Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1859-07-01

ing beyond measure. He was, in fact,
the very beau ideal of a smuggler-crafty,
fearless, and if needs were, cruel. Con-
tinual success, too, had made him reck-
less-but if he ever did get into danger
Gus corner, he had cunning enough to slip
out of it. Many and many time had
his boat been chased by the Custom
House officers, but in such cases he irva-
riably made for a certain island and mys-
teriously disappeared. This feat was re-
peated SO often, that it is little wonder
some Of the most superstitious of his
hunters believed him to be in league with
a certain dark complexioned gentleman,
who is popularity supposed to reside in a
place where the temperature is unpleas-
antly warm. Night after night would
Skinner leave the wharf at Newport,
glide fearlessly under the lake shore, and
deposit his cargo in some appointed spot
on the Canada side, taking away with
him articles which by pre-arrangement
had been left for his in the same place.
So matters went on for months, until at
length large reward was offered for
SINNERS apprehension, and the pursuit
of the smuggler grew hotter than ever.
The pitcher may often go to the well,
yet get broken at last. This trite adage
had its accomplishment in the fate of the
daring smuggler of Lake Memphrema-
gog-but ! will not anticipate.
At the time of the present writing
there stands at the base of the Owls
Head Mountain, an excellent Hotel, well
known to Tourists as the Mountain
House-but at the date of my story, the
spur of rock which juts out into the
lake, on which jennings wharf is now
built was covered with pines, beeches,
hemlocks and the like. In fact, it, was
a wilderness. One evening, about the
time of the new moon, some fifteen or six
teen sturdy custom-house officers and
their assistants, were carefully embark
ed among these trees, which grew from
high rock that sloped toward the water,
and commanded a view of the lake in
all directions. Every man was well
armed, and with eyes and ears open, they
sat watching for glimpse of SINNERS
boat they having received positive in
formation that the smuegler would that
night leave Newport with a cargo for
the Canadas. Stimulated by the large
reward offered, and anxious also to clear
up the mystery of his frequent disap-
pearance, each one of them determined
to exert himself that night to the utmost
in order to make the long-wished for
capture.
Two hours had passed since the
watch was set, but the men in ambush
had neither heard the sound of oars.
nor caught sight of boat. The Young
moon sank lower and lower, until at
length the crescent was quite hidden be-
hind the Basin mountain opposite. A
light mist began to float on the surface
OF the water, and from the land rose a
dark vapor which gradually chilled the
watchers to the bone. They dared not
light fire, lest their whereabouts should
be discovered, and so pipes and tobacco
were their sole consolation.
We're choused once more grumbled
old Joe Plug, I'm and here Joe
Plug made use of rather strong express
sion Pm-if ] don't believe he's the
devil arter all. Why, who'd ha' thought
OF the mist rising an hour ago? We
may as well 90 home Cap'n, as stay here
and friz-I say so, at all events
He can't ha' gone by, I swow ? re-
marked another. For my part TH stay
here TIL morning what say you, Cap'n?'
Captain Zerubbabel had for some time
past been quietly sitting with his elbows
on his knees, and Lis chin in the palms
of his hands, quietly gazing into the far
distance. Thus appealed to; be turned
with rather scornful look to the first
speaker, and said quietly
Joe Plug you are fool, and may 20
as soon as you choose; but friz or no friz.
here remain even should You all 20. /
tell you Skinner viii be along tonight
my information is too accurate to allow
OF doubt on this head, and what is more
| mean to have him. Let me get within
range of him and I'll shoot him down
like dog before he can play any of his
ghost like tricks on me-.
Hold hard, Cap'n, exclaimed Zeke
Pipps, another of the officers. Skinner
has firearms TOO, and is a darned good
shot, they say-sO two can play at that
game
Not this time remarked the Captain
drily; I've arranged that