The Washington critic., 1889-05-02

nc RrcatcSt UAnHer was yet W Oc tH-
countcred. The. cargo landed, the lug
ger must again sail for the sheltering
protection of the island, but the rising
moon now threw its mellow and uu-
welcome light--unwelcome ut least TO
those on board the Dolphin--across the
heaving swells Of the Irish sea-
Hardly had the luggcr got under
weigh before the cruiser was again dis
covered lying midway between the Eng
lish coast and the island. The course
the Dolphin steered, and In fact the
only route she could take, would bring
her within full view of the cruiser and
within range Of her guns. The captain
OF the lugger viewed the dilemma with
calm and quiet countenance, giving his
orders in tone that inspired those
about him with fresh courage. The
two vessels were now fast approaching
each other, when coarse hail came
down across the water from the sloop
What vessel Is thatY
The captain Of the lugger, knowing
that every moment he could gain in de-
lay was OF the utmost importance in the
furtberance of his purpose to run the
gauntlet of the cruisers broadside, made
q mumbling and inaudible reply
,hIouBu HIS trumpet, ~ ,iiut thc puciy
from the sloop was put What answer
do you make"
The breeze still freshening drove the
lugger, with her wide spread canvas,
swiftly through the water. She was
already nearly abreast OF the cruiser,
which, having tackled, now stood on the
same course rs her adversary
What vessel is that i? was the ques-
Ia. H., tI.. 1ne ..f
the sloop, to which he added, Answer,
or shall fire into you"
No reply being made to this hail, the
captain of the York for so the cruiser
was called, ordered shot fired into the
lugger, Ito wake her up" as he oh
served; the ball, passing through the
white field of the mainsail, struck the
water far to windward. The compli
mept was Immediately returned from
heavy gun amidships of the luggcr, the
ball of which, aimed by the hands of
the captain himself, shot away the fore
topmast of the York, which fell with
| all its hamper to the deck. A fierce
broadside from the cruiser followed this
discharge, making sad havoc among
the symmetrical rig of the Dolphin.
The armament of the lugger consisted
Of four small pieces of ordnance and one
| gun amidships, revolving upon pivot,
which was of superior metal to that of
any gun on board the York. From this
instrument of death the missiles of de-
striction were so faithfully aimed that
already had the foremost of the cruiser
come lGmDering upon the deck, con-
/ founding the crew and greatly retarding
| the means of defense The York carried
sixteen guns with complement of about
| 150 men. She was now unable for several
moments to return the constant and de-
structive fire of the lugger, the wreck of
the foremast having fallen along the
larboard battery, being the side nearest
the Dolphin. Both vessels were so cut
up In their rigging as to make but little
headway, and were now rising and fall
ing on swells of the sea within few
| yards of each other.
| Several of the heavy shots from the
| lugger had penetrated the York's side at
the water line, and a large number Of the
! crew of the latter vessel were piped to
the pumps, as the craft was fast making
large quantities of water. At this mo-
ment the eye of the smuggler captain
rested upon the person of one of his
own foremast men OH board the enemy
the truth flashed in moment across
his mind, the trcachcry was accounted
for, and there stood the traitor. In an
instant the grapnel irons were ordered
| TO be thrown and the boarders piped
| to duty, few hasty words from the
commander of the Dolphin sufficed to
inform his followers that the traitor of
| the crew was on board the York, and,
headed by their brave and daring cap
tain, the lugger's men leaped on the
| cruisers deck.
Secure the traitor and back with
you ALL" cried the captain, pointing
with one hand to the trembling william
who had betrayed them, while with his
other he kept score of them at bay
with his flashing sword.
After securing their treacherous com.
rade the Dolphins crew retreated swiftly
TO their own vessel, amid the astonish-
ment of the crew of the York, who had
been taken completely by surprise, the
deed being accomplished In far less time
than is required to relate the particulars.
Regaining his own deck the captain of
the luggernow backed his topsails, while
those that remained to the York con
tinued full; thus the two vessels parted.
The Dolphin, as she fell astern of her
antagonist, gave her one raking shot,
which did fearful havoc upon her deck.
The captain Of the crusier was forced to
make all speed for the shore, when the
York was run aground in sinking con
dition. Thus ended the fight between
the lugger and the man of war, showing
what cool courage and skill can accom-.
plish against superior force.
The Dolphin sailed for the cove on
the eastern side of the island, sorely
shattered in hull and rigging by the
severe contest with the King cruiser.
The lugger is again anchored in the
quiet cove, and all hands are piped to
witness punishment. The traitor who
had betrayed the ship had confessed his
guilt. and the price of his treachery was
found upon his person. The crew were
at their stations, all save six seamen
chosen by lot, who stood apart from
their companions with downoast eyes
and trembling forms, for they were the
agents through whom fellow creature
was to be launched, in cold blood, into
eternity These hearts of oak that few
hours since stood fearlessly at their
guns dealing death and destruction
around, and with blood flowing like
water at their feet, now trembledl
A strange quiet reigned throughout
the ship, even the wounded seamen
below had suppressed their groans, and
the tick of the captains watch could be
heard at any part of the quarter deck.
The miserable man who was now to
suffer stood upon gun, his arms CON
fined behind him and rope around his