On the unit you can see a microwave and a television. Three comfortable armchairs are in a strategic position in front of the television. Some stone steps lead up and down.

> d
As you head down, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Sleeping Quarters
Looking around the sleeping quarters they seem to have three basic levels. The lowest level is a cupboard for storage of kit. The middle level consists of three bunk spaces, one of which seems to have been slept in. The top bunk also provides sleeping spaces, although you would need to be very agile to climb up and squeeze inside. Just inside the door is a wardrobe and nearby is a rusty panel heater. Some stone steps lead up and down. You can also see a mattress and a vacuum cleaner.

> d
As you head down, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
The Noisy Store Room
Although only having an internal diameter of 11 feet (3.3m) every square inch of this room is occupied. It packed with storage tanks and floor to ceiling racks, which contain everything you can think of. A large freezer stands just inside the door and is alongside some sacks of vegetables and boxes of foodstuffs. Squeezed in between the racks is a petrol generator, although a much smaller unit than the one downstairs. Almost hidden in one corner is a battered old locker. Some stone steps lead up and down. With the generator running it is very noisy in here. You can also see a fuel can and a fire extinguisher.

> d
As you head down, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Generator Room
The centre of the room is taken up by one enormous diesel engine, so you are obviously in the generator room. It is in here that the electrical power is produced for the light and the rest of the lighthouse. You know from your last visit that this room can be an extremely noisy place. Some worn stone steps lead up and down. An old toolbox is sitting near the generator.

> d
As you head down, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Fuel Store
The fuel store for the lighthouse is completely taken up by two storage tanks, one large and one small. The lighthouse is a very claustrophobic place at the best of times, but it feels even worse in here. The room seems to be filled with the faint smell of petrol or maybe it is diesel. You can see some stone steps leading up and down. You can also see a spanner.

> d
As you head down, your footsteps echo on the stone steps.
Entrance
After the space outside the entrance of the lighthouse feels very enclosed and cramped. A cupboard, which you guess contains wet weather gear, is just near the door. The exit out of the lighthouse is west and some worn stone steps lead up. The door to the lighthouse is wide open and blowing in the wind.

> w
You move west.
Outside the Lighthouse
Before you is the granite structure of the Croxton Rock lighthouse. This part of the rock on which the lighthouse is built is no more than 10 feet (3m) above the water level. You ponder that it must be a frightening place during a high tide. To the east you can see the door into the lighthouse and west a path leads back to the jetty. The door to the lighthouse is wide open and blowing in the wind.

You can see a small cargo ship near the jetty.

> w
You move west.
The Path
You are on a narrow path leading from the jetty and from here you can see the main part of the Croxton Rock. The rock is only about 50 feet (15.2m) in length and no more than 20 feet (6m) wide; however a northern reef extends another 1000 feet (304.8m) beyond the main area. You can go west to the jetty or east in the direction of the lighthouse.

You can see a small cargo ship near the jetty.

> w
You move west.
The Jetty
The lighthouse jetty is made of stone with a metal handrail running around it. You notice immediately that the handrail is damaged. Down a wooden ladder you can see your boat and to the east is a path leading to the lighthouse. A small cargo ship called the Saucy Sally is near the jetty. You can see Captain Crawford standing on the deck of the ship. You can see a hammer which you haven't spotted before.

Captain Crawford shouts across, "We saw the flare and came over to see if everything is all right."

> talk to captain
You shout across to Captain Crawford, "Something has happened to the crew, can you call for help please?"
Captain Crawford replies, "No problem." He then asks you what you want to do -

1. Do you want to leave on the Saucy Sally?
2. Are you going to wait for help?
3. Will you make your own way home?

> 1
"Thanks Captain," you shout, "I would like to leave with you on the Saucy Sally."
"OK, I'll send a boat over for you." With that he disappears from sight.

A few moments later, good to his word, a boat is sent over to collect you. You cross over to the Saucy Sally and taking your row boat in tow, they head for Tolleth. As you look back at the lighthouse, just for a moment, you could have sworn someone was waving to you from the lantern walkway. You keep looking at the lighthouse until it is lost from view, but you can still see the light.

At the official hearing held later, you were called as a witness. No one will ever know what happened on the 24th, but based on the available evidence and your observations a possible situation was put forward.

John Collins and Albert Taylor had been carrying out repairs to the jetty handrail. With worsening weather one or possibly both of the men got into trouble. Tosh Graham, the keeper who had remained in the lighthouse came out to assist, despite the rules stating that one keeper should remain in the lighthouse at all times. All three must have been washed into the sea.

As you observed at the time, "If you witnessed two of your friends in trouble, would you have thought about the rules?"

Later that year, the village of Tolleth erected a monument to the brave crew of the Croxton Rock lighthouse.

The End

Feel free to report any bugs, send praise or give general feedback to trouble@rotter.freeserve.co.uk

You scored 50 out of the maximum 50!
That is 100% of the game!
Well done - you scored maximum points!