The Washington critic., 1889-05-02
THE SMUGGLER.


In the year 1878, previous to the an
ncxation of the Isle of Man to the Eng
lish Crown, the inducements for Snug
Cling from that well known spot were
of the most seductive character, giving
employment to few hardy and daring
spirits, whose large profits in their per-
ilous trade more than compensated
them for the continual risk they en-
countercd IN their nightly voyages from
the island to the shores of the Solway.
This island of the Irish sea, once a rem
devious for numerous freebooters and
smugglers, is now rendered place OF
no small commercial importance, rs well
as forming a military and naval depot
for the crowded ranks and numerous
fleets of the British army and navy.
Its productive soil and highly cult
waited lands, its neat cottages and ad
mrable roads are picture of modern
improvements, while at all times II
wears lively and busy appearance.
From the highest point of the island
in clear weather, the visitor has view
Of three united kingdoms.
II was at the close of fine day in the
latter part of August, 1772, that a two
masted lugger was seen riding at sin.
gle 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- a. craft upon whose
rig time and care had been expended.
Around her hull extended line Of red,
broken ut two points on each side by an
open port, while the height of the waist
showed that it was intended TO serve as
a breastwork TO those who navigated
the vessel in times OF danger.
Altogether, you would have pre-
nounced the lugger at first sight
suspicious craft, and, unless she car
ried the kings commission, one most
likely bent upon mischief. AT the hour
of which ! write an individual rather
below the usual height, yet command.
ing in appearance, in seaman's garb,
with broad belt about his waist, into
which was thrust couble of boarding
pistols was pacing the quarter deck; in
his hand he held a speaking trumpet,
which at this moment he raised 10 his
lips and issued the necessary orders for
getting under weigh.
Fifty as fine fellows as ever handled
marlinspike sprang chcerfully to ex-
cute 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, presenting the picture
of a young hero. Blended la i,is open
countenance was the spirit of daring,
but yet of noble purpose, his mild,
thoughtful eye belied his otherwise
spirited appearance. His form, as we
have said, was rather below the ordi-
nary height, yet he was handsome in
figure, his person cvincing great power
of endurance, with strength and agility;
he might have been in age about %
years.
1--WE are brought to, SIR" said the
first lieutenant of the lugger to his cap
tain.
"Hcave round, SIR was the prompt
nautical reply. "Heave and pail. :"
The anchor being raised and slowed,
the wide breadth of canvas peculiar to
the lugger rig, formerly so well known
in the Bay of Biscay and the British
channel, was spread upon the life like
vessel, and bending gracefully under
the influence of the gentle west wind,
she took her course under cloud of
canvas for the shores Of the Solway.
''Mr. Merrick," said the captain TO
4, g.. "a, tral,,
to have trouble on this nights trip. I
learn from trusty agents that intel
ligence has been lodged relative to the
character of our swift-footed craft,
and / fear there has been treachery
aboard the Dolphin" So was the lug
ger named.
II hardly think that, captain" he
replied, though the crew have had
full freedom on shore and have lately
visited Carlisle and Keswick."
"They know the rules of the ship,
Mr. Merrick," said the commander,
stolnly, ''and how treachery will be re-
warded. Let the crew sleep with
one eye open; we may have work for
them"
The watch was set, while the re.
mainder of the crew turned in all
standing" which signifies in sea par
lance with their clothes on, ready for
prompt and immediate service. The
cargo on board the craft that now
rounded the mouth of the sheltcring
cove was contraband and valuable, and
the object of the commander was to
land il safely and return from the main
land to the island before morning.
The lugger held on her course till
rounding the northern point of the
island, when the captain, who had not
left the deck, discovered off his star.
board bow vessel, whose indistinct
outlines alone dscernablc In the dark
ness of the night appeared to be those
of large craft; at the same moment
the lookout forward discovered and an.
nounced the stranger as sloop- wal
under easy sail
The course of the Dolphin was
changed two or three points more
northerly, in the hope Of passing the
strange sail AT such distance as not ia
be noticed by her crew; the effort was
successful; the commander of the sloop
not expecting his prey at this hour, was
not on the lookout for the smuggler
On board the well-regulated lugger all
was silent rs the night itself, while
every sail expanded with the freshen
ing breeze.
"Mr. Merrick," said the captain
when silence was no longer necessary,
pipe the crew to quarters, sir have
few words TO say to them that may
serve as a rough night cap for ever
these sea dogs