Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-10-24
STORY OF A sMUGGLER.

cn WI. Jle Inducements IOI smuggling
from that well-known spot were Of the
most seductive character, giving employ
ment to a few hardy and daring spirits,
whose large profits in their perilOus trade
more than compensated them Tor the con-
tinual risk they encountered In their night
ly VOYAGES from the island to the shores of
SOlway. This island of the Irish sea, once
a rendezvous for numerous free-booters and
smugglers, Is now rendered a place OF no
small importance, as well as forming @
military and naval depot for the crowded
ranks anC numerous fleets Of the British
army and navy. It's productive soil and
highly cultivated lands, its neat cottages
and admirable roads are a picture Of
modern improvements, while at all
times it wears lively and busy appear
ance, From the highest point OF the island
in clear weather, tie visitor has view of
the three united kingdoms, says the Boston
Globe.
1t was at the close of fine day in the
latter part of August, 1772, that a two
masted lugger was seen riding at a single
anchor In a quiet cove on the west side of
the island The craft might have been
$50 tons burden, though her dark, low
hull gave he~ the appearance of being
much smaller. while the symmetry of her
spar and RIGGING, tapering beautifully at
their various points as seen against the
sky, showed her to be craft upon whose
rig time and care had been expended.
Around her hull extended a line of red,
broken at 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 YES
sci in times of danger. Altogether you
would have pronounced the lugger at first
sight suspicious craft, and un' ess she
carried the king s commission, one most
likely bent on mischief
At the hour of which we write an indi-
vidual rather below the usual height, yet
commanding in appearance, in seaman S
garb, with a broad belt about his waist,
into which was thrust a couple of board
ing-pistols, was pacing the quarterback.
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 way.
Fifty as fine fellows as ever handled a
marIinspike sprang cheerfully to execute
his orders, enlivened by the shrill tones Of
the boStswain's whistle. While all was
hustle and activity about him the captain
slowly promenaded the quarterback,
presenting the picture Of a 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 height, yet he was
handsome In figure. his person evincing
great power of endurance, with strength
and agility; he might have been in age
about y years
I'VE are brought to, sir, said the first
lieutenant of the lugger to his captain.
''Heave around 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, bend
ing gracefully under the influence Of the
gentle west wind, she took her course I'M
der cloud of canvas for the shores of the
Solway.
Mr. Merrick," said the captain to his
first officer, Il think we are likely to have
trouble on this nights trip. | learn from
trusty agents that intelligence has been
lodged relative to the character of our swift
footed craft, and fear there has been
treachery aboard the Dolphin" So was
the lugger named.
Il hardly think that. captain" he re-
piled, though the crew have full freedom
on shore and have lately visited Carlisle
md Keswick."
They know the rules of the ship, Mr..
Merrick. said the commander, sterriy,
land how treachery will be rewarded. Let
the crew sleep with one eye open; we may
have work for them.
The watch was set. while the remainder
Of the crew turned in all standing, :"
which signifed, in sea parlance, with their
clothes on, all ready for prompt and inn
mediate service The cargo on board the
craft that now rounded the sheltered cove
was contraband and valuable, and the
object of the commander was to land it
safely and return from the mainland to the
island before morning
The lugger held on her course til round
ing the northern point of the island, when
the captain. who had not left the deck. dis
covered off his starb0ard bow a vessel
whose inlistinct outline alone discernible
In the darkness of the night, appeared to
be those of d large craft. At the same
moment the lookout forward discovered
and announced the stranger as a sloop of
war 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 a
distance as not to be noticed by her crew.
The effort was successful, the commander
of the sloop, not expecting her prey at this
hour. was not on the lookout for the SNUG
Ter On board the well-regulated lugger
all was silent as the night itself. while
every sail expanded with the freshening
breeze.
Mr. Merrick, said the captain, when
silence was no longer necessary, 'pipe the
crew to quarter $. sir. | have a few words
to say to them that may serve as rough
nightcapfor even these sea dogs.
The wakeful crew, most of whom were
already on deck, having heard of the prox
unity of the stranger, gathered quietly aft
near the sacred precincts of the quarter
deck. where they stood with their hats off
and their hair waving wildly In the night
air. A well-disciplined ships crew look
upon their captain with much the same re-
spect as does courtier upon his king, save
that, if possible, the former is most pro-
found, as is the authority of his superior
more absolute.
MY lads, said the young commander.
addressing his attentive crew, most of
you saw that strange sail we passed within
the hour: do you know that nothing save
treachery could have placed that vessel in
the direct track of the Dolphin's night
course?"
1T does look mighty 'spicious, your
honor. said an old seaman In the trout
ranks of the crew, ''but silver my ttimbers if
/ believe we We got anybody shipped aboard
this ERE craft but loves the sapty Dolphin