Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-08-12

The Smuggler's Stratagem.


Within the memory of the aged man or wo-
man, those venerable chroniclers OF the earlier
times, is recorded many an anecdote and adven-
ture, abounding with thrilling interest, to the
recital of which we have often listened.
Some fifty years ago, there was thriving
business carried on, along the border, in the
smuggling line, and many were the manoeuvrers
and stratagems devised to escape the willy ofi-
GERS, who were ever on the alert to seize upon
those engaged in the unlawful game and many
had been the eager race, and narrow escape, as
elatng to one as humilating to the other.
Not many miles from hence, once resided an
officer of the " Custom whose calling some
times proved the source of annoying adventures.
smuggling party, with rich cargo, were
on their way to one of the Eastern cities, and
were determined to pass the /" Border " without
even paying their respects at the office OF
the United States official But this was no easy
task, for owing to the liberal reward, there
were numcrou reporters-not Newspaper re-
porters-who were on the alert to inform the
officer of these unlawful proceedings.
But the party in question had no idea OF
paying tribute, and to avoid doing this, they
resorted to stratagem Agreeing with an
odd genius of u fellow to " run before them,
and :. draw off the game. ~ they devised anoth-
er route as more safe for them to follow.
John Gilpin" was ready in moment tor
his important mission, with stout pair of
horses and enormous string of bells-'twas
winter-and started
A "messenger in haste" alarmed the Of
ficer, awakening him in the midst of his morn
ings nap, and dreams of the hard-run race,
and riches of contraband spoils, to the reality
that the expected cargo had just passed. Has
tily equipping himself, he started in pursuit,
guided by the receeding sounds, no doubt Won
dering "what smuggler wanted of such huge
bells" but all intent on his capture. tie comes
in sight John catches glimpse over his
shoulder, and dashos ahead at full speed, follow
ed bv the officer in hot pursuit. Away they
60 over hill and, through forest and valley
the snow flying from under the horses feet ana
those " huge bells - sounding their accompanl-
ment.
.John conceals his inward mirth, but mental
" exclaiming, {: what fool that ofhcer Is
procipitately dashes under the shed, and IN
moment is in the bar-room Of a hotel, The OF
fcer drives up.
.sGood morning, Mr.. Officer; glad to see
you" :.
Good morning, MIR. Gilpin, looking
around-' where is the team that drove IN
ahead of me?"
"Under the shed, there, Squire
"That-that is an empty sleigh | mean
that cargo of goods have been chasing like
wild-fre," and his voice trembled slightly a
the idea that the expected prey was escaped
"Don't know-haven't seen no such team
about here but when / think of it, Mister
while YOU have been chasing me at such rate
load worth thousands of dollars has passed o.
another road, and by this time is out OF you
reach"
The officer saw at once that he had been fool
ed, and bit his lips with vexation, but con
| olrdoa II hest to restrain his wrath, and escap
in part the ridicule that he was sure to meet
as tbe reward of his hootless adventure
Whatever he lost in this expedition he n
doubt learned the important lesson, not agar
P to be lured by an igni1s .fatuus, in the shape
: " two strings of huge BELLS" hitched to smui
glers' horses. "