He lived in solitude until a gale-induced shipwreck occurred on the lighthouse island's rocky coast, and the only survivor was a baby girl.

Captain January obtained a milk cow named Imogen, and later asked the minister for a couple of books to use in educating his girl.

Other than the minister, who occasionally checked up on Star and the captain, the only person encouraged to visit the lighthouse was quiet Bob Peet, the young pilot of the steamer Huntress that regularly went past the island.

A lady passenger saw the girl, and was shocked by the resemblance to her sister, who'd been lost at sea, along with her husband and baby, ten years ago.

The next day the minister was rowed to the island to tell Captain January that wealthy Mrs. Morton was sure Star was her niece, Isabel Maynard, and wanted to have the girl come live with her.

On Christmas day Bob Peet came with pockets filled with candy and oranges, plus he brought a large box containing presents and a letter from Star's aunt.

Several months later the captain felt his body grow cold and numb, and he told Star to go down to the island’s shore and wave as the Huntress went by.