The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1902-11-07
SlIUGGLED BRANDY
A Neat Trick by Which Law
breaker Escaped Punishment.
3IoHoHo@o@oHNo"o4 o1oNoI

tenant Curwen Of the revenue. seated ON
the kcg in triumph; b. looked at the land
lord of the Green Dragon a prisoner like
himself, at the two revenue men who
guarded the door, and he thought dole
fully that there was some truth in the
Heutcnant's remark.
All night Dick had been out in the Betsy
Jane, and though, Of course. being a more
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.
j. kegs had been landed, and he had
helped TO land them.
For all Dick cared-or knew-thev
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 rcmonstranccs of the Betsy James
skipper who declared it a dangerous pro-
cccdiu@, had been placed on Il 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 casl as n casIl
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 n 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 II 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-
oncrs and the spoil up to the squire's.
Dick looked the miserable fact in the
face. The worst of i was that the squire
would take the lieutenant's view, for he
dctested 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 sources
favor, which he had been at desperate
pains to acquire
Probably. too it would lose him the
squire's consent-not yet bcsought-to the
hand of his daughter. Besides this it was
Curwen's triumph. The long faced. fanat-
ical fellow was jealous. pointless 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 so" said Dick obviously.
"Tcw of my men saw yew landing kegs
from the lugger. They saw yew wheel
this one in barrow up to the inn
It's uncommonly hard work wheeling
barrow" said Dick.
twill not assist yew to make 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 rs l am aware, there is no brandy in
that keg."
The lieutenant did not deign to reply,
but drummed his heels on the cask, which
gave back ;urgling, liquorish sound.
Soda water, perhaps" suggested Dick
pleasantly.
4 knock was heard at the door, and the
lieutenant said. "Come in" pompously.
Entered Sal Prendergast with a tear
stained face.
"'Ts a letter." she said efficiently, "for
Mr. Shenston."
May the captive of your spear receive
communications" Dick asked affaby.
From whom does the letter come" de-
n7rded the lieutenant.
From Miss Judy. sur" said Sal. And
his brows contracted angrily. "She was
pasScn and seed me cryen"-
Thou shalt not mourn for the wicked"
said the lieutenant
"Not ef ma fathers taken by the gaug-
ers an charged O. runner kags" Sal
so, and when tailed her she said it was
sheame"-
Peace, girl" said the lieutenant
what more did she say" Dick asked
eagerly.
"Nothen of importance. said Sal.
The lieutenant had taken possession of
the note and was examining the super
scription. IF he had opened il, as he
seemed half inclined to do. Dicks crime
would have extended to assault and bat
terry. But he handed it over. saying grim
":
ITS going beyond my dewtics, but If |
know squire. it'll be the last you'll get"
"You certainly go beyond your duties"
said Dick. onening il tcnderly. Evidently
Miss Judy had been distrustful of the
dutcous lieutenant. for the note was writ
ten in French. Translated it ran:
Keep the lieutenant in conversation for 90 min
stos from now Remember that-so far as you
hnow-there IS no brandy in the cask. At the
md Of that time there will be none. j.
Dear girl" said Dick to himself. But
what on earth she means | cannot make
out. If she were to offer to converse with
Curwen or drug him. it would be differ
ent matter" But there was the keg and
Curwen seated on it. and Dick failed to
see how the brandy was to evaporate.
Still he wou' do Judy's bidding.
Sal waite ne his face, asked if there
were any answer
is Miss udy still here?" asked Dick
unwarily so that the lieutenant looked
suspiciously toward Sal. But she be-
haved with admirable discretion.
For what should Miss Judy be here!'
she said with an air of surprise. Il
mant eff tn was an answer, | could
take
"Ah. If you would be so good as 10 go
hitter her." said Dick. "Thank her fol
me and say Certainly"
Sal slid from the room, leaving Dick to
maintain his parley. As she entered the
room directly beneath she was greeted a
little anxiously with the question, "Well,
old you mark exactly where it stands y
ISIS, Miss judy" said Sal. Just here
70 the left" She pushed the table under
o,,I Id ta1