The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1889-05-17
TIE SMUGGLER.

In the year 1773, previous to the an
nexation 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 en-
ployment to a 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 a rendezvous for
numerous freebOoters and smugglers, is
now rendered place of no small COM
mercial Importance, as well as forming
a 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,
its neat cottages and admirable roads are
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
dOms.
1t was at the close of a fine day in the
latter part of August. 1772, that two
masted lugger was seen riding at a 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 a 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 kings
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 broad belt about
his waist, into which was thrust couple
of boarding pistols, was pacing the quar-
ter deck; in his hand he held 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 a
marlinspike sprang cheerfully to execute
his orders. enlivened by the shril 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 young
hero Blended in his 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 ordinary height, yet he was hand
some in figure. his person evincing great
power Of endurance, with strength and
agility; he might have been in age about
% years
eve are brought to, sir" said the first
lieutenant of the lugger to his captain.
"Heave 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 a cloud of canvas
for the shores of the Solway.
"Mr. Merrick," said the captain to his
first officer, II think we are likely to
have trouble on this nights trip. l learn
from trusty agents that intelligence has
been lodged relative to the character of
our swift footed craft, and l fear there
has been treachery aboard the Dolphin. y
So was the lugger named
81 hardly think that, captain" he re-
Piled, 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 sternly.
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 remain
der of the crew turned in all standin&"
which signifies in sea parlance with their
clothes on. ready for prompt and imme-
date service. The cargo on board the
craft that now rounded the mouth of the
sheltering cove was contraband and vaIu-
able, and the object of. the commander
was to land it 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 starboard bow a
vessel, whose indistinct outlines alone
discernible in the darkness of the n;gnt,
appeared to be those of large craft; at
the same moment the lookout forward
discovered and announced the stranger
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 al
such distance as not to be noticed
by her crew; the effort was success
full; 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 as the night itself, while every
sail expanded with the freshening breeze.
MIR. Merrick," said the captain, when
Hience was no longer necessary, spipe the
crew to quarters, sir; have few words
TO say to them that may serve as rough
night cap for even thesesea DOGS"