BENSON S VILLANY. 



13 



to the exposure of an artfully-planned piece of villany. 

 It was proved that Benson, having shipped a valuable 

 cargo of linen and pewter, with a ballast of salt, gave 

 secret orders to the master to remain off Lundy, 

 whither he repaired. The crew were here tampered 

 with, and, by bribes and threats, were induced to 

 comply with the proposed scheme. The linen and 

 pewter were landed and concealed in this new-made, 

 cavern, excavated by Benson for the express purpose. 

 The ship then sailed ; but meeting in the mouth of 

 the channel a homeward-bound vessel, the master 

 thought it a good opportunity to execute his purpose. 

 He went below, bored a hole through the bottom, 

 and knocked down the bulk-heads, that the water 

 might get at the salt. But the sea pouring in with 

 great rapidity, and the strange vessel being yet a 

 good way off, it was thought they might possibly not 

 be able to reach her. The mate then fired the oakum 

 stores with a candle, having first stopped the leak 

 with a marling-spike. The smoke and flame were 

 soon seen on board the approaching ship, which pre- 

 sently bore down, and, taking the crew on board, 

 carried them into Clovelly. Protests were sworn at 

 Bideford ; but meanwhile the boatswain, conscience- 

 stricken, gave information of the roguery. The arch- 

 villain Benson escaped to Portugal : his subordinate, 

 the master, Lancey, was hanged ; and the cavern 

 remains to this day to perpetuate the remembrance 

 of their crimes." 



The steep sunny slopes of this part of the island 



