296 WILD SPORTS OF THE WEST. 



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 collected round the smuggler, who, to use nautical 

 parlance, had already " broken bulk," and was dis- 

 charging the cargo with a rapidity, and yet orderly and 

 business-like system, that was surprising. 



I was immediately recognised 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 

 respected 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 pro- 

 prietors, who had already engaged certain proportions 

 of the cargo, which they received upon the production of 

 small tickets, specifying the quantity and description of 

 the goods ; the business having been previously arranged 



