Then they stirred ever so slightly, and above them appeared the head of Seth Atkins.

Seth seemed to be watching the cove and the lights.

For another minute he peered over the bushes, first at the bathing waters below and then at his own dwelling.

Brown ground his teeth.

The light-keeper was "spying" again, was watching to see if he violated his contract.
But no, that could not be, for now Seth, apparently sure that the coast was clear, emerged from his hiding place and ran in a stooping posture until he reached another clump further off and nearer the end of the cove.