Ethel C. Brill was an American author known for her engaging adventure and mystery stories aimed primarily at young boys. Born in 1877, she crafted narratives that combined elements of exploration, intrigue, and moral lessons, reflecting the adventurous spirit of her time. Her notable works include 'The Island of Yellow Sands,' 'South from Hudson Bay,' and 'The Secret Cache,' each offering thrilling escapades that captivated young readers and fostered a sense of adventure and curiosity about the world. Brill's writing is characterized by its vivid descriptions and strong sense of place, often set against the backdrop of natural landscapes and maritime settings. In 'When Lighthouses are Dark,' she explored themes of isolation and discovery on a Lake Superior island, showcasing her ability to weave suspenseful plots with rich environmental detail. Through her stories, Brill not only entertained but also instilled values of bravery and resourcefulness, making her a significant figure in early 20th-century children's literature. Her contributions remain a testament to the era's fascination with adventure and the formative experiences of youth.
“maidservant of the family. All but two of the squad of militia were out patrolling around the field where the habitants were at work. In those dangerous days it was not thought safe for the people of the seigneury to scatter to their various farms. All worked together in one field and then went on to another, and always with an armed guard. In the spring of that year 1692, raiding bands of Iroquois had kept the country around Montreal and for many miles downriver in continual alarm. Seeding had been delayed, the fields farthest from the stockade had lain untilled, and harvest was late in those that had been planted. Though the middle of October was now past, there was still work to be done, fall plowing and clearing and burning of refuse, before winter settled down on the St. Lawrence. So the soldiers had gone to the fields with the workers, leaving only two on guard within the stockade.””