The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1871-04-06
THE WRECKER'S WAGER.
From the Ne,o York Times.


There are few parts of England more
wild and desolate than the mining dis
tricts of Cornwall. Nature, as a coun-
terpoise to the treasures which she has
lavished on this region, has given to its
external features most foroiddlng as
pect. The eye takes in a prospect of
bleak and barren plains, with neither
tree or shrub to protect the traveller
from the wind that sweeps across them,
and presenting danger at every step
from the numerous shafts by which they
are intersected. 1t is truly an inhospi-
table country, and the nature of its in
habitants quite accords with its un-
friendly characteristics. They are to a
great extent repulsive in appearance,
forbidding in manners, and cruel and
cunning by natural disposition, and
seem hardly to have risen very much
above the barbarous state of their an
cestors. 1t was late in the autumn when
I visited this region, and toward the
close of gloomy day that found my
self at the residence of Capt. Thomas
30 l shall call him-a man whom had
met in London, and who had persuaded
me that the only sure way to make a
fortune was to invest trihe of ready
money in a copper-mine. He held the
rank of Captain, by the custom of the
country, as mine, like ship, is con-
Quoted by captain and officers. The
Captain was rather decent specimen
of his class, for where there are so many
combinations of miner, smuggler, wreck
er, and consequently rutfian, a man of
even tolerable manners and address is
something. My worthy friend, however,
had one besetting weakness which af-
terward discovered, he would have con-
sidered it quite admissible to have rob-
bed his own father rather than not to
have robbed at ell.
Our supper being over, he pro posed
an adjournment to the Red Dragon
or red something-it is SO long ago |
have almost forgotten-where he as
sured me, would meet most respecta-
BILE society of gentlemen, and where L
might pick up much valuable informa-
ton. They were all particular friends
of his, he added, captains and pursers of
mines. 1t was a dismal night, when W"
sailed out, thick mist was gathering
around, the sea was breaking against
the huge rocky cliffs of the coast, with a
deafening roar, and at times was heard
the distant thunder. 1t was then with
a most comfortable feeling that found
myself safely housed at the rendezvous
of these choice spirits of the mines. The
party to which l was introduced were
seated at long deal table, in an apart
ment half kitchen, half tap-room. at the
upper end of which appeared Il blazing
fire. On one side of the room door
opened into e small parlor, and in the
corner was bar, to enable the host to
dispense to his customers their various
potations from his smuggled treasures.
The arrival of Capt. Thomas was hailed
with marked satisfaction. We were
soon seated, and in twinkling a large
tumbler OF hot brandy and water was
placed before me, and pipe thrust into
my hand. The conversation, which was
rather loud when we entered, was now
suddenly hushed, and intelligent glances
were quickly interchanged, which saw
related to myself. Thomas understood
them, and said "You need not be
afraid this gentleman is particular
friend of mine, and a great patron of
the fine arts" then begged to assure
the company of my veneration for mi
ners and mines, and all connected with
them. There was a visible Frightening
up at my declaration, and doubtless at
that moment various were the plans of
rascality that were hatched to pus my
devotedness to the proof. "a likely
night this, Capt. Thomas" said beetle
browed, short, muscular man, whose
dark eyes peered from beneath brow
OF peculiar ferocity. "Uncommon like