The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1884-04-11
SELECT STORY.
THE SAILORS CHEST.


sions abound, and the woodland is ex.
tensive and beautiful. Many of the
farm houses are constructed out of the
remains of deoayed castles and mano-
rial halls, and still retain marks indi-
eating the former grandness of the orig.
inal dwellings. Hendon Now, as it
was called, was one of these farm
houses, and stood about half a mile
from the coast on rising ground not
far from the town of Durham. t
Thirty years ago it was fast falling
into decay, and probably by this time
is in ruins. A hundred and fifty years
ago tiue old house occupied the site,
the dwelling of the Hendon family.
The Hendons had been wealthy, but
free living and habits Of unthrift had
greatly reduced their revenues.
In 1880 Cuthbert Heudon came into
possession of the property when he at
tanned his majority. He had a sister
Barbara, but four years younger than
himself, and brother Ralph, ~ years
of age. Their father, during the last
ten years of his life, during which he
was widower, had lived life of riot,
and the education which his family re-
ceived at home was not such as was
likely to bear good fruit The fathers
associates had been men of loose morals
and unbridled passions, and to some of
them crime was not unfamiliar. Lat
terly the elder Hendon had added to
his income by engaging extensively in
contraband trade, the locality and con
struction of his dwelling being pecu-
liarly favorable to such calling. Cutb
bert had been daily indoctrinated into
the art OF smuggling and disposing of
the plunder, and when his father died
he was thoroughly competent to con-
tinue the business. a.s1ga
Taking his younger brother into his
confidence, he found him active and
intelligent beyond his years. AS to
Barbara, she was comely, well-spoken
| girl, and had picked up little educa-
ton at n boarding school at Durham,
where size had resided, with a slight
intermissiop of holidays, for few years.
AT the time when this narrative be-
gins she was permanently residing at
home. .u,.. .s.....7 ,n...
During the latter part of 1870, few
cargoes of smuggled goods had been
successfully landed, and the finances Of
the Hendon family were getting low
Toward the close of January, 1881,
there was three days gale, and many
coasters were ashore. Hendon and his
brother, aided by two men in theil
employ, had been active in gathering
in from the wrecks whatever was ot
value, but this was comparatively tri
fling.
On the night of January goth they
received intelligence that large yes
sci was off the coast near Durham, anG
likely to come ashore. In fact, the
signal gnns of distress could be hearc
at intervals between the blasts
Cnthbert and Ralph fastened to tn,
scene, just in time to see the vesse
driven over the breakers and DASHED
upon the shore. Scores of fishermen
and others were on the spot, some tt
render help, but more to secure wha
they could that was valuable.
Cuthbert and Ralph carried off be
tween them large trunk, and convey
ed it in safety to the Now. 1t con
tanned little Of value, however, and
angry and disappointed, Cuthbert re
turned to the beach, followed by Ralph
An hour later Ralph appeared at tn,
house, and refusing the food offered by
his sister, lay down on the coach in tn,
large kitchen, and apparently slept
After time Cuthbert returned, anC
seemed to be in excellent spirits. Send
ing his sister off to bed. and reassurins
himself that Ralph slept, he sat dowr
before the fire and ate heartily, drink
ing freely of Hollands, and then smok
ing. Having finished his pipe, he drew
from his pocket huge leathern belt
and squatting before the fire, whict
furnished the only light in the room
he examined the contents of what was
evidently a large purse. First satisfy
ing himself that he was unobserved
he emptied upon the rug pile Of
golden coin, which he scrutinizet
closely, and then returned to the belt
Ralph raised his head slightly from tn,
coach and watched his brother. The
coin being returned to its place, Cuth
bert put the belt in his pocket, and
after gulping down more liquor, pulled
off his boots, put more logs on the fire
wrapped himself in huge blanket anc
lay down 10 front of the fire.
Next day it was ascertained tha
only five persons on board the vesse
at the time she was driven ashore wer,
saved. Before this, however, a boa
with seven persons on board had lef
the vessel, but il was considered doubt
ful whether the boat could live in sucl
sea. Among those rescued were ;
man who called himself John Rams
com, and his daughter Sallie. He ap
peared to be a rough, hearty man, wh'
made light of the calamity, and said h,
was satisfied to lose what he had lost
since his daughters life and his owl
were saved, and he had managed t,
bring away with him all his money an,
some jewels. The daughter was {
large, well-made woman of about 23
with black eyes, abundant black hair
and bold, handsome face. Hendol
soon made this mans acquaintance, an
. the two were much together.
81 have lived for ten years. he said
sin Calcutta, and have made money
not much, but sufficient to start some
thing that will pay. My idea is to G
to London and start an inn dow
D among the shipping, have larg
acquaintance among the best of tn
, captains and sailors hailing from tn
J. Thames, and can make good thin
out of it, ..
"What do you think of my joinin
youf" Cuthbert asked. 81 have
little money, and we might do well, NJ
sister and brother can get along Yer
well here for while, and can hel
them, if need be-"
!, Rauscom caught at this, and arrange
n ments were soon made. Barbara o.
posed the scheme for a time, but Ralp
entreated her to let Cuthbert go, a
suring her that with the little they ha