Mountain Democrat. [volume] (Placerville, El Dorado Co., Cal.) 1854-1860, 1859-06-18

It6b uPOH Oe@Sup 10 uV spur " CAPtAIus =
tell you, youngsters, especially with pilot
who won't answer your questions.
"'Will you let your best man 90 to the
chains with the lead, Captain, and sound where
direct him to ? he asked, as calmly as il no
danger was near.
81 did as he directed, and we dashed on,
and could see the heads on board the cutter
raised over the bulwNkS, watching our strange
proceedings
"By the mark, threeI' cried the man in
81" Starboard your helm point, said the
strange pilot.
"'StarbOard point il is, SIR
go BY the mark, twor came the cry again,
with fearful diStinctness.
"'V Very good port little
"' Port it is, sir
81 was now becoming thoroughly fright
cned, for could see no escape from landing
the bones of the old Mary high and dry upon
the beach. Before US we could sec nothing
but wild district Of the country; apparently
covered by tangled brushwood, and we were
daShing upon this with fearful speed. Yet
our youthful pilot, with arms folded and calm
countenance, seemed to feel confidence in our
position. A moment more and a slight graf
ing sound was heard. ] grasped the stays,
expecting the next moment to hear the ship
strike with terrible force; but to my great
surprise We struck what seemed to be brush
wood, and parted it with q snspping sound,
as we cut-Our- way through A few mo.
ments more and water exhibited itself in the
shape of large bay extending fur inland.
Throw your lead again. came the order.
"Thc man threw his lead, but expecting tn
touch bottom in two lathOms water, he had
but u slight hold of the line, and what was his
surprise and my Joy to find it spin rapidly
through his fingers and sink in the waves.
"' Now hard starboard'
"The old ships head came quickly around,
and there we lay in sight Of glorious beach
for landing our wines; and, boys, believe II
or not, as you choose, those kegs of old port
went on shore in hurry, and two hours after
wards were Oh their way to the city, free Of
charge.
"JuSt as We had finished our work, and re-
ceived our pay for the sInugglcfgoods, went
aloft with the glass, and far to the southwark
could see the cutter slowly beating up the bay
toward our retreat. But We were safe now,
for whether they Ovcrhaulcd Us or not, no
wines or other articles could be found to con
dcmn US. So with light hearts we once more
got the ship under sail, and getting good
Othng again, plunged madly through the chan
mel, aud when the cutter ut last arrived at the
spot, it was closed up again, and We were far
out at sea. 10 this day they will tell you
that the devil must have pilotcd our ship, for
they say she went hcadlong through the land
itself But l know better. While beating
along slowly, waiting for our messenger to re-
turn with the boat, our strange pilot gave US
the following history Of his part in the trars'
action which resulted so fortunately for Mr..
Griscom and myself
"' AS strange and inexplicablc as is the part
! have taken to-day in assisting you to break
the laws ofmy own country, yet it iS traceable
to worldly motives. ! am nephew Of ROSas,
and in the naval service Of the government
Don Jose Fcrrar, the commander Of yondeT
cutter, and myself, arc Suitors for the hand Ol
q certain fair maiden, who personally is bound
to me by ties Of affection, and treats my riva
with GOODNESS and reserve. But her father,
who has strange fancieS, and strong ones too,
has declared that he who should perform the
greatest number Of gallant actions for the good
Of the government, should be blessed with her
hand. Had Don Jose caught you last night,
he would have received the praises of the bic
tator and numbered his action as one among
the gallant deeds Of his day, which Of course
had no desire to have him do Happening TO
hear your officer here boasting of your intcn-
tons, and knowing that Ferrar would soon be
upon your track, determined 70 thwart his
designs by plotting you through channel
have often navigatcd myself, when it was less
covered than it is now by brushwood, and
which was known to few others. And was
the more willing to do you the service, since
| had spent some years in the United States,
and become interested in your countrymen.-
should consider this an unfair method ol
competing with my rival, but cannot allow
such deeds to be numbered against me. They
are not gallant recontreS with an enemy in
fair and open combat, but mere spying actions,
without danger or honor. This is the sole se.
cret of my efforts in your behalf, and they
were for my good as well as your own. And
as my boat is here, will leave you
II tried to press on him keg of wine |
still had left below, but he refused it, as being
too much like bribc. We arrived safely
home. with plenty Of money, as the result VI
our cru Sc."
Who won the BRIDE" asked one of the
youngsters.
"HOw should know, you young Iubbcr?"
exclaimed the Captain, sharply, thinking a
doubt was cast upon his story; i" 1 never went
to South America again to see."