Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1882-06-29

10Th July-Morning. sun rise, 8 :55;
low water, 1917. | had entered the
cave about half-past nine; it was now
midnight by my watch. | became
dreadfullY alarmed, for [ now clearly
perceived that had obtained access to
the cave under very special circum-
stances, namely-at an extraordinary
spring tide, with no wind, and smooth
sea. Very likely on such a night the
unfortunate smugglers had entered their
cave for the last timeLsun, moon, and
tide bearing a like relation to each other
"a rare time and place to run a cargo.
l now fancied that could make out
the fate of poor Charlie Cook. He had
doubles sought refuge in the cave, had
become imprisoned in it, and in trying
to effect an escape had fallen down into
the well-hole and been drowned. His
clothes had got entangled in the chain,
and he had not been washed out by the
tide till years after. / shuddered when
l reflected that similar or perhaps
more dreadful end awaited myself
starvation. No man is brave at mid
night, when alone. If did not get out
this morning, which entirely depended
on the state of the tide and wind, I
would not get out till fourteen days af-
ter (the next spring tide); perhaps q
month, two, three, in all likelihood new
er. The bare possibility made me spring
up, cling to the chain and yell with fear.
But soon exhausted myself and Gained
down. tied the money up in two bags,
intending to carry it out with me, re-
solving never to re-enter this cave. I
found a can of oil among the stores and
a spring of water in an inner recess of
the cave, so took heart, for with grog,
tobacco and light, fancied could ex-
list for fortnight, or even O month.
l filed my flask with grog, took a good
pull at it, and laid my self down to sleep.
l was afflicted with a horrible dream.
I fancied was swimming in sea Of
liquid gold, and just as was drowning
awoke. I took another long swig at
my flask and soon fell fast asleep.
When next [ awoke my lamp had
gone out and daylight was shining
through the loop-hole into the den.
When got up and looked at my watch
it was balf-past seven. sprang up and
looked out of the window. o joy! the
sea was smooth, and the wind was
down. l jumped cheerfully down and
began to prepare for my departure. /
fastened block and tackle to the chain;
then 1 turned out some jars, and two or
three of the smaller kegs, ready to be
lowered down. Lastly, made up two
or three large packets of tobacco and
cigars. While so engaged | heard the
report of Dugald's gun, and on looking
out saw the little ''Star of Argyle"
heaving in for the cliff. Never was star
more welcome to mortal eye! In a few
moments he was lying beneath the rock.
I lowered a note to him, for was afraid
to shout lest should be overheard by
anybody, saying-ssWade into the TIM
mel, whenever the tide will permit, and
[ will haul you up, Exactly at ten
o'clock [ heard him shouting at the
well hole. I cried-'' Make fast!''
"Well, all right! hoist away!" 1 did
so with will, and in few seconds he
stood beside me. Never shall forget
the strange, startled look of wonder
and astonishment that was depicted on
his countenance on first looking around
him; but he became almost mad with
delight when I showed him the hidden
store, and, climbing my money bags,
told him what they contained. He sat
down on a box and looked quietly around
him for short time; then he started
up, gave his leg slap with his hand
and exclaimed-"Gosh, man! what will
my father say?" We were out of the
cave in less than ten minutes. [ took
half of the money home with me as my
share of the spoil, and true to my vow
have never since entered that cave
Kilnaar7aock STANDARD.