Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1889-05-17
TIE SMUGGLER.

lish crown, the Inducements Tor SNUG
Cling from that well known spot were of
the most seductive character, giving en-
ployment to few hardy and daring
spirits, whose large profits in their peril
GUS trade more than compensated them
for the continual risk they encountered
In their nightly voyages from the island
to the shores Of the Solway. This island
OF the Irish sea. once rendezvous for
numerous freebooters and smugglers, is
now rendered place Of no small com
mercial Importance, as well as forming
military and naval depot for the
crowded ranks and numerous fleets of
the British army and navy. Its pro-
ductive soil and highly cultivated lands,
It's neat cottages and admirable roads are
q picture of modern improvements. while
at all times it wears lively and busy
appearance From the highest point of
the island, in clear weather, the visitor
has view of the three united king
doms
1t was at the close of fine day In the
latter part of August, l772, that two
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 beauti-
fully 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 breastwork to those who navi-
gated the vessel in times of danger. Al
together, you would have pronounced
the lugger at first sight suspicious
craft, and, unless she carried the king IS
commission, one most likely bent upon
mischief At the hour of which | write
an individual rather below the usual
height, vet commanding in appearance,
In seaman's garb, with n broad belt about
his waist, into which was thrust a couple
of boarding pistols, was pacing the quar-
ter deck; in his hand he held speaking
trumpet, which ut this moment he raised
to his lips and issued the necessary orders
for getting under weigh.
Fifty as fine fellows AZ ever handled 6
marlinspike sprang cheerfully to execute
his orders, enlivened by the shrill tones
of the boatswain's whistle. While al
was hustle and activity about him, tht
captain slowly promenaded the quartel
deck, presenting the picture of a young
hero. Blended in his open countenanc'
was the spirit of daring, but yet of nobl
purpose, his mild, Thoughtful eye belize
his otherwise spirited appearance. Iii
; form, as we have said was rather below
G the ordinary height, yet he was hand
u some in figure, his person evincing grea
: power of endurance, with strength am
agility; he might have been in age abou
) 90 years.
1--WE are brought to, sir said the frs
lieutenant of the lugger to his captain
"Heave round, sir" was the promr
nautical reply. "Ileave and pail.
d The anchor being raised and slowed
the wide breadth of canvas peculiar I
. the lugger rig, formerly SO well know
in the Bay of Biscay and the BIRTHS
. channel, was spread upon the life lik
vessel, and bending gracefully under til
, influence of the gentle west wind, sll
took her course under cloNd of canva
II for the shores of the Solway.
"Mr. Merrick," said the captain to h
, first officer, Il think we are likely
have trouble on this nights trip, | lear
from trusty agents that intelligence Ii;
been lodged relative to the character (
our swift footed craft, and | fear thel
- has been treachery aboard the Dolphin
So was the lugger named
y IL hardly think that, captain" he r
Piled, "though the crew have had fu
ly freedom on shore and have lately visitt
Carlisle and Keswick."
a "They know the rules of the ship, NJ
ne Merrick," said the commander sternl
70 ''and how treachery will be rewarde
e Let the Drew sleep with one eye ope
y we may have work for them"
The watch was set, while the renal
te der of the crew turned in all standing
~ which signifies in sea parlanoe with the
clothes on. ready for prompt and imm
date service. The cargo on board d
craft that now rounded the mouth of d
sheltering cove was contraband and val
20 able, and the object of the command
was to land it safely and return from {
., main land to the island before mornin
-, The lugger held on her course
rounding the northern point Of the islam
-, when the captain, who had not left t
-, deck, discovered off his starboard bow
AZ vessel, whose indistiuct outlines alo
discernible in the darkness of the nigi
an appeared to be those Of a large claIt;
is the same moment the lookout iorwa
~ discovered and announced the strapg
ri as a sloop Of war under easy sail.
Ter Tho course of the Dolphin was chang
roe two or three points more northerly,
"a the hope of passing ths strange sail
such a distance as not to be motto
by her crew; the effort was succe
full; the commander of the sloop, l
He expecting his prey at this hour, "
to not on the lookout for the smuggl
ma On board the well regulated lugger
was silent as the night itself, while eve
,es sail expanded with the freshening bree
of 'Mr Merrick," said the captain, WI
ry, silence was no longer necessary, pipe
ave crew to quarters, sir; have few wo
as to say to them that may serve as rou
eie night cap for even these sea dogs.