248 SMUGGLER APPEARS. 



vate signal fluttered from the mast-head, and a union-jack 

 was flying at the peak, while, occasionally, a sheet of broken 

 foam sparkled round her hows, as she held her onward course 

 gallantly, 



" And walked the water like a thing of life." 



In a few minutes after her having been first discovered, 

 boats were pulling from the shore in all directions, while the 

 cutter closed the land fast. When abreast the Ridge Point, 

 she suddenly rounded-to, handed her gaff top-sail, hauled up 

 the main-tack, and waited for the boats. 



" I cannot go on board," said my kinsman, with a heavy 

 sigh, " being, alas! like Master Robert Shallow, ' a poor es- 

 quire of this county, and one of the king's justices of the 

 peace ;' but though I shall not pay my personal respects, yet 

 will not my old friend Jack Matthews forget me ; but you shall 

 board the Jane, and witness a bustling business. I'll promise 

 you a hearty welcome from the Skipper and see, you are 

 just in time, for the gig is on the water." 



As he spoke, he hailed the boat, which, returning to the 

 beach, took me on board, and then pulled off for the vessel, 

 which, in a quarter of an hour, we reached. 



It was, indeed, a bustling scene ; a hundred boats were col- 

 lected round the smuggler, who, to use nautical parlance, had 

 already " broken bulk," and was discharging the cargo with 

 a rapidity, and yet orderly and business-like system, that was 

 surprising. 



I was immediately recognized by Captain Matthews, and 

 politely invited to his cabin. Aware of the hurry consequent 

 upon this dangerous traffic, on the plea of his presence being 

 requisite upon deck, I would have declined the honour ; but 

 the gallant Captain remarked, with great indifference, " that 

 he left the delivery of his cargo to the agents and purchasers, 

 and could not spend an hour or two more to his satisfaction, 

 than in entertaining, in his own way, the kinsman of his re- 

 spected friend." And, calling for the steward, he stepped 

 forward to order some refreshments. 



While he was thus engaged, I had ample time to satisfy 

 my curiosity, and observe the conduct of this illicit traffic. 

 There appeared no confusion attendant on the delivery of the 

 tobacco to its respective proprietors, who had already engaged 

 certain proportions of the cargo, which they received upon the 



