The Mysteries of Harris Burdick: Captain Tory by Chris Van Allsburg

His pocket watch said the sun should have been rising. He tip-toed along the creeky dock, approaching the man. He was a perplexing character to the boy, but he was promised an adventure, so he swallowed his anxiety. The man did not say a word. They stood still on this gloomy morning. Suddenly, a flash of light erupted from a match, igniting the lantern. It began to swing ominously….one…two…

Before his eyes, the boy saw the most unbelievable thing: a ship appeared! Still no words were spoken as the man boarded the ship. The boy followed him, sailing off into the unknown:

Why had the darkness come?