THE SMUGGLER. 4R5 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 



THERE was a large lugger lying off, at no great distance from 

 the beach, near Sandgate, and a small boat, ready for launch- 

 ing, on the shore. At the distance of two or three miles out, 

 might be seen a vessel of considerable size, and of that peculiar 

 rig and build which denoted, to nautical eyes, that there lay a 

 king's vessel. She was, indeed, a frigate of inferior class, 

 which had been sent round to co-operate with the customs, in 

 the suppression of the daring system of smuggling, which, as 

 we have shown, was carried on in Romney Marsh, and the 

 neighbouring country. By the lesser boat, upon the shore, 

 stood four stout fellows, apparently employed in making ready 

 to put off; and upon the high ground above, was seen a single 

 officer of customs, walking carelessly to and fro, and appa- 

 rently taking little heed of the proceedings below. Some move- 

 ments might be perceived on board the ship ; the sails, which 

 had been furled, now began to flutter in the wind, which was 

 blowing strong; and it seemed evident that the little frigate 

 was about to get under weigh. The lugger, however, remained 

 stationary; and the men near the boat continued their labours 

 for nearly an hour after they seemed in reality to have nothing 

 more to do. 



At length, however, coming at a furious pace, down one of 

 the narrow foot-paths from the high ground above, which led 

 away towards Cheriton and Newington, was seen a horseman, 

 waving his hand to those below, and passing within fifty yards 

 of the officer of customs. The sailors, who were standing by 

 the boat, instantly pushed her down to the very verge of the 

 water; the officer hallooed after the bold rider, but without 

 causing him to pause for an instant in his course; and down, 



