THE WEIGHT OF GOLD
At four o'clock, as the blue twilight began to settle over the Atlantic, Julian stepped back from the pedestal.
The Fresnel lens stood complete. It was a magnificent, six-foot-tall cage of gleaming brass and crystal prisms, catching the last violet rays of the sunset and transforming the cold room into a palace of shimmering light.
In the center of the glass cage sat the burner—a heavy brass lamp with four concentric cotton wicks, fed by a reservoir of pure, refined lard oil.
Julian turned to June, holding out a silver match-safe.
"It's time, June," he said softly. "You strike the first light."