The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-04-07

cred her head very little with the other sex,
Not but that | had my admirers. But
they were limited in quantity and coarse
in quality. | mean rough; manly enough,
but lacking in that refinement which a
young girl in any rank of life always longs
for, and with sometimes sad results Any
how, the bold young fisherman. who made
sheepish Overtures to my formidable self
excited nothing on my part but polite
amusement, and [ was quite whole | was
very happy, had a wonderful appetite, and
sound in wind and limb, and perhaps, young
people, you have to thank the rough free-
dom of my early life for the excellent con-
stitutions which you now enjoy.
On certain day in September, when I
was nearly II years of age, my grandfather
being absent on cne of his expeditions, and
expected back at night, [ set off for one of
the long rambles in the country which
was in the habit of taking when he was
away. As was not allowed to 90 off in
this fashion when grandfather was at home
| made a big day of it, starting immediate
ly after breakfast, and, taking some bread
and meat with me for dinner, | rambled
much further than intended, lost my way
more than once and the night was coming
apace when [ returned Tired and foot
sore. was taking a short cut over the
heathery cliffs, where was only narrow
track made by the sheep, when amidst my
dreamy anticipations Of supper and bed
came the recollection of a little serge bath
ing suit, which | had meant to fetch in the
morning in order to repair it. The little
cave where | kept it was among the rocks
of the Point, and from where was being
already on the seaward side of the village,
it was not far distant. So | stepped out
briskly and soon came to the little gully
or ravine in the rocks which led to my cave,
and up which, in the course of the night,
our smuggled treasures would be stealthily
conveyed. Carts used to stand at the up
per end of it to take them away.
| slipped into my cave, felt Tor my dress
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 moment. Then | turn
ed homeward. had got about third of
the gully, which was very dark, when |
heard strange sound. Istopped to listen.
1t was not the scream of a sea bird, nor
the moaning of the sea. 1t came down
the gully and drew nearer, beat, beat, with
little, very distinct jingling sound 1t
was the tramp of men and the clink of
steel Soldiers | had never seen any,
but | guessed what they were. In a mo-
ment [ 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, and | could hear every word
they said.
This is the place, sir" said the bigger
and stouter of the two. ''The goods are
landed little to the left here, carried up
the gully and received at the top by the
carts. The carts stand where we came
down"
The other, who by the ease of his bear
ing and the Difference Of the big man, L
took to be an officer, had a paper in his
hand He looked around him, evidently
taking in the features of the place.
''There won't be any carts tonight, Ser
geant," he said in pleasant voice. ''The
people in the village know we are here,
and are sure to warn them. | hope they
won't manage to warn the man we want. "
''Not they, sir" answered the Sergeant.
'tNot boat can leave the harbor without
its being stopped by our men; and not a
man leave the village and come in the
direction of the Point if you post the men
as l venture to suggest. Here the con-
versation became inaudible for moment.
"a man at the top of the gully, sir, and
the others at intervals on the seaward side
of the village You and [, sir, to manage
the signal down here, and then [ 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; "and
as you know the place and [ don't, you
had better post the men. By the way,
he added, scanning the paper in his hand
and holding it close to his eyes, "at 1870,
[ think it is, the signal You undertake
that, don't you?'
The Sergeant produced something, pro-
bably 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
toward 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 behind his back.
[ ventured to breathe freely again, and be-
gan to review the situation. What did 1t
all mean 1t meant that the authorities
had cot wind of my grandfather's doings
and had sent this detachment of soldiers to
take him in the act. 1t must be grand
father, because there was no one 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 fol
life y What was that ? 1t was no un-
common punishment. | had heard, tor a
smuggler taken, as my grandfather was
likely to be, red-handed. For moment
the hope flashed into my head that he
might not come that night. But no The
wind was light, and not unfavorable; there
was no suggestion of fortunate storm in
the sky, and l knew that our friends with
the wagons had arranged to come and thai
all was in readiness. My heart sank within
me as [ thought of my old grandfather
gray hairs dishonored in the felons dock
for [ had once seen man tried-and hi
kind old face bidding me farewell forever
| bowed my head on my hands and longeo
to cry.
Suddenly 1 raised my head, and my
heart beat with loud resolve. l woulC
save him. Yes 1 The skill that | hae
attained for my own needless pleasures
should be put to stern service. My resolve
was this. When the lugger showed hel