The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1856-01-19
\ 5torp Of tbc East luar.
THE LOVERS STRATAGEM.

of january, 1916, that large number
of our good citizens of the town of New
castle, Delaware, were collected at its
landing, or pier, to witness the progress,
and ultimate fate of small vessel down
the bay, sending under bare poles, and
endcayoring to make port. At one
moment she rose on the crest of the
waves, and tile next was lost in the
sea.
The storm had continued through the
night, and still ragged, though most of
its fury was spent, rendering the chance
for the little craft to gain the harbor
extremely perilous.
The spray dashed quite over the crowd
of spectators, who still held their places,
entirely absorbed in watching her, and
trying, with the aid of glasses, to make
out her name and destination. Ncwcas-
tie, at that time, contained number of
agents of Philadelphia merchants, in
tercsted in private armed ships, who,
unable TO pursue their former trading
during the war, had embarked in the
rather hazardous business of priyatccr-
ing. Among those stood one whose
name was Christian Wrenwag, the son of
Dutch merchant, formerly of philadcl-
l,hia, who had left at his death II mcr-
camille business to his hopeful heir.
Christian, like his father, was of a
saving, Flooding character; but his ca
pacity was narrow and his disposition
niggarlly.
At last, through the skill of her helms
man, the little vessel approached the pier
and was hailed with loud cheers as she
ran up the American flag.
No sooner was she moored at the
wharf than she was besiegcd by Il crowd
of people, eager to welcome her hardy
crew. She proved to be the schooner
r.. e., well known in her time as a sue
cessit,l cruiser, and Lad made tie voyage
safely home from Culuvcn, in the North
Sea.
Christian, who owned a share in her,
hurried on board to see the Captain: but
started back on beholding passenger at
the gangway door, with cloak on, and
small trunk in his hand. The face he
Immediately recognized, and at once COM
menced retreat: but, on second thought
he stopped, and awaited the captains
leisure. Meanwhile the passenger had
gone over the vessels side and proceed
ed to the hotel Or stage office, short
distance off. ''. .
''It is George Sclby, sure enough
muttcrcd Christian to himself sWhat
could have brought him home at this
time, and in this vessel! Perhaps he
has come on some speculation which will
make his fortune, and if so, then farewell
to my hope of Mary Morrison. But /
will find OUT and then he ran in haste
to oycrtake him. t.....
Mr.. Selby, young man of five and
twenty, turned at the approach of Chris
tian, and eyed him more severely than
otherwise, returning his low bow by only
slight, formal nod. Repulsed though
he was, he was bent on closer acquaint-
ance; but he did not wish to lose sight
OF the captain. So, retracihg his steps,
he learned from that officer that Mr..
Selby had paid him five hundred dollars
for his passage home.
Returningto the town, he found his
way into the presence of Mr.. Selby, just
as that gentleman had engaged seat in
the mail coach to Philadelphia. Chris
tain, as we have said, was of narrow
capacity, but he saw clearly the path OF
self-interest, and always followed it. He
was not destitute of speculative views
and had been heard to pride himself or
superior cunning, though his boast
among those who knew him, gained IL.
credit.
-4"Mr. Sclby," said he, 81 hardly ex.
pect we can be friends; but this is nj
reason We should be enemies. We ma,
be rivals-honorable rivals. If wealth
is OH my side you have other advantages
but come let us dine together. | an
anxious to hear the news from abroad
and perhaps he addct with an attemp
as smile, "nly home news may be ac-
ceptable to you"
His manner was frank and open, ant
to say the truth, Sclby was anxious t,
hear what Christian could tell, though
rather through another channel. lie,
however, declined the invitation, as the