Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1892-04-27
THE SMUGGLER.

In 1891, when was yet y youngstei
before tho mast, took n trip 10 Tam
pico In u little Trading schooner called
The Ella, commanded by Jolly skipper
from Florida, one Nat Martin. dark
skinned Spanish creole, who, "for
short" was always called by his friends
"Nig." The schooner generally carried
out her dry goods and provisions on her
owners account, but 1 always had an
idea that sho "tonned" moro than hor
register made her responsible for,
We were only nino days on our run
from New York out 10 tho mouth OF
Tanpico river, and about noon on tho
tenth day we stretched In over tho bar
with n leading wind that would easily
have carried us with flowing sheet up
10 tho town, which was nearly twelve
miles above. but, for reasons best known
10 himself. the captain anchored as soon
as wo passed tho fort ana rounded Point
Tampico, just above and out OF the teeth
OF It's guns.
Tho revenue boat from the guarla
costa came on board before Our sails
weTu furlcd, and tho custom house OIL
ccrs ovorhnulod our papers and manifost.
They seemed little suspicious. and ono
Of the officers was left on board 10
watch as. while the rest went on board
thor own craft, which lay nearly half n
milo farther down tho river, undcr the
guns Of the fort.
As soon as dinner was ready the cap
tain invited tho revenue officer down IN
the cabin to dino with him, and US they
went below the former win;cd his large,
laughing blue eyes at the mate, and
know well there was fun in the wind.
As soon as tho captain and Mcxican
had got below, tho mate slipped into the
small boat and scullod ashore. In the
meantime. could tell by the lively
voices In the cabin that the officer aud
captain were getting along very well to-
gother, and once In awhile the tinl,lc Of
meeting glassea and Jolly song spoke
OF u spirit potential" that was playing
upon tho hearts and senses OF both par
ties.
At last. little after dark, with real
Havana in each Of their mouths. ,huy
came on deck. tho skipper aud the
watcher. Both were decidedly and
equivocally drunk, IL ono might judge
from their walk and conversation; but |
could SEQ Mt u single glance that the cap
tain was shammilg, although tho "spir-
itual reality" WIS visible Ia tho MeXi.
can. Ho seemed. however, 10 retain
some notions OF his duty and to know
that, as night was over us, II we intended
10 smugglo 1t was necessary for him 10
keep his eyes open. SO no seated MIN.
self on tho taiIrail with an air OF drunken
dignity, and Gs he hummed u Spanish
bareaarollo. kept watch over tho move.
ments Of the crew about the deck, glanc.
ing now End then up and down tho still
river.
Az the night advanced / saw that Cap.
tain Martin began to look uneasy and
anxious, although he pretended TO bc
even more drunk than his guest and
spy.
At last, when It was near midnight.
the Mexican became less frequent in his
snatchos Of song, and tho "liquor browse
seemed to BE- coming over him.
Captain Martin now lay down beside
the Mexican and pretended to fall into a
sound sleep. attcsting the same by long,
loud and regular snoring. This throw
the Mexican completely or his guard,
and wrapping his watch coat closer
around him no followed suit, and then
the twain seemed TO DO trying which
could snoro tho loudest.
When tho Senior Mcxicana had got
fairly under Roadway tho captain arosS
lightly from the deck, and passing for
ward took tho lantern from the pinnacle
and held II for minute over tho bows
Presently | saw several dark object
coming out from under the shadow o
tho land, and in fow moments NOR,
nix large native canoes were alongsidl
OF rs.
In the first ono that boarded us wa
tho mate and u merchant, whom wei
know to belong to one OF tho first house
In Tampico. The boat came noiselossl,
alongside and their crew crept stealthil.
on board. Without sound the hatchc
were raised and package after packag
OF rich dry goods was passed up iron
the hold and over tho side into the boat
by the tawny, half naked rascala.
Tho boats were nearly all loadc
when |, who had been placed to koc
watch over tho sleeping revenue officer
saw him open his eyes, and before
could move or speak he saw and CON
pretended all that YVES going on. Spring
ing to his feet he shouted;
"Guarda costa-contrabandistnr
Ono bound from whore he stood b
the main hatchway TO the taiirail an
our captain was by the side of tho office
with his brawny hands oncircling IN
windpipc fTum which proceeded 30 niue
noise.
The Mexican tried 10 drawNhis swori
aud struggled manfully to get free froi
the choking grip, but Captain MART
knew that tho entire loss OF his vess,
and cargo would follow detection, an
he was not disposed TO triAo. Raisin
the McSican, in spite Of his kicks an
writings, he coolly pitched him owe
board.
II was quito dark, and as tho tide vi
ebbing swiftly downward ho passed OF
OF sight instantly, but for minutes "
could hear him splashing and gurglin
In the water and trying to shout, The
all was still again. We knew II,
whether no had sunk or gained II