Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1889-04-20
THE SMUGGLBR.


nexation of the Isle of Man to the Eng
lish crown, the inducements for smuggling
from that well-known spot were of the
most seductive character, giving employ
ment to few hardy and daring spirits
whose large profits in their perilous trade
more than compensated them for the con-
tinual risk they encountered in theil
nightly ravages from the island to the
shores of the Solway. This island of the
Irish sea, once rendezvous for numerou.
freebooters and smugglers, is now rem
dered place of no small commercial i'm
portance, as well as forming military and
naval depot for the crowded ranks and nu
merous fleets of the British army and
navy. Its productive soil and highly cul
tivated lands, its neat cottages and admira
BILE roads are a picture of modern i'm.
provements, while at all times it wears 9
lively and busy appearance. From the
highest point of the island in clear weather
the visitor has view of the three united
Kingdoms.
1t was at the close of fine day in the
masted lugger was seen riding at single
anchor in quiet cove on the west side OF
the island The craft might have been OF
about $50 tons burden, though her dark,
low hull gave her the appearance of being
much smaller, while the symmetry of her
spars and rigging, tapering beautifully at
their various points as seen against the
sky, showed her to be craft upon whose
I. 4 i
Around her hull extended line of red
broken at two points on each side by an
open port, while the hight of the waist
showed that it was intended to serve as a
breast work to those who navigated the
vessel in times of danger. Altogether
you would have pronounced the lugger al
first sight suspicious craft, and, unless
she carried the Kings commission, one
most likely bent upon mischief. AT the
hour of which | write an individual rather
below the usual hight, yet commanding in
appearance, in seaman's garb, with q
broad belt about his waist, into which was
thrust a couple of boarding pistols, was
pacing the quarter deck; in his hand he
held a speaking trumpet, which at this
moment he raised to his lips and issued
the necessary orders for getting under
weigh
Fifty as fine fellows as ever handled 4
marlinspike sprang cheerfully to execute
his orders, enlivened by the shrill tones of
the boatswain's whistle While all was
hustle and activity about him, the Captain
slowly promenaded the quarter deck, pre-
senting the picture of young hero
Blended in his open countenance was the
spirit of daring, but yet of noble purpose
his mild, thoughtful eye belied his other.
wise spirited appearance. His form, as we
have said, was rather below the ordinary
hight, yet he was handsome in figure, his
person evincing great power of endurance
with strength and agility; he might have
been in age about % years.
awe are brought to, sir" said the First
Lieutenant of the lugger to his Captain
"Heave round, SIR was the prompt
nautical reply. Heave and pull"
The anchor being raised and slowed, the
wide breadth of canvas peculiar to tn,
lugger rig, formerly so well-known in tn,
Bay of Biscay and the British channel. wa
spread upon the life-like vessel, and bend
ing gracefully under the influence of tn,
gentle west wind, she took her course un
der cloud of canvas for the shores of tn,
Solway
"Mr. Merrick," said the Captain to hi:
first officer. =" think we are likely to hav,
trouble on this nights trip. / learn from
trusty agents that intelligence has beer
lodged relative to the character of GU
swift-footed craft and fear there has beer
treachery aboard the Dolphin" So wa
the lugger named.
hardly think that, Captain" he re
piled, "though the crew have had full
freedom on shore and have lately visite,
Carlisle and Keswick"
They know the rules of the ship, Mr.
Merrick," said the commander sternly
and how treachery will be rewarded
Let the crew sleep with one eve open; W,
may have work for them"
The watch was set, while the remainder
of the crew "turned in all standing,
which signifies in sea parlance with thei
clothes on, ready for prompt and immedi
ate service. The cargo on board the Graf
that now rounded the mouth of the shelf
ering cove was centraband and valuable
and the object of the commander was t,
land it safely and return from the mali
land to the island before morning.
The lugger held on her course till round
ing the northern point of the island, wher
the Captain, who had not left the deck
discovered off his starboard bow a vessel
whose indistinct outlines alone discernibl
IN the darkness of the night, appeared t
be those of large craft; at the same mo
ment the lookout forward discovered an,
announced the stranger as sloop of wa
under easy sail.
The course of the Dolphin was changes
two or three points more northerly, in tn
hope of passing the strange sail at such
distance as not to be noticed by her crew
the effort was successful; the commando
of the sloop; not expecting his prey at thi
hour, was not on the lookout for tn
smuggler. On board the well regulate
logger all was silent as the night itsel
while every sail expanded with The fresh
ening breeze.
Mr. Merrick," said the Captain, whe
silence was no longer necessary, pipe tn
crew TO quarters, sir; / have a few word
to say to them that may serve as roug
nightcap for even those sea dogs
The wakeful crew, most of whom wer
already on deck, having heard of tn
proximity of the stranger, gathered quietl
aft near the sacred precincts of the quartz
deck, where they stood with their hats o
and their hair waving wildly in the nigh
air. A well disciplined ships crew loo
upon their Captain with much the sam
respect as does courtier upon his Kin,
save that if possible the former is MOI
profound, as is the authority of his sup,
rior more absolute.
MY lads" said the young commando
addressing his attentive crew, "most
you saw that strange sail we passed With
the hour; do you know that nothing say
treachery could have placed that vess