The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1883-02-15

lage 1t was not far distant. SO l stepped
out briskly and soon came to the little gul.
ly or ravine in the rocks which led to my
cave, and up which, in the course of the
night, our struggled treasures would be
stealthily conveyed. Carts used to stand al
the upper end of it 10 take them away.
slipped into my cave, felt for my dres.
and found it, and too lazy just then to face
the ascent up the gully again, stood gazing
out to sea and wondering where my grand.
father was at that momeut. Then turned
homework. had got about third of the
gully, which was very dark. when heard q
strange sound. I stopped to listen. 1t was
not the scream of sea bird, nor the moan
ing of the sea. It came down the gully and
drew nearer, beat, beat, with little, very
distinct jingling sound. 1t was the tramp
of men and the clink ofsteel. Soldiers! I
had never seen any, but I guessed what
they were. In moment had scrambled
cautiously up the rocks and hidden behind
a ledge, crouched perfectly still, with
every sense on the alert. Suddenly the
measured tramp ceased, and presently two
men came slowly down the gully talking in
low voices. They wore long cloaks, and
their weapons jingled as they walked.
They passed me, and stood at the lower end
of the gully. The air was still, aud could
hear every word they said.
This is the place, sir" said the bigger
and stouter of the two. 1.-THE goods are
landed little to the left here, carried up
the gully, and receive at the top by the
carts. The carts stand where we came
down."
The other, who by the ease of his bearing
and the Difference of the big man, took to
be an officer, had paper in his hand. He
Looked around him, evidently taking in the
features Of the place.
"There won't be any carts to night, Ser
geant," he said in pleasant voice. 1.-THE
people in the villages know we are here,
and are sure to warn them. hope they
won't manage to warn the man we want"
mot they. sir" answered the sergeant.
mot boat can leave the hart or without
its being stopped by our men; and not a
man leave the village and come in the d.
rection of the point, if you post the men as
I venture to suggest" Here the converse.
ton became inaudible for moment. "A
man at the top Of the gully, sir, and the
others at intervals on the seward side of
the village. You and I, sir, to manage
the signal down here, and then I
step up to the man at the top of the gully,
one calls in another, and we are all down
here ready to receive them."
"By all MEANS" said the officer: land as
you know the place and I don't, you had
better post the men. BY the way" he ad-
ded, scanning the paper in his hand and
holding it close to his eye, lat 1890, I think
it is the signal. You undertake that, don't
your"
The sergeant produced something, prob
ably a lantern, from under his cloak.
'Here is the signal, SIR"
''Then we're right. Now post the men.
The sergeant saluted and clanked up the
gully; while the officer walked slowly to-
ward the water and stood at the edge-some
distance from me, for the tide was getting
low-with his head bowed, and
his hands clasping the paper be-.
hind his back-I ventured to
breathe freely again, and began to review
the situation. What did it all mean? 1t
meant that, the authorities had got wind of
my grandfather's doings and had seat this
detachment of soldiers to take him in the
act. 1t must be grandfat he r, because there
was no ono else in the village likely to be
aimed at. And if they caught him, what
then? What was this form of words that
kept ringing in my ears over and over again?
Transportation for iife!" What was that?
It was no uncommon punis hment had
heard, for smuggler taken, as my grand
father was likely to be, red handed. For a
moment the hope flashed into my head that
he might not come that night. But no.!
there was no suggestion of fortunate
storm in the sky, and I knew that our
friends with the wagons had arranged to
come and that all was in readiness. My
heart sank within me as thought of my
old grandfather's gray nalrs dlshonored in
the felon's dock-for had once seen u man
tried-and his kind old face bidding me
farewell forever. bowed my head on my
hands and longed to cry.
Suddenly raised my head, and my heart
beat with loud res live. would save him.
Yes I! The skill that I had attained for
my own needless pleasures should be put
to stern service. My resolve was this.
When the lugger showed her signal in
answer to that treacherous one from Shore
would swim out to the buov, and keep my
sci afloat at the entrance of the channel un-
til could hail our people and warn the M
oftheir danger.
Inever hesitated after had formed this
resolution. forgot that was tired and
hungry, put aside the thought Of cold a d
exhaustion in the water, and began at once
to make my Preparations. On the narrow
ledge of rocks where I now knelt, Iundress-
ed and put on my little bathing dress, which
consisted only of tunic and drawers. Ny
own clothes made into bundle and stow.
ed away behind stone. Then, like cat,
Iclambered up the rocks, hiding behind
every projection, and keeping fearful watch
upon the sentinel at the head of the gully.
Fortunately, the gully was not very deep.
When got to the top, crept on my hands
and feet until judged was we'll out Of
sight, and started for the end of the Point.
I took nv time for there was no hurry, and
l lad to husband my strength; and at las:
J reached tho rock from which meant to
start. There I sat down t, wait.
did not know the time, and could only
guess it by calculating from the sunset.
How long should have to waltz How
long did have to waltz Heaven knows;
but it seemed an age. I got sleepy from
my days exertion. The night air was cold,
too, and nv clothing, however we'll adapt
ed for exercise, was somewhat scanty for
sitting in. Besides, it was damp. The
wretchedness of that long watch comes over
me now. Obi would the slow minutes never
pass?
Thicker and thicker grew the gathering
darkness. The waters and the heavens
were blended in obscurity, and there, at
the end of the rocks, sat patiently. poor
little figure shivering in the gloom, listening
to the lap of the waves as they bea, upon