Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1900-08-17
SlIUGGLED BRANDY
A Neat Trick by Which a Law
breaker Escaped Punishment.
Observation-Disclosures

the keg in triumph; he looked at the land
lord of the Green Dragon, prisoner like
himself, at the two revenue men who
guarded the door, and he thought dole
fully that there was some truth in the
lieutcnant's remark.
All night Dick had been out in the Betsy
Jane, and though, of course, being mere
visitor to this little seaside inn, he had
only gone for the sake of the sail and the
excitement, it was impossible to deny
that, when the lugger dropped anchor in
the black pool some time before dawn,
10 kegs had been landed and he had
helped to land them.
For all Dick cared-or knew-they
might have contained water. Fourteen
went into the country in charge of silent
men who seemed to know their road even
by that half light. One. notwithstanding
the circumstances of the Betsy James
skipper, who declared it a dangerous pro-
ceeding had been placed on a barrow and
wheeled up to the Green Dragon by Dick
and Mr.. Prendergast, landlord of the
same
Prendergast was positive that the gaug-
ers had no inkling of the landing Dick
was content to regard the casli as a cask
which might contain water. The conse-
Quence was that no sooner had they in
stalled the keg in his attic than a rap at
the door came, followed by the entry of
Lieutenant Curwen and a dozen revenue
men. Dick and the landlord were at once
arrested. That was the miserable fact
True, Prendergast, before he apsed
into sulky silence, had conveyed to Dick
that the other IA kegs, after which the
lieutenant had sent ten of his men, were
safe from pursuit. But there was little
consolation in that. The fact remained
that here was the discriminating key and
the lieutenant seated upon it in fanatical
triumph He was only waiting for the
return of his men before he took the pris-
Oners and the spoil up to the squirrels.
Dick looked the miserable fact in the
face. The worst of it was that the squire
would take the lieutenant's view for he
detested smuggling. No doubt Dick could
show the absurdity of pressing such a
charge against him seriously, but to have
been found aiding or abetting. even by
his presence, would lose him the squires
favor, which he had been at desperate
pains to acquire.
Probably, too, it would lose him the
squire's consent-not yet besought-to the
hand of his daughter. Besides this it was
Curwen's triumph. The long faced, fanat-
ical fellow was jealous, pontess though
his jealousy was. He had waited for his
chance against Dick and seemed to fancy
he had got it.
"The Lord hath delivered yew into my
hands," he repeated.
"Think SOP" said Dick obviously.
"Tew of my men saw yew landing kegs
from the lugger They saw yew wheel
this one in a barrow up to the inn
It's uncommonly hard work wheeling
barrow" said Dick.
""Twill not assist yew to make a mock
cry of your crime"
"True, my dear sir, quite true" said
Dick, feigning a levity he did not feel.
But, you see, my contention is that, so
far as I am aware, there is no brandy in
that key"
The lieutenant did not deign to reply,
but drummed his heels on the cask, which
gave back gurgling, liquorish sound.
"Soda water, perhaps" suggested Dick
pleasantly.
A knock was heard at the door, and the
lieutenant said, "Come in" pompously.
Entered Sal Prendergast, with a tear
stained face.
"'Tis letter." she said efficiently, "for
Mr.. Shenston."
"May the captive of your spear receive
communications Dick asked affably.
manded the lieutenant.
"From Miss Judy, sur" said Sal. And
his brows contracted angrily. "She was
passen and seed me cryen"-
"Thou shalt not mourn for the wicked
said the lieutenant
"Not eff ma fathers taken by the gaug
ers an charged o. runner kagsT Sa
flashed out. "NIiss Judy dew not think
so, and when tailed her she said it wa:
q sheame'-
Pence, girl" said the lieutenant.
"What more did she sayT Dick asked
eagerly.
"Nothon of Importance" said Sal.
The lieutenant had taken possession Of
the note and was examining the super
scription. If he had opened 1t. as h
seemed half inclined to do, Dicks crim'
would have extended to assault and bat
terry. But he handed it over, saying grim
ly:
= cts going beyond my dewties. but II
! know squire. it'll be the last you'll get"
"You certainly go beyond your duties,
said Dick. opening II tenderly. EVIDENT,
Miss Judy had been distrustful of tn
duteOus lieutenant for the note was writ
ten in French. Translated 1t ran:
Keep the lieutenant in conversation for 20 min
utes from now Remember that-so far as 20
know-there is no brandy In the cask. At tn
end of that time there will be none. j.
Dear girl" said Dick to himself. Blu
what on earth she means / cannot max
out If she were to offer to converse wit
Curwen or drug him, it would be differ
ent matter" But there was the keg an
Curwen seated on it, and Dick failed t
see how the brandy was to eyaporat'
Still he would do Judy's bidding.
Sal, watching his face, asked II ther
We're any answer.
els Miss Judy still here" asked Die
unwarily, so that the lieutenant locke
suspiciously toward Sal. But she be
haved with admirable discretion.
For what should Miss Judy be here
she said with an air of surprise.
mant, eff tn was an answer, / coul
take
"Ah, If you would be so good as to g
after her" said Dick. "Thank her f
me and say Certainly"
Sal slid from the room, leaving Dick
maintain his parley. AS she entered Il
room directly beneath she was greeted
littlo anXiously with the question, I'VE
did Qu mark exactly where it stands
rs Miss judy" said Sal. Just he
to eft" She pushed the table und
the and Miss Judy mounted theI
up,n. Quick, Sal, the men may
back any moment! Lock the front do