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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/15222-8.txt b/15222-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0e9ee50 --- /dev/null +++ b/15222-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4856 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, Looking Seaward Again, by Walter Runciman + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Looking Seaward Again + +Author: Walter Runciman + +Release Date: March 1, 2005 [eBook #15222] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LOOKING SEAWARD AGAIN*** + + +E-text prepared by Steven Gibbs and the Project Gutenberg Online +Distributed Proofreading Team + + + +LOOKING SEAWARD AGAIN + +by + +Sir WALTER RUNCIMAN, Bart., + +Author of _The Shellback's Progress_, _Windjammers and Sea Tramps_, etc. + +London: Walter Scott Publishing Co. Ltd. + +1907. + + + + + + + +TO +MY WIFE +THESE FRAGMENTS +ARE AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED. + + + + +PREFACE. + + +The following tales have been told to some few men and women by the +fireside. The stories themselves only claim to be unvarnished matters +of fact; and I may repeat here what I said in a previous volume, that +my object has not been to strain after literary effect or style. My +too early desertion of home-life to graduate in the harsh and +whimsical discipline of sailing-vessels in the days when they had +still some years to live and "carry on" ere steam took the wind out of +their sails, precluded such studies as are natural to the embryo man +of letters. But the circumstances that told against mere study did not +prevent my preserving many memories of my sojourns ashore and voyages +in distant seas. I mention this fact, not as an apology, but as an +explanation which I hope may commend itself to the amiable reader. + +WALTER RUNCIMAN. + +_3rd December_ 1907. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + +THROUGH TORPEDOES AND ICE +FAIR TRADE AND FOUL PLAY +SMUGGLERS OF THE ROCK +A PASHA BEFORE PLEVNA +A RUSSIAN PORT IN THE 'SIXTIES +"DUTCHY" AND HIS CHIEF + + + + +Through Torpedoes and Ice + + +"Osman the Victorious," as Skobeleff called the matchless Turkish +pasha, had kept the Russian hordes at bay for one hundred and +forty-two days. Never in the annals of warfare had the world beheld +such unexpected military genius, combined with stubborn endurance, as +was shown during the siege of Plevna. On December 10th, 1877, Osman +came out and made a desperate struggle to break through the Russian +lines; but after four hours' hard fighting the Turks sent up the white +flag, and boisterous cheering swelled over the snow-clad land when it +became known that the greatest Turkish general of modern times had +surrendered. His little army of Bashi-Bazouks had annihilated more +than one Siberian battalion. The Russian loss was forty thousand, and +the Turkish thirty thousand. Had Suleiman and the other Turkish +generals shown the same stubborn spirit as Osman, the Russian army +would never have been permitted to cross the Balkans, much less reach +Constantinople.[1] But after the fall of Plevna the resistance of the +Turkish army was feeble, and the Muscovites were not long in pitching +their camp at San Stefano. Indeed, a rumour got abroad one night that +the Russians were in the suburbs of Constantinople. This roused the +indignation of the English jingoes to such a pitch that the great +Jewish Premier, with the dash that characterized his career, gave +peremptory orders for the British fleet to proceed, with or without +leave, through the Dardanelles, and if any resistance was shown to +silence the forts. Russia protested and threatened, and Turkey winked +a stern objection, but Lord Beaconsfield was firm, and suitable +arrangements were arrived at between the Powers. + +Bismarck offered his services as mediator, and suggested that a +European Congress should be held at Berlin to discuss the contents of +the Treaty of San Stefano. This was agreed to, and Lord Beaconsfield, +accompanied by Lord Salisbury, were the British representatives at the +Congress. The Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary drove a hard +and favourable bargain for Turkey and for Britain. Turkey, it is +needless to say, got the worst of it; but, considering her crushing +defeat, came well out of the settlement. Cyprus was ceded to the +British, to be used as a naval station, and subsequent experience has +proved the wisdom of this acquisition. Lord Beaconsfield proclaimed to +a tumultuous crowd on the occasion of his return to London that he had +brought back "peace with honour." This was the acme of the great +Jew's fame. It looked as though he could have done anything he liked +with the British people, so that it is no wonder that the old man lost +his balance when such homage was paid him by that section of the +public which was smitten with his picturesque and audacious +personality. + +Naturally, his policy impregnated Russia with a strong anti-British +feeling, and it was said that her activity in running up earthworks +and apparently impregnable fortifications was in anticipation of +Disraeli declaring war and ordering the fleet to bombard the Crimean +ports; hence, too, in addition to the strong fortifications, torpedo +mines were laid for miles along the seaboard, and every possible means +and opportunity were taken to make it widely known that the Black Sea +was one deadly mine-field. The Press on all sides was, as usual, +brimful of reports of the most alarmist nature--these, of course, for +the most part extravagant and inaccurate rumours. Nor did the Russian +Press minimize accounts of the terrible devastation that was wrought +on unarmed trespassers who came within the zone of terror. I read +twice of my own rapid and complete destruction. There is no doubt that +mines were laid, though both their capacity for destruction and the +number of them was very much exaggerated. + +From the end of ---- outer breakwater to beyond the ---- there was a +line of mines which left between the land and them a channel less than +half a mile wide. A gunboat with torpedo pilots aboard was moored at +the south end, and vessels prior to the war and during the armistice +were compelled to take a pilot in and out; but no vessel was allowed +to pass in or out from sunset to sunrise. A gunboat was also stationed +outside the inner breakwater. A large fleet of steamers had been +attracted by the high freights, inflated by the war fever that +permeated Europe at that time, and also because the season was far +advanced, and merchants were anxious to get their stuff shipped in +case hostilities broke out. The heavy snowstorms had made the roads +almost impassable, but in spite of great difficulties the loading was +carried on; slowly, it is true, but with dogged perseverance. The +frost had become keen, and large floes of ice were rushed down the +reaches by the swift current. Booms were moored outside the vessels to +protect them, but these were constantly being carried away, and not a +little damage was done. A consultation amongst the captains was held +as to the advisability of leaving with what cargoes they had aboard, +but only two decided to start on the following morning. Some of the +others said they could force their way through six inches of ice, and +would risk waiting to receive their whole cargo. Accordingly, as soon +as it was daylight one of the captains who had made all arrangements +to leave gave orders to unmoor. The other had changed his mind, and +fell in with the views of the majority. The captain of the +_Claverhouse_, however, got underweigh, but before getting very far +his engineer reported that the hot-well cover had broken in two. It +was temporarily repaired, and she got along famously until they came +to a bend in the river where there was much packed ice. For two hours +manoeuvring continued without any appreciable result. At last the big +mass began to move, and a navigable channel was opened, which enabled +the vessel to make slow though risky progress through a field of +moving ice. + +The anchorage at ---- was reached before darkness set in, and a vessel +which had left four days previously was observed to be ashore, with +the ice drifting up against her port side, forcing her farther on to +the bank. Signals were hoisted offering assistance, but before the +reply could be made a blinding snowstorm came on, which lasted all +through the night. The next morning, at daylight, signals were again +made by the _Claverhouse_ to the stranded vessel asking if they would +accept assistance. The reply came, "I want lighters." The crew were +jettisoning the cargo of wheat on to the ice as it flowed past, but +the more they lightened the farther the vessel was forced on to the +bank by the rushing current. The master of the _Claverhouse_, +observing the critical position, sent a boat away with a small line. +A communication was effected, but not without great difficulty. The +master of the _Aureola_ was worn out with anxiety and want of rest, +for his vessel had been ashore for forty-eight hours. He very wisely +accepted the assistance which had opportunely come to him. A tow-rope +was attached to the small line, and by this means a thick tow-line was +got aboard, and she was dragged off the bank; then orders were +unaccountably given to cut the tow-rope. This very nearly resulted in +a more serious disaster, as the engineers in the confusion kept the +engines going astern, and the rope drifting with the current, became +entangled round the propeller. If the anchor and chains had not held +the great strain that was put on them, she would have gone ashore +again in a worse position, and inevitably have broken her back. As it +was, the propeller was cleared in about a couple of hours. The captain +of the _Aureola_ was not well acquainted with the locality, and +arranged that he should follow the other steamer to----. Suitable +plans and signals were settled, and both vessels weighed anchor and +proceeded as fast through the ice as was compatible with safety. Once +out of the narrows and clear of the obstruction, the engines were put +at full speed and kept going until they were forced to slow down on +account of the snow squalls, which obscured everything. The sea had +become rough, and the utmost resources of the commanders were taxed in +their efforts to navigate the coast and yet keep together. They groped +their way until ---- town lights were visible. It was then seen that +the gunboat anchored at the south end of the mine-field was signalling +to them to stop; but still they went slowly on, feeling their way by +the lead, while those aboard the gunboat began to fire rockets with +exciting rapidity. Regardless of the warning, the two steamers kept on +their way until they got to the anchorage, when the warship was hidden +from view. + +It was past midnight; and although the crews of both vessels had gone +through a severe ordeal of physical endurance, they were each anxious +to hear what the other had to say about the events of the last +forty-eight hours, which were beset with peril, and had culminated by +boldly running into the anchorage over the mines in defiance of the +regulations--to say nothing of the danger of being blown up, or the +mysterious prospect of Siberia! The captain of the _Aureola_ was +greatly perturbed, and he promptly ordered his gig to be manned to +take him to the _Claverhouse_. On getting aboard, he reproached his +friend for leading him into what might prove a serious scrape. The two +men talked long of the exciting doings of the day and the policy that +should be adopted on the morrow, when they would be confronted with +officials that were not over well-disposed to British subjects. They +fully realized that the case would have to be managed with great +astuteness, so they bethought themselves of one of the cleverest and +most popular men in----, and sent a message to him asking his help. +His name need not be mentioned; he is long since dead, and it is +sufficient to say that he was an educated Maltese, and held a kind of +magnetic influence over the harbour authorities. The Admiral was an +amiable man in an ordinary way, and susceptible to the temptations +that beset officials in these places; but the _Claverhouse's_ offence +was no common one, nor could it be approached in an ordinary way of +speech. + +On going ashore, the captains were ushered into the presence of the +infuriated official who was to decide their destiny. He fumed and +foamed savagely, and whenever an attempt was made to speak his +paroxysms became inhuman. Their Maltese friend had come to their aid, +and was waiting patiently for the storm to subside, so that he could +explain how it happened that the regulations came to be broken. Things +looked black until Mr. C---- began to speak in Russian. It took him +some time to get the great man pacified, and as soon as that was +accomplished he said to the master of the _Claverhouse_--"You know +that you could be sent to Siberia or less. How am I to explain it? Why +did you not keep at sea all night? There is only one thing that will +save you." + +"Well, then," responded the captain of the _Claverhouse_, "let that +one thing be arranged; but let me also state the cause of our breaking +the law. We could have kept the sea quite well had we known exactly +where we were, but we could see nothing, and had to navigate by taking +soundings, and as soon as we got into seven fathoms the water became +smooth, and, fearing we might run aground, the anchor was let go. As +for the rockets that were fired by the gunboat, we had passed the line +of torpedoes before our attention was attracted by the firing. The +Admiral himself could not have avoided it. Surely he cannot think we +deliberately ran into the anchorage?" + +"That is just what he does think," said Mr. C----. "What am I to do?" + +"Settle on the best terms," said the captain. + +At this point two officers took the captains to another room, and they +were locked in. An hour afterwards Mr. C---- came to them and said-- + +"I have managed to get him quietened down. You have had a narrow +squeak. It took me a long time to get him to speak of liberating you, +and now I am requested to bring you to him so that you may be severely +reprimanded. He talked of gaol, and sending you out of the country for +ever, and inflicting a heavy fine; but that stage has passed, so come +with me." + +When they were ushered into the Admiral's presence he frowned severely +at them. Russian officers and high officials always expect you to +tremble when they administer a rebuke. Needless to say, the reception +was harsh. There was a good deal of long stride, prancing from one end +of the room to the other, vehement talk in Russian, and wild +gesticulation. The Maltese told the somewhat callous captains that the +Admiral declared the next Englishman that attempted such a thing, if +he were not blown up, would have to be shot. An example must be made. +The genial intermediary interjected with apparent sternness-- + +"Captains, you must apologize for the crime you have committed, and be +thankful that you are going to be dealt leniently with. The Admiral +is right: you deserved to be blown up with your ship. But apologize +suitably, and leave the rest to me." + +All but the last sentence was interpreted to the gallant official. An +apology was made, and silently accepted; but the real penalty was not +disclosed to the captains until afterwards, and then it was kept +secret by them and by the two contracting parties. The two commanders, +when being congratulated on their release, said they did not know what +all the fuss was about. They had done no harm to anybody, and if +hostilities were resumed they hoped the Turks would wipe the Russians +off the field, and so on. + +Three stirring months passed before the _Claverhouse_ returned to +----. When she arrived at the gunboat guarding the torpedo channel, +she took a pilot, and proceeded into the harbour in a law-abiding +manner, while her captain, audibly and inaudibly, declaimed against a +Government whose barbarous notions led them to impose restrictions +that caused expense and interrupted the normal process of navigation. +"What right have these beastly Russians to hamper British shipping +like this?" + +When the captain landed he was met by several friends, who cheerfully +inquired if he had found another new channel into the port. He +jokingly retorted-- + +"No; but I might have to find a new one out." + +He was solemnly advised not to attempt it. The Admiral, whom he +occasionally met, was unusually cordial, and this attitude of courtesy +was ungrudgingly reciprocated. One evening the captain wished to visit +a friend of his, whose vessel lay at the forts. The sentry asked him +to retire. He refused to move, and commenced to harangue the soldier +in a language he supposed to be Russian. There must have been +something wrong about it, for after a few words of conversation the +sentry rushed at him with the bayonet fixed, and but for the swiftness +of his heels there might have been a tragedy. He immediately called at +the Admiral's office, informed him of what had occurred, and +requested that he should be escorted where he desired to go. An +officer was sent with him, and when they got to the sentry the officer +spoke to the man in a heated tone, and then slapped him on the face +with the flat of his hand. The captain asked why he had struck the +sentry. The officer replied-- + +"Because he told me you had used some Russian language to him that +caused him to believe you were a suspicious character. I told him he +was a fool, and that you were a friend of mine and of the Admiral. You +will have no more trouble." + +A _douceur_ was slipped into the willing hand, and on the return +journey another was given to the poor sentry, who showed a meekness +and gratitude that was nearly pathetic. + +On the following day there was a sensational rumour that the armistice +would be raised and hostilities between the two belligerents resumed. +At the forts and at the military quarters of the city there was much +activity. The troops were being reviewed by one of the Grand Dukes, +and there were evidences of conscription everywhere. Aboard the +warships the flutter was quite noticeable, and the frequent +communications between them and the shore augured trouble. Merchants, +agents, and captains displayed unusual energy to complete their +engagements. A strongly-worded order was handed to the captains of the +few vessels still remaining in port that, on penalty of being sunk by +the warships or blown up by torpedoes, no vessel was to go out of the +port after sundown at 6 p.m. + +On the second day after this instruction was given the loading of the +_Claverhouse's_ cargo was completed. A gentleman sent a note +requesting the captain to see him, and not to remove the staging +between his vessel and the quay, as it would be required to carry out +an important shipment which would be of great benefit to himself and +all concerned. Negotiations were opened, and were briefly as +follows:--This estimable Briton had been approached by a person of +great astuteness and easy integrity, who was neither an Englishman nor +a Turk, to engage at all costs a steamer to take bullocks on deck to +a certain unnamed destination. The freight would be paid before the +cattle were shipped, but the vessel would have to sail that night, and +a large sum would be paid for running that risk. + +"State your price," said the genial agent; "anything within reason +will be paid." + +The captain was as eager to do a deal as his new acquaintance, though +he pleaded the almost impossible task of running out of the port +without being observed, and if observed the inevitable consequence of +being sunk, probably with all on board. The agent, having in mind his +own considerable interest, played discreetly on the vanity of the +commander, and laughed at the notion of an astute person like him +allowing himself to be trapped; appealed to his nationality, and the +glory of having run out of a port that was severely blockaded. The +captain cut this flow of greasy oratory short by stating that for the +moment he was thinking of the amount of hard cash he was going to get, +and not of the glory. + +"I know what I will have to do, and I think I know how it will have +to be done; but first let us fix the amount I am to have for doing it. +My price is £----. Do you agree?" + +"Yes," said the agent; "though it's a bit stiff. But the animals must +go forward." + +The captain did not expect so sudden a confirmation, and remarked, "I +fancy I have not put sufficient value on the services I am to carry +out; but I have given my word, and will keep it." + +In due course the money was handed over in British gold. The cattle +were taken aboard, and just as the sun was setting the moorings were +cast off, and the vessel proceeded to the outer harbour and anchored. +The chief mate was instructed to put as little chain as possible out, +and the engineer was told to have a good head of steam at a certain +hour. Meanwhile, the captain proceeded to the city to clear his ship, +and at the stated hour he was stealthily rowed alongside. The pawls of +the windlass were muffled, and the anchor was hove noiselessly up by +hand; the engines were set easy ahead, and as soon as she was on her +course the telegraph rang "full speed." She had not proceeded far +before a shot was fired from the inner gunboat, which landed alongside +the starboard quarter. The chief officer called from the forecastle +head-- + +"They are firing at us--hadn't you better stop?" + +"Stop, be d----d! Do you want to be hung or sent to the Siberian +mines?" + +The next shot fell short of the stern. They now came thick and heavy, +but the _Claverhouse_ by this time was racing away, and was quickly +out of range. The most critical time arrived when she was rushed +headlong over the line of torpedoes; and as soon as the outer gunboat +was opened clear of the breakwater, she, too, commenced to fire. Once +the line of mines was safely passed, the course was set to hug the +land. The firing from the torpedo gunboat was wildly inaccurate, never +a shot coming within fathoms of their target, and soon the little +steamer was far beyond the reach of the Tsar's guns. + +Her captain had no faith in the report industriously circulated that +the Crimean coast and the Black Sea were impenetrably mined, so he +proceeded gaily on his voyage, shaking hands with himself for having +succeeded in running the gauntlet without a single man being hurt, or +the breaking of a rope-yarn. The crew were boisterously proud of the +night's exploit. They knew that no pecuniary benefit would be derived +by them, and were content to believe that they had been parties to a +dashing piece of devil-may-care work. The average British sailor of +that period loved to be in a scrape, and revelled in the sport of +doing any daring act to get out of it. It never occurred to the +captain that his crew might jib at the thought of undertaking so +perilous a course. He had been reared in the courage of the class to +which he belonged, and his confidence in the loyalty of his men was +not shaken by the thoughtless interjection of the chief officer, who, +in a shameful moment asked him to turn back after the first shot was +fired. He had no time to think of that senseless advice when it was +given, but it may be taken for granted the cautious mate did not add +to his popularity with the crew. He had commanded large sailing +vessels in the Australian passenger trade, and this was his first +voyage in steam. The new life, with all its varied sensationalisms, +was a mystery to him, and this little incident did not increase his +belief in the wisdom of his change from sail to steam. He explained +that the thought of what he regarded as inevitable disaster caused him +to spontaneously call out that they were firing. + +"Besides," he continued, "I don't like the business; so I'll resign my +position and go back to sailing vessels again, on the completion of +the voyage." + +The captain reminded him of the fine spirit of enterprise that +prevailed amongst the crew; only in a lesser degree, perhaps, than +that which caused Nelson under different circumstances to say of his +sailors, "They really mind shot no more than peas." + +"Nelson may have said that, and our crew may have a fine spirit of +wholesale daring, but I don't like to be mixed up with either the +enterprise or the shot," retorted the reflective officer; and I +daresay if the captain were asked for an opinion now he would be +disposed to take the mate's view. + +The thought of being pursued kept up a quiet excitement. The vessel +was pressed through the water at her maximum speed and arrived at her +first destination without any mishap to herself or the deck cargo, +which was landed expeditiously. She then continued on her voyage. On +arrival at the discharging port, a letter was received from the owners +complimenting the captain on the success of an undertaking which would +contribute so considerably to the profits of the voyage, and at the +same time calling his attention to a newspaper cutting. An official +telegram to the English Press stated that "_A British steamer, name +unknown, in attempting to run out of ---- harbour over the torpedo +lines, was warned and fired upon by a Russian warship which was +guarding the harbour. The steamer refused to stop. She was shelled, +and in crossing the mine zone the vessel, with her crew, was blown to +atoms!_" This was a sensational piece of news to read of one's self. + +Two years elapsed before the captain again steamed into ---- harbour. +He expected to meet his old friend the Admiral, and a few other +Russian gentlemen in whom his interest was centred; but they had +either gone to their rest or had been removed. It seemed as though the +incident that caused so much commotion at the time had passed out of +recollection. Indeed, there seemed quite a new order of things. New +officials were there. The gunboats were removed from their familiar +stations. The torpedoes that had been the dread of navigators had been +lifted, and it was commonly reported that many of them were loaded +with sand. No signs were visible of there having been war defences +that were meant to be regarded as impregnable--and it is not to be +denied the earthworks justified that opinion. There were whisperings +that when those in high places discovered what some of the mines were +charged with, the persons responsible for the laying of the mines +were seized; and tradition has it that an impromptu scaffold had been +erected outside the town, and every one of the suspects hanged without +trial--and merely on the suspicion that they knew of, even if they had +not contributed to, the treacherous act. In the light of the horrors +that are occurring in Russia at the present time, it is not improbable +that there was treachery; and that when it was discovered, suspicion +centred on certain persons, who were, in accordance with Muscovite +autocracy, dispatched without ceremony, guilty or not guilty. + +"Ah!" said Mr. C---- to the captain, who had just finished describing +his last departure from ---- Harbour, "you may thank your stars that +the torpedoes were loaded with sand or some other rubbish, or you +wouldn't have been here this day. The officers were in a great fury at +the wires not operating when you were running out, and the +men--submarines, I think, they are called--who were behind the +earthworks were knocked about badly. They came to my place to get to +know the name of the vessel, but I bamboozled them, and gave them +cigars and vodka, and they weren't long in forgetting about what had +happened. I think there is no doubt about your being the cause of +having the mines raised, as, to my certain knowledge, they tried to +explode them the day after you left the port, and very few of them +went off. Things were kept a bit quiet, but I can always get to know +what is going on, and if the gunboats had been properly handled that +night it would have been all up with you." + +"But," said the captain, "what on earth is the use of talking that +way! They were not properly handled, and here I am. And what I want to +know is this: do you think there will be any more about it, now the +war is over, and old Pumper Nichol [the Admiral] and his friends are +not here?" + +"I don't know," said his friend. "You never can tell what these sly +rascals are thinking or doing; but I will know as soon as there are +any indications. If I had been you, I wouldn't have come out here so +soon; or, at least, have first made sure that all danger was over. But +never mind; we'll soon smuggle you off, if we can get the slightest +hint. 'Palm oil squares the yards,' as the old sailors used to say, +and nobody has had more experience of that than I." + +"Does G----d and old J----b know about the affair?" + +"I think they are bound to, though they may have forgotten. Anyhow, +they are absolutely loyal, and may be depended upon if their aid is +called into requisition. Do you know they had to clear out of the +country with their families, and nearly every English family had to do +the same?" + +"Well, Patrovish C----," said the captain, "they may seize the +steamer, but they will never be allowed to seize me, even should it be +legal to do so, now the war is at an end." + +"What do they care about what is legal," said Patrovish. "If it suits +their purpose, and those in authority learn what took place, there +will be no scruples about doing anything. My advice is to keep quiet +and cool-headed, and I feel almost certain you won't be interfered +with. But there comes Yaunie. Hear what he says." + +This gentleman was a Greek pilot, who had previously been a boatswain +aboard a Greek sailing-vessel. He saw an excellent opening at the +beginning of the steamship era to add to his income, so commenced a +business which flourished so well that his riches were the envy of a +large residential public, to say nothing of the seafaring itinerants +who swarmed in and out of the port. He spoke English with a Levantine +accent. Physically, he was a fine-looking, well-built man, who +commanded attention and respect from everybody. He was on excellent +terms with the port authorities, and with sea captains, and deemed it +part of a well thought-out policy to share with popular shrewdness a +portion of his takings. His benevolence was more partially shown +towards the officials than to those from whom he derived his income; +but because of his geniality, and--mostly, I should say--on account of +his generosity, he was well liked by both sections of people. He was +quite uneducated, and, like most clever men who have this misfortune, +he had great natural gifts. His memory was prodigious, and he invested +his savings with the judgment of an expert, keeping mental accounts +with startling accuracy; but, notwithstanding this, his memory never +retained anything he conceived it to be policy to forget. When asked +his opinion as to whether there was any likelihood of anything more +being heard of the captain's running out of the harbour and over the +torpedoes, he suggestively put his finger to his mouth, and said-- + +"I can know nothing, but I tink it is over." And shrugging his broad +shoulders, he 'cutely remarked, "Some dead, some maybe Siberia, +and"--with a significant smile he lowered his voice to a +whisper--"some, maybe, 'fraid to say anything because for many reason. +Yes, I tink finis; but if not, den you trust me to help. I knows these +people, and some of dem knows me." + +Yaunie was taken fully into the confidence of the captain and +Patrovish, and when he took his leave they felt sure that to have him +as a friend was of great value in the event of the affair being +resurrected. The captain had renewed many old friendships, and spent +his evenings in the hospitable homes of an English colony whose +kindness is unequalled anywhere. Unlike most English families who +settle in foreign countries, they retained a great many of their +national customs in food, and also in their mode of life generally. Of +course the extremes of climate have to be considered, but all their +homes preserve their British atmosphere. + +The _Claverhouse_ had nearly completed loading, and the kindly +emissaries of her captain had reported nothing of a disturbing +character, until one morning a steamer came in and was moored +alongside the _Claverhouse_. Yaunie was the pilot, and after +completing his work he went aboard the _Claverhouse_ and asked to see +the captain. + +"He is not astir yet," said the steward. + +"I must speak with him at once," said Yaunie. + +The captain, overhearing the conversation, called out, "All right, +come to my room." + +"Well, Yaunie, what news this morning?" asked the captain. + +"Ah, it is very bad news," replied Yaunie. "That fool Farquarson," +pointing to where the other steamer lay, "speaks all the time about +what happened when you went from the port without permission. He say +that he was aboard the gunboat asking for a torpedo channel-pilot, and +that he could not get one because they were firing at you all the +time. They asked him the name of the steamer, but he told some other. +I say to him he was wrong, but he say no; and he will jabb, as you +call it." + +"Well, Yaunie, what's to be done? What is the remedy?" + +"What's to be done--I don' know what you call the other. I say, get +the steamer loaded quick and away. I don' tink trouble, but O Chresto! +his tong go like steam-winch, and you much better Black Sea dan here." + +"Very excellent advice, Yaunie. Now let us go on deck." + +A sudden inspiration came to the captain, which caused him to +exclaim-- + +"Yaunie, I'll ask him to eat with us. This is our English mode of +settling obstacles, and making and retaining friendships. Don't you +think it a good suggestion?" + +"Do anything you like. Give him the Sacrament, but keep him quiet. He +is very dangerous now." + +The captain of the other steamer was on deck, and as soon as he got +his eye on them he bellowed out in terms of unjustifiable +familiarity-- + +"Hallo, old fellow, how are ye? So they've not sent ye to the silver +mines yet?" + +"No," smartly retorted the captain, with some warmth, "they've not, or +I wouldn't have been here. But they d--d soon will if you don't keep +your mouth shut!" + +Without heeding what was said to him, the distinguished commander of +the new-comer slapped his thigh vigorously with his right hand, and +laughed out-- + +"By Joshua, you were in a tight corner, and will never be nearer +being popped! [sunk]. They were furious at me, and would have blown +all England up because I said I didn't know who it was." + +"Oh," said the _Claverhouse's_ commander, "that is old history. Come +aboard and have breakfast with me." + +"All right," said Farquarson, "I'll have a wash up, and then come. But +what a darned funny thing not to blow you up with the mines. I just +said to my mate, they are a lot of lazy beasts, or there's something +wrong with the wires. But the mate said, 'No; he's taken them +unawares.' 'Unawares be d----d!' said I; 'he's not taken these gunboat +chaps unawares, for I couldn't get them to stop firing.'" + +"He's off again!" interjected Yaunie. + +"All right, all right!" replied the impatient captain to his voluble +compatriot. "Come to breakfast as quick as you can, there's a good +fellow." + +Farquarson got to the companion-way--_i.e._ the entrance to the +cabin--and was about to make some further remarks when the captain of +the _Claverhouse_ said to Yaunie, "Let's go below, for God's sake! As +long as he sees us he'll keep on." + +When they got into the cabin, the burly pilot was almost inarticulate. +All he could say was-- + +"My goodness, what a tong! He must be dangerous to his owners. I have +never see such a tong." + +In due course the irrepressible person appeared, and was received with +professional cordiality. He had no sooner taken his seat at the table +than he became convulsed with laughter, slapped his hand on the table, +and shouted-- + +"By Cocker, I'll never forget it! The rage of them Russians, and the +way they blazed away their shot, and it never going within miles of +where you were! Miles, mind you!" + +Yaunie and his friend looked at each other in savage despair, as he +persisted in reeling off quantities of disconnected incoherencies. But +relief to his perturbed friends came when the steward placed the +breakfast on the table. He stopped the flow of narration, and +exclaimed-- + +"Ah! that's what I like--dry hash and a bit of ham with an egg or two. +I was just saying to my mate--who's as big a born fool as ever drank +whisky--there's not a better meal made at sea than dry hash." + +By this time his mouth was full, and it was difficult to know what he +wished to convey. His eating was quite as boundless as his talk, +though he could not do both at once. Having finished a good sound +plate of hash, he passed his plate along for some ham and eggs, and +asked his host if he did not observe what a good appetite he had +compared with what he used to have. + +"Yes," said the captain, in blissful ignorance of what he was saying. +"Your appetite was never very good. I'm glad to see you making such a +good breakfast." + +"Well, you know," replied the guest, "the worst of me is, I appear to +be unsociable when I'm eating, as I cannot both eat and talk." + +"Go on eating, then," said the host. + +"Yes, go on eatin'," responded Yaunie. "You had a long passage, and +must be hungry." + +"Quite right," replied the guest, with his mouth full. "I'm glad you +don't think me uncivil, but as I say, I like my breakfast better than +most meals, and I can only do one thing at a time. My wife always says +I must have been born either eating or talking." + +He laughed heartily at this little domestic joke, and proceeded with +the putting in of the "bunker coals," as he called it. The captain of +the _Claverhouse_ and the pilot had purposely lingered over their meal +to keep him company. He observed this, and effusively asked them not +to mind him a bit, and to leave the table if they wanted to. After +expressing a few unreal excuses for their apparent rudeness, they were +prevailed upon to go into the state-room, where the captain solemnly +conveyed to Yaunie that he never thought he would live to have imposed +upon him such humiliation. + +"I hope the brute will have an apoplectic fit!" said he. + +Yaunie did not quite understand all that was said, but knew it meant +some form of obliquy, and replied, "Yes, and I hope so too." + +As soon as Farquarson had finished eating, he straightway came to the +state-room and assured his host that he never remembered enjoying a +breakfast so much. + +"Let's have a cigar," said he, "to soothe my nerves a bit." + +This was given him. He lit up, and was proceeding to discuss the +merits of good feeding with great volubility when his harangue was +snapped by a request from his host to "cut it," as he wished to have a +yarn with him about a matter which was of great importance to himself. +"In short, I wish you to be most careful not to attract attention to +me by any friendly comment about that affair of two years ago. No one +who is in office now would appear to have any suspicion of what took +place; or if they do, it is obvious they are not desirous of opening +the question up again. But should it be brought prominently before +them, they will have to do something, and it may make it very awkward +for me. Now, what I want you to do for me is this: never mention the +incident again. I am sure you would not intentionally do anything that +would jeopardize my safety, and I feel that I have only to ask and you +will give me your word not to do it." + +Farquarson jumped to his feet, gripped the hand of the captain in a +sailorly fashion, and said-- + +"On my Masonic honour, I swear never to breathe again what you have +warned me against, and I'm glad you told me. I might innocently have +got you into a nasty mess. It never struck me when I was bawling out +to you that there was danger. But between ourselves, it was a bit +thick your dashing out of the 'impregnable port,' as they called it, +and expectin' to get off scot-free, I have often spun long twisters +about it, and you can bet it was always made attractive." + +"I feel sure you would do that, Farquarson, as you were always a good +story-teller." + +This encouraging flattery switched his mind with eager interest on to +a subject quite irrelevant to the one which had engaged their +attention so long. + +"Yes," said he, with a self-satisfied smile, "that's true. But talking +about yarns, you remember when I was with Milburn's, running to +Hamburg? The old gentleman asked me to take a few overmen a trip. They +belonged to some mine he was interested in. By the time we got +outside, and got the decks cleared up, it was dark, and the watch was +set. The look-out man went on to the topgallant forecastle, and I was +walking from side to side of the bridge when one of the miners came +running up, and in great excitement he said-- + +"'Captain, for God's sake gan doon to the cabin and pacify them! +They're playin' nap, and they've faalen oot amang theirselves, and +there's fair almighty hell gannin' on. Aa's sure if ye divvent get +them pacified ther'll be morder!' + +"'My good man,' I said,'I cannot leave the bridge.' + +"'Ye canna' leave the bridge! What for, then?' + +"'Because,' I said, 'I must keep a look-out and see that that man on +the forecastle-head does the same. If he were to see me leave the +bridge, the chances are he would get careless and sit down and go to +sleep, and we might run into something, and probably sink ourselves or +somebody else and lose a lot of lives.' + +"By this time I heard loud voices and awful oaths coming from the +after-end of the ship, so says I, 'This must be put a stop to, but I +cannot leave here without somebody takin' my place. You must take it, +and walk across and across as I am doing, so that that fellow on the +look-out will think it's me.' + +"'Aa'm not pertikler what aa dee, mister, if ye ony get thor +differences settled before ye come up. Aa nivor heerd sic swearin'.' + +"'Very well,' said I; 'you do what I've told you to do. Walk steadily +to and fro, and I'll go and see what can be done.' + +"When I got down below they were still wrangling, but I soon made +peace with them, and they asked me to have a hand with them. I had a +look on deck. It was a fine moonlight night, and nothing seemed to be +in the way, so I began to play, and forgot all about the fellow on the +bridge, and everything else for that matter, until I heard four bells +go. This reminded me, so I stopped short, went on to the poop, and the +other fellows came up with me. I was chaffing them about their row, +and I heard the look-out man call out, 'A red light on the port bow, +sir!' I saw we were going a long way clear, so took no notice; but the +miner on the bridge increased his pace. In less than a minute the +look-out man called out again, 'A red light on the port bow,' and got +no answer. I thought to myself, 'What's going to be the upshot of +this?' when the man called out again, sharply this time, 'A red light +on the port bow!' The miner quite excitedly shouted at the top of his +voice, 'Blaw the b----y thing oot, then, and let's hear ne mair aboot +it!'" + +At this conclusion the two captains laughed heartily, and so did +Yaunie. Then all at once Farquarson began as suddenly as he had left +off-- + +"Now, let us make up our minds never to broach running the gauntlet +again in Russian waters, for they're devils to listen, and you never +know where they are. Why, I've seen them at the time of the war +crawlin' and sneakin' about all over, lying on the sofa in the +billiard-rooms, and come and ask you to play in good English. +Sometimes the impudent villains would come and barefacedly sit down at +the same table where you were having a meal, and begin speakin' and +get you to say something disrespectful about Russia and their Tzar, +and lots of poor fellows were asked to leave the country for it. Talk +about despotism and bribery! Well, I've seen some of their goings on. +What did they do when the poor Turks that were taken prisoners when +Plevna fell marched into Reval? A few of us cheered them, and the +Russians got quite annoyed about it, and hustled us about as though we +were common thieves, and threatened to run us into their filthy gaol. +My word, how things have altered since the days when you could kill a +Russian and nobody cared a brass button! But now--well, there's no +word to express it." + +"Ah! they're a cruel, merciless lot," interjected Captain S--; "but I +think you are getting excited, Farquarson, so you better cease talking +about them." + +"It is time I was getting up to the city. They are rattling it into +her. She'll be loaded in a jiffy, and I've much to do." + +"Very well," said the bluff skipper, "get away. And it's understood +that mum's the word; but mind you're not through the wood yet. What do +you say, Yaunie?" + +"I say you no speak so loud or so much. It is better not." + +"Very well, old skin-the-goat," said Farquarson playfully; "I suppose +I am a bit noisy." + +He then jumped aboard his vessel, and invited the trusty pilot to +follow him so that they might work out a scheme that would thwart any +possibility of a raid being made on the _Claverhouse_. He prided +himself on being fertile in strategy, and certainly his notions were +not those of an ordinary person. His confidences were given to Yaunie +without any reserve. First, he suggested inveigling the raiders from +S----'s vessel to his own, getting them down below and filling them +full of champagne or whisky, whichever they preferred; and in the +event of their remaining on board his friend's ship, they were to be +made drunk there, and that being accomplished, the vessel was to be +unmoored and taken to sea with them aboard, and they were to be landed +or cast adrift in an open boat. The recital of these dare-devil +propositions caused Yaunie's face to wear a careworn look, and when +asked what he thought of it he said-- + +"Well, I try to tink, bit it is impossible. You speak what cannot +happen. If you do what you say, how can you come back here? No, no; +that must not be. I have better plan. No trouble, no get drunk, no run +off with officers, no put him in boat; but leave it me: I settle +everyting, suppose trouble come." + +"Agreed again, old cockaloram. I'm only saying what I'd do. As I said +before, you can do as you like, but I prefer giving these fellows +'what cheer!' I says again, what business have they to interfere with +Englishmen carryin' on their business in their own way? I say they had +no right to put a blockade on, and England should see that her +subjects are duly protected." + +This eloquent pronouncement of patriotism, with comic gesture added, +excited the fiery dissent of the critical Levantine. + +"Yes!" he retorted; "you tink everyting foreign should be for English. +You swagger off with other people's country and say, 'This mine.' You +like old J----b and G----d; they speak all the time same as you. +English, English, everyting English! an' I say what for you stay? I +Greek, an' I stay because Russia better for me." + +This was said partly in jest and partly in good-natured earnestness, +for Yaunie was a student of English characteristics. Farquarson +explained that he would have to go to the Custom-house, and then to +see his agents. Yaunie, with a significant look and gesture, warned +him not to speak too much to port officers, bade him good-morning, +said he would call back again in the afternoon, jumped on to the stage +and went ashore. + +It was late in the afternoon before Captain S---- got down to the +docks. His steamer was loaded and ready for sea. At the quay, close to +the stern of the vessel, Mrs. C----, with her daughter, was seated in +a drosky. She explained that they had come to say good-bye, and to +convey a message from Patrovish that he, Yaunie, and some officers +were aboard Captain Farquarson's vessel. "He commissioned me to say +that you were to slip out of the harbour quietly to avoid trouble, as +he had reason to believe that there was something going on, and you +might be stopped. Meanwhile, they are doing some entertaining for your +benefit, so I will not detain you longer. Good-bye, and we hope to see +you again soon." + +The captain made haste aboard, and gave instructions to cast off the +moorings. The _Claverhouse_ glided quietly out of the harbour, and in +less than an hour she was steaming fall speed towards the Bosphorus. +The two captains did not meet again for several months, and when they +did, Farquarson gave a vivid account of the development and ultimate +success of what he termed the plot to extricate S---- from the +possibility of being detained or heavily fined. + +"I assure you," said he, "they were on the scent. They asked if I was +the man who was on the gunboat when the English steamer ran over the +mines. I swore by all that was holy that I didn't know what they were +talking about. Then Yaunie and Patrovish asked them in Russian to have +some refreshment aboard my ship, and they kicked up a devil of a row +when they found you had gone without saying good-bye. Yaunie swore it +was to cheat the pilotage, and Patrovish said he couldn't have +believed it of you. I said you always were a bowdikite, and that you +were putting on 'side.' The Russians were very jolly. They had a +thimbleful or two of whisky, which made them talk a lot. We had a good +laugh after they went away, and Patrovish said it was a good job you +were gone, because they would have been sure to have caused trouble. +Yaunie wasn't sure, but I was on C----'s side, for, I said, why did +they mention the gunboat to me, if they didn't mean anything?" + +"Whatever their intentions were," rejoined Captain S----, "the +precautions you took to checkmate were successful, and I am much +obliged for the trouble you took after you realized the danger. I must +always be grateful to you for that; and the next time you go out +there, thank my two friends for their important share in it, and say +to Patrovish that his own and his wife's wish to see me soon back is +much appreciated, but my present plans are such that I will not be +able to visit Russia for a long time to come, and it may be I never +shall again." + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 1: How came it to pass that the Russians were allowed to +cross the Balkans? How was it that they were allowed to take +possession so easily of the Schipka Pass? Did the personages who so +soon afterwards disappeared mysteriously and were never heard of again +yield up this stronghold to the possessors of a golden key? Poor +Turkey!] + + + + +Fair Trade and Foul Play + + +Smuggling at the beginning of the nineteenth century, and right up to +the middle of it, was rampant, and was regarded as a wholesome +profession by those who carried it on. They called it "fair trade," +and looked upon those whose duty it was to destroy it with an aversion +that oftentimes culminated in murderous conflict. The seafaring +portion of this strange body of men, in characteristic contrast to +their "landlubber" accomplices, never at any time, or under any +circumstances, tried to conceal what their profession was. They were +proud to be known as smugglers; whereas their shore colleagues, many +of whom were gentry, or offshoots from it, adopted every possible +means to turn suspicion from themselves when the preventive men were +on the scent. Smugglers of that day were adroit tacticians; they had +their signs just as Freemasons or any other craft have theirs. The +pursuit was exciting, and the romance of it attracted men and women of +gentle as well as of humble birth into its ranks. The men who manned +the luggers were sailors who knew every bay and nook round the coast. +They made heroic speeches expressive of their contempt for death. They +talked boldly of powder magazines, and of blowing themselves and any +one else up who put them into a tight corner; and there are instances +on record that this was actually done. Be that as it may, they had +great organizing skill and not a little business ability, whilst in +their combination of strategy and valour they were unsurpassed. In +many ways they were akin to pirates, though it could never be said +that they went outside their own particular business--_i.e._, they +were not predatory buccaneers who murdered first and plundered +afterwards. They believed, as I have said, their calling to be as +legitimate as any other form of trading. Their doctrine was that it +was the Government that acted illegally, and not themselves. It was +not surprising, therefore, that the system should take so long a time +to wipe out, notwithstanding the rigid way in which the whole +coastline of the British Isles was guarded. Much has been written +about the desperate ways of these men, but no accurate estimate can be +formed by the present generation of the extent of the system, and the +methods adopted to carry it on. Romance has gone far, but rarely too +far, in describing it; and to really know it as it was you must have +lived in its atmosphere, or have taken part, either for or against, in +its attractions. One of the greatest ambitions of my early boyhood +days comes to me now. I had resolved that when I grew up I would +secretly leave my home and join some smuggling lugger. Happily for me, +the luggers had disappeared before I grew up. + +Here is an authentic instance of professional attachment and pride. +When I was quite a small boy a brig ran on to the rocks beneath my +father's house. The captain was a fine, rollicking, sailorly-looking +man, with a fascinating manner. He often came to our house during his +stay in the locality, and one of the first things he told my parents +was that in his younger days he was a smuggler, and had had many +encounters with Deal coastguards. He spoke sadly of the way the +"trade" was ruined by Government intervention, and said that he had +never been really settled or happy since he was driven out of the +business, and had to take service in the merchant navy for a living. +He was asked if he would like to go back to it again. + +"Go back to it again!" said he; "I wish I could! There is nothing to +fill its place in the whole world. But that is done for now. Oh! what +good money we used to make, and what narrow squeaks we had of being +captured or killed." + +It seems incredible that so great a change should have taken place in +so short a time, considering that these sea-rovers were so firmly +persuaded that their profession was as lawful as any other, and that +they were persecuted and hounded to death by a set of whippersnappers +who made insufferable laws! The system became so gigantic in the early +part of last century that the Government had to appeal to the Navy, +and a large number of officers and men were landed on the coast of +Kent and Sussex, where a strict blockade was enforced. Later, a +semi-civilian force under the control of the Customs was formed. This +was called the "Preventive Water Guard," and subsequently it went +under the new title of "Preventive Coastguard." The duties were +arduous and risky. The men never went forth unless armed with a big +dagger-stick and a flint-lock pistol, both of which were not +infrequently used with effect. Owing to the dangerous character of the +occupation, a high wage and pension was offered as an inducement to +join the service; at least, the wage and pension were considered very +good at the time. The men, however, rarely had decent houses to live +in. Their uniform was rather like that of a naval officer. They would +have disdained wearing the garb of the present-day coastguard. Their +training in most cases consisted in service aboard a Revenue cutter +for a few months before being appointed to a station. Many of these +men were tradesmen who had never been to sea at all, and often were +men of education and sterling character. For the most part these +educated men were Wesleyans--or "Ranters," as they were called--and +not a few were local preachers, and some of them were well versed in +theology. They were stationed usually eight miles apart, right along +the coast, and their ordinary duty was to meet each other half-way and +exchange despatches. This gave the religious section opportunities of +comparing experiences and discussing the faith that was in them. I +knew one who spoke and taught French and Latin, another who could make +an accurate abstract of Bishop Butler's _Analogy_ from cover to cover, +and another who became possessed of a small schooner, which made him a +fortune while he was still in the service. The wives of these three +coastguardsmen were quite as well informed and as ardent religionists +as themselves, and took a common interest in books, educational +matters, and in each other's home affairs. Their homes were always +neat and clean, and the children were disciplined into a rigid, +methodical life. It is a remarkable fact that the sons of each of +these men have all risen to high positions in commerce, literature, +art, and politics, and those that still survive are proud to +acknowledge that they owe their position to the splendid example and +beautiful home-life which they were taught to live when children. +Guarding the coast was not the only occupation of the Preventive +Coastguard. + +There arose in 1848 a manning difficulty in the Navy, which became so +grave that the large force of disciplined men employed in protecting +the revenue were drilled in gunnery to fit them for sea service. Many +of them were called out to serve aboard ship during the war with +Russia in 1854. One of the grievances in the service was the +irritating and unfair policy of the Board of Customs in constantly +moving the men from one station to another. In many instances the +hardships constituted a public scandal. Adequate recompense was never +made for this breaking-up of their little homes, and frequently when +they arrived at some outlandish coast village there was no provision +made for housing them. I know of several instances where families were +beholden to the generosity of the villagers or farmers for lodgings +until a house was found. During the interval their furniture was +stored in some dirty stable or store. It was not an uncommon thing for +these poor fellows to be removed, with their families, from one end of +England to the other two or three times in a year, at the behest of an +uneasy bureaucratic commander-in-chief who knew little, and probably +cared less, about the domestic hardships incurred. From Holy Island or +Spital to Deal in those days of transit by sea was a greater and more +hazardous voyage than that of Liverpool to New York to-day. The +following story may give some idea of their life as they then lived +it. + +A group of fishermen stood at the north end of the row, watching a +smart cutter that was beating from the north against a strong S.S.E. +wind and heavy sea, which broke heavily on the beach and over an +outlying reef of rocks which forms a natural breakwater and shelters +the fishermen's cobles from the strong winds that blow in from the sea +during the winter months. The cutter tacked close in to the north end +of the ridge several times during the forenoon. Her appearance was +that of a Government vessel, and her commander evidently wished to +communicate with the shore. When the ensign was hoisted to the main +gaff, the onlookers knew that she did not belong to the merchant +service. The simple people who inhabited this district were concerned +about the intentions of what they regarded as a mysterious visitor, +and the firing of a small cannon from the taffrail did not lessen +their perplexity. At last the national flag was hauled up and down, +and the squire, who had come from his mansion amongst the woods, told +the fishermen that those aboard the cutter were really asking for a +boat to be sent to them. + +The flood tide had covered the rocks. A volunteer crew of five fine +specimens of English manhood were promptly got together, and a large +coble was wheeled down the beach and launched into the breaking sea. +They struggled with accustomed doggedness until they had passed the +most critical part of the bay and got safely within speaking distance +of the vessel. Two good-looking fellows in naval uniform stood on the +quarter-deck, and one of these, the commander, asked the fishermen to +take one of his officers ashore. To this they readily agreed, though +they said it would be most difficult to land, as it was much safer to +go off than come in, but they would risk that. The officer jumped into +the boat, the rope was slipped, and then commenced a struggle between +the endurance and skill of the hardy fishermen on the one hand and the +angry cross seas which threatened to toss the boat and its occupants +to destruction on the other. The officer suggested that the reefs +should be let out of the sail to rush her over the dangerous corner of +the entrance. + +"I have used this plan often," said he, "and it always succeeded." + +The coxswain demurred, although these men are very skilled in the +handling of their boats; but at last he was prevailed upon by his crew +to allow the officer to try the experiment. The latter only agreed to +do so on condition that he was in no way interfered with, and his +orders were strictly carried out. Up went the close-reefed lug; the +occupants were instructed to lie low to windward, the men at the main +sheet were ordered in a quiet, cool manner to ease off and haul in as +necessity required. In a few minutes they had reached the crucial +point. The men began to express anxiety, when amid the shrill song of +the wind and the noise of the breaking seas, the man now in charge +called out with commanding vigour-- + +"Steady your nerves, boys! I know quite well how to handle her." + +The helmsman had barely finished his appeal when the combers began to +curl up in rapid succession; the mass of water threatened to overwhelm +the rushing craft, but she was manipulated with such fine seamanship +that only the spray lashed over her in smothering clouds. Suddenly +orders were given to stand by to lower the sail, and in another minute +the helm was put down to bring the boat head to sea and wind. The sail +was lowered, oars shipped, and she was manoeuvred stern on to the +beach. As soon as she struck, a rush to help was made by those who had +watched with feverish anxiety the passage through the broken water, +lest the frail craft should be overturned and all aboard drowned. A +rope was bent on to the stern, and the crowd quickly hauled the coble +away from the heavy surf into safety. At this point, an elderly +gentleman, tall, with a long, shaggy beard and bushy grey hair, which +might have been a wig, rode up on a brown mare. His appearance and +demeanour stamped him with the characteristics of a real old country +gentleman, who put on what sailors would call an insufferable amount +of "side." He promptly introduced himself to the officer as the Lord +of the Manor, giving his name as Crawshaw. + +The naval man gave his as Thomas Turnbull, and explained that he was +sent to organize some system of resistance to the smuggling that was +being carried on along that part of the coast. Mr. Crawshaw +volunteered assistance, and hinted that the task would be rendered all +the more arduous as he would not only have the smugglers to deal with, +but their accomplices, the fisher-folk and farmers. After a few weeks' +experience, it was quite obvious that the squire was right, and in +view of this, Thomas Turnbull sent for his wife and six children, and +settled down to his work in real earnest. + +The intimation that the new-comer was a religious man, and could +preach and pray, soon spread through the villages, and large numbers +flocked to see and hear him. Many came out of pure curiosity, and some +to mock and jeer, but these seldom succeeded in setting at defiance +the great power that was behind the preacher. He was of commanding +presence; his face, as some of the villagers used to say, was good to +look at, and the message that he delivered to his audience came with +irresistible force, which broke the spirit of some of the most +determined obstructers, and turned many into friends, and a few even +into saints. The fisher-folk did not take kindly to him, and so strong +was their opposition that they threatened many times to take his life. +Their savage ignorance would have unnerved and discouraged a less +powerful personality, but this man seemed to be buoyed up by his +belief that it was God's work and he was only the instrument in +carrying it out. He was often warned of the violence that was +threatened towards him, but the intimation never disturbed his +inherent belief that no earthly power could break through the cordon +that protected him; and so he continued his work, temporal and +spiritual, undisturbed by the threats of a class whom he was +determined to civilize, and, "with God's help, Christianize." The +process was long, the methods of resistance wicked. + +Jimmy Stone, one of the worst scoundrels in the district, had laboured +to persecute Turnbull, and to break up the meetings for months past. +He tyrannized over men and brutally maltreated women, and his +blasphemy was terrible to listen to. It was during one of his +outbursts of wrath against the "Ranter" preacher that he was suddenly +staggered by Turnbull going up to him, laying his hand on his +shoulder, and admonishing him to refrain from such shocking conduct. +He attempted to seize the preacher by the throat, and I fear at this +juncture Turnbull forsook for a little his usual attitude of +equanimity, for before the giant knew where he was he lay on the +ground, stunned by a left-hander. The preacher was an awkward customer +to deal with, and it would seem as though he did not entirely trust to +Divine interposition when hands were laid on him. His tormentor lay, a +humiliated heap, at his feet. Never in Jimmy's life had any one dared +to resent his attacks in this way. He could not understand it, and was +overcome more by superstition and a fear of Turnbull's reputed +supernatural aids than by real fear of his physical powers. Turnbull +ordered the bully to stand up, and warned him against experimenting +on strangers. He then, in quaint, old-world phraseology, the outcome +of much deep reading of Butler, Baxter, and Jeremy Taylor, and wholly +without cant or affectation, went on to say-- + +"I intend to let you off lightly on this occasion, but if I hear of +you practising any injustice or in any way giving annoyance to your +neighbours again, I shall deem it my duty to teach you a salutary +lesson. Now, bear in mind what I say to you; and remember that the +Almighty may visit you with His wrath. It may be that He will send to +your house affliction, and even make it desolate by taking some one +from you whom you love. Or He may see that the only way of checking +the course of your wickedness is to have you laid aside with sickness. +It is probable that He will smite you by taking away from your evil +influence some of your children. God is very merciful to little +children when they are in the hands of brutes like you. Go away from +me! and ponder over what I have said." + +Jimmy slouched off, muttering vengeance against the Almighty if He +dared to interfere with his bairns, and, as an addendum, he vividly +portrayed the violent death of Turnbull. He slunk listlessly into his +cottage, tumbled on to a seat, and was lost in meditation. Jenny, his +wife, tremulously asked what ailed him. She was alarmed at his subdued +manner; she had never known him come into the house without bullying +and using blasphemous language to her and the children, and oftentimes +this was accompanied by blows that well-nigh killed her and them; and +yet she stood loyally by him whenever he needed a friend. Suddenly he +jumped to his feet, and as though he had become possessed of an +inspiration, broke silence by vigorously exclaiming to his wife that +he had settled the manner of the "Ranter" preacher's death. + +"Aa'll catch him some neet betwixt here and the burn [stream], and +finish him. That'll stop his taak aboot the Almighty takin' ma bairns +frae me!" + +Jimmy's idea was that Turnbull was in communion with the Almighty for +the removal of his children, and if he were put out of the way there +would be an end to it. Jenny was no less ignorant than her husband, +and therefore no less superstitious about meddling with this +mysterious person who had come amongst them and wrought such +extraordinary changes in the lives of many of her class. She doubted +the wisdom of killing the preacher, as she had heard that these people +lived after they were killed, and might wreak more terrible vengeance +when their lives assumed another form. She urged her husband to leave +well alone; not because she in any way differed from his views in +regard to Turnbull's preaching and his attitude generally towards +evil-doers, or objected to his being put to death; but she preferred +some person other than her husband should do it. Hence, she disagreed +with his policy, and he in turn raged at her for taking sides against +him. + +"This interloper's spyin' into everythin' we dee and say," said he. +"We had nee taak aboot religion afore he cum, and noo there's nowt +but religion spoken, so that we can hardly get a man or a woman t' dee +any trootin' inside the limit; an' when we dee get a chance we hev t' +put wor catches into th' oven, for feor him or his gang gan sneakin' +aboot and faal in wi' summat they hae nee reet t' see. Forbye that, +within the last few months he's driven the smugglers off the coast, +and deprived us o' monny an honest soverin' in helpin' them t' and +theor stuff. And then he's got the gob t' tell me that if aa divvent +change me ways, the Almighty'll dee God knaw's what tiv us! He'll myek +sickness cum, and mebbies tyek sum o' th' bairns frae us. It'll be +warse for him if harm cums t' th' bairns, or me either! Aa tell't him +that this mornin', an' aa said he might tell his Almighty that he +taaked see much aboot, if he liked." + +Jenny secretly disapproved of carrying retaliation any further, but +dared not openly say another word in favour of her views, for, as she +afterwards said, "Aa was afeared ye might kill me afore ye got a +chance o' killin' the preacher." + +Mr. Turnbull knew what Jimmy's intentions were, and purposely put +himself in his way, so that he might say a cheery word to him in +passing; but he never got more than a grunt in response. He knew that +this wild creature was in league with a gang of the most desperate +smugglers that the "Preventer men" had to contend with. No landing, +however, had been seriously attempted during the time that Turnbull +had been at the station. Craft had been sighted and signals exchanged, +and then the suspected craft disappeared for weeks. The men who +guarded the coast knew these buccaneers had emissaries, and could have +laid hands on them, but preferred to catch them red-handed. + +After weeks of close watching and waiting, information was passed +along the coast that a landing would take place close to the spot +where Turnbull now lived with his wife and children. Men from all the +stations extending over a radius of fifty miles were summoned to meet +at a certain point at eleven o'clock on a certain night. Trusted +civilians had been drafted into the service for the occasion; and so +accurate was the information given, that within a couple of hours of +the time several boat-loads of contraband were landed above high-water +mark. Three carts came along, and while the process of transhipping +into them was going on, the "Preventer" men, led by Turnbull, quietly +came from their concealment, and with a sudden rush surrounded the +smugglers. Those of their accomplices who had smelt the scent of +battle fled behind the hills, and got clean away. One of the carts +attempted to bolt, but a shower of shot targeted into the horses +peremptorily stopped that move, and the drivers were easily captured. +The smugglers fought like polecats, but received no help from the few +accomplices who had not escaped. These, either from fear or policy, or +both, did not attempt to extricate themselves or lend their support to +a lost cause. It was common knowledge that smugglers drew lots as to +who had to escape if severe fighting or capture became inevitable, and +the battle became the more fierce in order to cover the escape of +those few. They did not all succeed in getting off in their boat, but +it was estimated half a dozen might have done so. The rest, something +like a score, were ultimately overpowered, sent to prison and tried in +the good old style, and sentenced to transportation to the criminal +dumping-ground of Western Australia. + +The notorious Jimmy Stone on that memorable moaning night was +disguised, but that did not prevent him being detected while rendering +assistance to land and convey the contraband on to the beach and into +the carts. One of the Government men was indiscreet enough to shout +"James Stone, you are my prisoner!" and almost before the words were +out of his mouth Jimmy dropped a keg of gin on to him and fled. The +companions of the stunned man were too busy with the other cut-throats +to follow Jimmy, or to see in what direction he had gone. It was only +after the conflict was over that they were reminded that this lawless +fisherman had escaped, and must at all costs be captured and brought +to justice. A party was selected to search for him. They knew that he +must be hiding in some of the hollows where the thick clusters of +bents and bracken would give him cover. Some of the party had strayed +from the central group, and were talking of Jimmy's prowess and +astuteness, and wondering where he was concealed, when they suddenly +came across a man with his head and part of his body up a rabbit-hole. +He was asking in subdued tones, "Are the ---- gyen yet?" and one of +the party, in the same tone of voice and the same dialect and language +as he had used, cautioned him not to speak too loud, as they were +still hovering about. + +"My God!" said he, "when aa get oot o' this mess aa'll hae ma revenge +on that Ranter." And becoming impatient, he began to curse at his +supposed friend for advising him to put his head in a rabbit-hole, +vigorously announcing that he wished his ---- head was there instead +of his own. "Aa cud hae run if ye hadn't persuaded me t' hide heor." + +"Hae patience!" responded the voice from without. + +"Patience be d----!" said he; "Aa wish aa had them ---- Government +men heor. Aa wad make short work o' them, the ---- rascals!" + +"Whisht," said his companion; "they're comin' this way!" + +In a few seconds Jimmy's posterior became the subject of some vigorous +thrashing. He was dragged, yelling, from his retreat, and confronted +with the men he had so recently sworn to murder. They asked if he was +Jimmy Stone. He replied in the affirmative, and added-- + +"Aa thowt it was Jack Dent aa was taakin' tee. He cum heor wiv us." + +"Where is he now?" inquired the officer. + +"Hoo am aa t' knaa?" said Jimmy; "but the Lord help him when aa dee +cum across him. He's betrayed me. Nivvor more will aa put me heed in a +rabbit-hole!" + +His soliloquy was cut short by his captors putting his hands in irons +and conveying him to where their colleagues were; and Jimmy would have +been included amongst the convicts but for the magnanimous +intercession of Turnbull, who informed his captors that they were to +leave Jimmy to him. He was working out a scheme whereby his knowledge +would be invaluable to the Service. So James was not sent to the +Colonies. + +A well-known farmer, who was accustomed to make friendly calls on the +Turnbull family, was caught in the act of bolting with a cartload of +unlawful merchandise. He was sent to Australia, but not as a convict. +Turnbull had found some useful purpose for him also, and he was +advised to get out of the country, lest it became too hot for him. + +A couple of ladies had attracted special attention; not that they were +bellicose, but because in consequence of their abnormal bulk they +created some suspicion that they had concealed beneath their +crinolines more than their ordinary form. They were asked +unchivalrously to undo their clothing, and with comic dignity and +superb self-possession they defiantly declined. They were then told in +the name of the Queen that if they did not undress voluntarily it +would have to be done for them, whereupon they adopted the old dodge +of weeping and calling themselves unprotected women, whose characters +were being assailed by men whom it was not safe for females to be +amongst, making the sandy hollows resound with their artificial +shrieks and sobs; but it was all to no purpose. Their skirts were +examined, and there were found boxes of cigars, packets of tobacco, +and bottles of gin, all hooked in methodical order to an ingenious +arrangement connected with the skirt. These ladies were proved to be +on familiar terms with the red-capped gentlemen who were defrauding +the Revenue, and not infrequently shooting down its guardians. + +One of these women was the sister of Jimmy Stone, and the other his +wife, and it would have gone hard with them had Turnbull not conceived +the humane idea of reclaiming and ultimately drafting them into the +Service. He convinced his colleagues that they would be invaluable +adjutants. They would take a deal of taming, as there was little to +distinguish them from a species of wild animal. He requested that +they should be handed over to him for the purpose of trying the +experiment. The women and Jimmy were locked up in separate rooms in +the Old Tower for a week. Turnbull visited them daily, and detected on +each visit the growth of penitence; his little talks had penetrated +their stony, vicious natures, until at last they broke down and humbly +solicited pardon and release, which was granted under well-defined +conditions. There was much talk in the village about the leniency +extended to the fishers. Tom Hitchings, the cartman, declared that +they should have been sent to the Colonies, the same as the other +smugglers; and Ted Robson said transportation was too good a +punishment, they ought to have been shot or bayonetted, and had any +other person but a ranter preacher been in charge it would have been +done. + +"How de we knaa, Tom," said Ted, "that them fiends o' smugglers winnot +rise oot o' theor beds in the deed hoor o' the neet and break into wor +homes and cut wor throats afore we're awake? We helped te catch them, +whaat for shouldn't we hev some say aboot theor punishment?" + +"That's whaat aa says," replied Tom. "But ye'll heor o' some queer +things happenin' varry syen. He'll be hevvin' his meetin's in Jenny's +hoose, and Jimmy'll be preachin' afore lang. Ther'll be fine scenes if +it's not throttled i' the bud." + +"Get away, man," said Ned; "they're the biggest blackguards roond the +countryside, and they'll steal, rob, or morder, whichivver comes +handiest. What d'ye think that fellow Jimmy did once? A ship was in +the offin'. She had distress signals flyin'. He could get neebody te +man a boat but women; the men wadn't hev onythin' te dee wiv him, so +his awn wife, Ailsie's Jenny, Nanny Dent, and Peggy Story went. They +pulled the boat through monster seas, and the brute was cursin' at the +women aal the way until they gat alangside, when the captain said, 'Ma +ship's sinkin'.' The crew were telled to jump into the boat smart, and +as syen as the captain said, 'We're aal heor,' Jimmy sprang aboard +like a cat, cast the boat adrift, shooted to his wife, 'She's mine! +Pull the ---- ashore, and then come off and we'll take her in!' The +captain saa the trick and demanded to be taken back, but Jenny felled +him with the tiller, and threatened to slay onny of the others. They +were nearly ashore when the captain exclaimed, 'She's not his; Sancho, +the dog, has been left behind!' The crew were landed, and the boat +went back to the ship. The women gat aboard, and asked Jimmy if he had +seen a dog. He said, 'There's nee dog heor; the ship's wors,' and they +say he fand the dog on the floor and that he put it ower-board. Now, +there's a born convict for ye! An' they tell me, him and his women gat +the ship safely into port, and the folk shooted, 'Bravo, Jimmy Stone!' +They said he was a hard swearer, but a brave, clever fellow, and aa +said when aa hard it, 'Whaat aboot the dog?' The ship was selled, and +Jimmy gat summit--whaat de they caal it--salvage, aa think. They say +he's worth lots o' money." + +"But whaat did they say aboot the dog?" said Tom. + +"Wey, the captain said the dog was left as a safeguard against bein' +boarded and claimed as a derelict; but Jimmy swore that the dog wasn't +there when he gat aboard, and neebody saa what becam' on't, and so the +matter rests. They often say te him, 'Whe tossed the dog ower board?' +and aa believe he's nearly mordered half a dozen big men for sayin' +sic things." + +"Eh, man," said Tom pensively, "what a grand Christian gentleman he'll +make!" + +Shortly after Jimmy's release from the Old Tower, his youngest child +succumbed to the ravages of a malignant fever. He and his wife were +distracted, as, in spite of their pagan instincts and habits, their +devotion to their offspring was a passion. They remembered Mr. +Turnbull appealing to them to flee from the wrath to come by amending +their ways, lest something terrible befell themselves or their +children, and instead of the recollection of this warning kindling +strong demonstrations of resentment against the lay preacher now, +Jenny implored her husband to run over the moor and get Mr. Turnbull +to come and administer comfort to them. + +"He'll give us the sacrament, and pray for us at the bedside were the +deed bairn lies." + +Jimmy was dazed at the suggestion. He could not quite bring himself to +give up the idea of some day renewing his former habits of aiding the +smugglers, and of doing a bit of poaching. He was quite frank in +stating to his wife that he feared if Turnbull came and prayed with +them he would get him to join the chapel folk, and there would be no +more poaching or smuggling after that. + +"And see what a loss it wad be tiv us. But," said he, "to tell the +truth, aa hev been for prayin' mesel ever since the bairn tuck bad, +but then aa thowt it was cowardly to ask help when aa was in +difficulties and nivvor at ony other time. So I didn't dee 't." + +Jenny interjected that at the risk of being led to join the +Methodists, and throwing over all thought of joining in any more +lawlessness, he must go to the village and ask Mr. Turnbull to come. + +"I feel somethin' forcin' me to this, Jimmy; so get away and be quick +back." + +And as James felt the same throbbing impulse, off he went, and within +an hour presented his petition to Mr. Turnbull, who received him in +his usual kind way, which caused the redoubtable ruffian to melt into +tears, and volubly to confess all his murderous intentions towards the +man he now believed to be the only agency on earth that could give him +comfort. + +The two men started at once for the bereaved home. The first part of +the journey was tramped in solemn meditation. At last Jimmy broke +silence by asking his companion if he thought God had taken his child +from him as a punishment for his sins. Turnbull said-- + +"Well, James, I believe your heavenly Father has some work for you to +do. He has often warned you of the wrath to come by confronting you +with danger at sea; and only a short time since you were caught in the +act of committing a crime, and narrowly escaped being banished to a +penal settlement, and He mercifully used a friend as an instrument to +save you from this degradation. But you still maintained the spirit +of defiance, and were a law unto yourself. The Almighty saw that +drastic measures would have to be taken to break down your wilful +opposition. Your child was stricken with illness, and still you went +on cursing God and man; and then in His wondrous compassion for you +and hundreds of other men and women to whom I believe He has planned +you shall carry the message of peace, He has taken your child in order +that you may be saved. He knew that was the only way of bringing you +to see the great plan of salvation, and to save your innocent little +girl from growing up in a heathenish home, where there was no beauty, +no kindness, no good example, no God. I beseech you to surrender +yourself at once. Remember, the Spirit will not always strive with +you, and if you chase it away now it may never return." + +That night, kneeling by the side of his dead child, Jimmy implored God +to be merciful to him, and professed to have experienced the great +transition from death unto life. Now, Jimmy, though quite uneducated, +had an intellectual head and great natural gifts, and when he was +careful he spoke with amazing correctness. He commenced to take part +in the prayer meetings at once, and having a good memory, he picked up +all the stock phrases and used them vigorously. Being an apt pupil, he +soon learned to read, and then commenced one of the most extraordinary +religious campaigns that has ever been witnessed in that part of Great +Britain. Hundreds of men and women were led to change their lives by +this rugged, uncultured, but natural preacher. A certain number of his +own class viciously persecuted him for years, and none more so than +his own wife. It seemed as though Hell had been let loose on him, and +yet he went on undisturbed, steadfastly believing that he was the +agent of the living God to carry the message of truth to the heathen. +His old enemy Turnbull had become his fast friend, from whom he sought +and received much help and many acts of kindness. He owed the +conversion of his wife and many of his persecutors to this +spiritually-minded man, and it was remarkable that nearly all the +worst characters who were "brought in" opened their doors whenever he +wanted to have a prayer meeting or a preaching service, and the rooms +were always packed with people. + +Attracted by the originality of the converted fisherman, a few young +people belonging to the better families in the locality gathered +together to witness what they imagined would be mere burlesque. There +was only standing room behind the kitchen bed for them, and there was +anything but an air of sanctity amongst that portion of his +congregation. Jimmy's pulpit style was peculiar. He was flashing out +eloquent phrases that were not commonly used in the orthodox pulpit. +As he warmed to his work he broke out in rhyme--"Yes, brothers and +sisters, there was little brother Paal, the very best of aal, laid +down his life," etc. His use of biblical names was quite eccentric, +which caused the undevotional members of his audience to snigger +audibly. Without seeming to heed the irreverence, Jimmy pursued his +impassioned diatribe and smote unbelievers hip and thigh, in language +that was not conventional, or even relevant to the subject of his +discourse. The sniggering had developed into suppressed laughter, and +James suddenly stopped the even flow of his oratory, brought his giant +fist down on the deal table and sent everything flying. Ladies' +dresses were more or less damaged by candle grease; but the cooler +heads prevented an outbreak of panic by getting the candles relighted +and put on to the table. Then in reverent tones they asked the +preacher, who stood apparently unmoved, to proceed with the service; +so Jimmie gave out the verse of a hymn which he thought would be +suitable to the occasion. (Methodists always did that when the lights +went out or the preacher stuck.) + +In the good old days, when village Methodism was quivering with +spiritual life, and pouring its converts into the cities and towns of +England to teach the simple gospel of the Founder of our Faith, +without any artificial fringes being attached to it, they were too +poor, and perhaps too conscious of the superiority of the real +God-given vocal capacity, to have anything to do with what many of +them believed to be artificial aids to religion. It was a fine sight +to see the leader of the songsters shut his eyes, clap his hands, and +with strong nasal blasts--which resembled the drone of the immortal +instrument that is the terror of the English and the glory of the +Scottish people--"raise the hymn," while, as the others joined in the +singing, the volume of sound swelled louder and louder, until the +whole congregation were entranced by the power of their own +performance. + +I give the words of the verse which Jimmy asked to be sung. Here they +are-- + + "Come on, my partners in distress, + My comrades through the wilderness, + Who still your bodies feel; + Awhile forget your griefs and fears, + And look beyond this vale of tears + To that celestial hill." + +This was sung with appropriate vigour over and over again. It is very +difficult to stop a real country Methodist when the power of song is +on him, and on occasions such as this they generally break off +gradually, until only one or two irrepressible enthusiasts are left +singing, and these have to be brought to the consciousness of time and +the propriety of things by being pulled down into their seats. Jimmy +wished to proceed with his rebuke to the persons who had been the +cause of the diversion, so he put a peremptory stop to the vocalists +by telling them to "sit doon, and listen to God's ambassador." He then +resumed his address by stating that when his fist knocked the candles +off the table he was "nearly givin' way to temptation. In fact," said +he, "I was just on the point of usin' profane language to the mockers +and scoffers of the sarvent of the livin' God. I mean them parvarse +lads and lasses aback o' the bed theor." + +"Amen!" interjected several saintly voices. + +"But, hallelujah!" resumed James, "aa felt God was ha'd'en me back!" + +"Glory!" shouted Adam Jefferson. + +"Yes, ma brethren and sistors. Aa cum amang ye t' seek and t' save +sinners that repenteth; rich or poor, it makes nee difference to me +nor ma Maister, for hasn't He said 'where two or three are met +tegithor in Ma Name, there am I in the midst'?" + +"Bless Him!" cried Nannie Dent, a late accomplice of the smugglers. + +Jimmy's rebuke to the offenders was delivered with boisterous +earnestness, but the comic phrasing of it created irrepressible +hilarity, and they had to leave the room. The preacher, in his closing +remarks, reminded his hearers that he was once a black-hearted rascal, +drinking, swearing, stealing, poaching, smuggling, and but for the +mercy of God he might have added to his other crimes that of murder. A +shudder went through the congregation when "murder" was uttered, and +their minds were obviously centred on the derelict vessel and the dog, +which Jimmy was suspected of doing away with. + +"Ah!" whispered Sam Taylor, the butler, "he should never have ventured +on that affair. Folks are varra queer, and whether it is true or not, +they like sensation and scandal." + +As though he had been gifted with prescience, Jimmy continued--"Aa can +feel whaat ye are thinking aboot, but it's not true. This is the man +aa threatened te kill," pointing at Turnbull. "And now let us bow oor +heads in solemn, silent prayor for a few minutes, and ask forgiveness +for oor past and daily sins. And aa want ye to join with me in asking +for pardon and speedy repentance to be sent tiv a porson that belangs +te the gentry of this district, but whe hes been, and is noo engaged +in trafficking in wickedness. May the Lord bring him to His footstool +of mercy before he is nabbed, as aa was." + +These remarks, with the exhilarating petition, caused an amount of +irreverent speculation as to who was the person alluded to. The +service was brought to a close without any evidences of spiritual +emotion such as had characterized previous meetings, and the people +proceeded in groups to their respective homes filled with fertile +curiosity, and a sinister suspicion as to who the sinful person was +that Jimmy had so fervently prayed for. But only one person who heard +the rugged deliverance fixed her mind on him that was guilty, and she +resolved to keep her thoughts a secret, for reasons that will be +explained hereafter. Meanwhile, many innocent men were suspected, and +gossip ran rampant. Jimmy, when asked whom he meant, was piously +reticent, and merely answered-- + +"That is a matter that concerns God and mysel'! The time may come when +he'll accuse hissel'. Aa'm prayin' mornin', noon, and night, that the +strings of his heart may be broken, and that a penitent condition of +mind may take possession of him, and in the fulness of a new borth he +may cry aloud, 'O Lord, once I was blind, noo I see!'" + +When Thomas Turnbull and his wife arrived home, they found the younger +members of their family in an excited state of hilarity. The youngest +daughter was mimicking Jimmy perfectly, and had her brothers and +sister in fits of laughter. Their father could not refrain from +joining in the fun, but the mother was quiet and pensive, and got +rather huffed when her husband chided her in his good-humoured way +with being indifferent to the happy surroundings. Poor woman, she was +troubled about Jimmy's prayer, and thought it irreligious to be joyous +in the midst of such dark mystery. + +The following afternoon, Mrs. Turnbull paid a visit to Mrs. Clarkson, +who listened with eager interest to the account of the meeting, and +when the words of the closing prayer were conveyed an anxious look +came over her countenance, and she made an effort to change the +subject, without, however, preventing Mrs. Turnbull from detecting her +confusion. + +"Let us talk of something else; I do not like," said she, "conversing +about sensational things; it makes me nervous. And if I were you, I +would try to forget what has been said to you about important +personages being involved in lawless traffic. It will only make you +unhappy, and serve no good purpose. If there is anything of the sort +going on, it will be discovered, and those that are guilty will be +brought to justice." + +Mrs. Turnbull did not pursue the subject any farther, but the sad, +pained look of her hostess became fixed in her memory. She could not +shake the conviction from her that Mrs. Clarkson was haunted by the +dread of some one belonging to herself having some connection with +Jimmy's prayer. + +Mrs. Turnbull paid frequent visits to the farm, and one winter evening +she happened to be there when a violent snowstorm made the ground +impassable, so she was prevailed upon to stay until the following day. +The household consisted of Mrs. Clarkson, her sister, and two nieces, +who were very pleased to have the company of a woman who was so full +of information and reminiscence. Her mother was said to have been the +daughter of a Scottish law-lord's son, who was disinherited because he +was thought to have married beneath his station--that is, instead of +marrying the lady selected by his father from his own class, who had +nothing in common with him, he had chosen and fixed his affections on +a lady outside his rank, who was talented, had high intellectual and +religious qualities, and good looks, but was financially poor. Mrs. +Turnbull had excited the curiosity of the two young ladies by relating +this part of her history, and they were naturally eager to hear more. +With that object in view, they asked their aunt to allow her to sleep +in their room, and the request was granted. The good lady, however, +had said all that she intended to say about herself, and +notwithstanding the ingenious and persuasive requests of her young +friends, she stood steadfastly to her resolve. She talked to them +about the farm and their aunt and cousins, and her own family, and the +religious work that was being carried on, but never another word about +herself or her ancestry could be drawn from her. Perhaps it was that +she considered it scarcely wise to discuss romance with young girls. +And so they talked themselves out about other things, and then went to +sleep. + +Early in the morning, Mrs. Turnbull was awakened by what she took to +be a door slamming. She got up with the intention of closing it, and +then heard voices talking, sometimes in an ordinary tone, but for the +most part in an excited whisper. She listened, with the bedroom door +ajar, and heard the voice of Mrs. Clarkson say-- + +"If you do not dissociate yourself from these wicked men you will come +to grief. You are supposed to be in Australia. Indeed, it may be that +Mr. Turnbull has his suspicion even now that I am harbouring an +accomplice of the men whose trade is smuggling, and who try to get rid +of those who prevent them carrying it on. I beseech you to cut +yourself adrift from that other man, who, I believe, has you under his +influence, and who, I feel sure, is associated with this gang of +lawbreakers." + +At this stage, Mrs. Turnbull could not restrain the desire to cough. +She did try to subdue it, but Mrs. Clarkson's companion whispered to +her-- + +"Whist! I hear some one on the landing." + +"Do not fear," said Mrs. Clarkson; "it is only the wind making noises +through the trees." + +But her companion knew better, so not another word was spoken. + +The next morning Mrs. Clarkson looked worried, but she was quite +affable with her guest, who acted her part without giving the +slightest suspicion of having overheard the little nocturnal +conversation. + +Immediately after breakfast, Mrs. Turnbull bade farewell to the +family, and was soon in the thick of domestic matters in her own home. +That night's experience at the Dean Farm settled the destiny of +several families. The information unwittingly gleaned and discreetly +used, led to far-reaching consequences to the district, and to all +those involved. + +It was well known that the smugglers had places of concealment other +than the accommodation gratuitously given them by certain farmers. The +secret of the real cave's whereabouts was successfully kept, but one +of those accidents that often come to disturb the current of human +affairs led to an important discovery. + + * * * * * + +Softly the night wind blew over a glassy sea. The sound of the +rippling water on the reef of rocks and on the sandy beach had a +weird, melancholy effect. Then came the dull noise of muffled oars +commingling with the cawing of the gull and hollow surging of the +waters into the Fairy Rocks. There was neither moon nor stars visible, +but in the bay the experienced eye could discern the mysterious +lugger. There she lay, hove to, or anchored below the Dean House, +which could be seen peeping out between two sandy hills. A dim +light--which, to the uninformed, would have conveyed the impression of +a light in a cottage window, but which was really a signal to the +smugglers that the coast was clear--flickered in a line with the sandy +valley; and, in truth, the quietude of the night betokened all was +well. The landing was successfully made without interruption, and the +men gaily entered on the task of transporting the cargo to its +destination, believing, as they had a right to believe, that a big +haul would be stored without a single hitch in the process. The +accomplices scattered after their work was done, and the sailors +returned to their vessel, no doubt well satisfied with the night's +enterprise. But notwithstanding the many scouts they sent out, they +were quite oblivious of the fact that their movements had been closely +watched. Sail was set, and the sneaking craft crept out into the +illimitable darkness, having apparently completed its work unseen by +unfriendly eyes. There was not a little talk round the countryside +about the landing that had taken place without any one in authority to +check its progress. Wise, knowing people said it was timidity, and +others attributed it to indifference to the public service; the truth +being, it was neither the one nor the other. It was, in fact, a +carefully-planned scheme to discover exactly where the mysterious cave +was situated; and although in spite of exhaustive search the entrance +to it could not be found, they had got a clue to its locality. A +vigorous policy of exploration was inaugurated, but after many weeks +of toil the operations were abandoned without the mystery having been +penetrated. It was thought that time and opportunity would solve the +problem, but how it was to be solved no one knew. There was, indeed, +great speculation as to what might happen should another landing be +attempted, but month after month passed without any indication of +this, and the little population had settled down to a dull monotony. +Except for a casual reference to the stirring times, the smugglers and +their emissaries were apparently all but forgotten. The Preventive men +were secretly as much on the alert as when the smugglers were most +active. They purposely adopted an apparent indifference with the idea +of luring the rovers into over-confidence. Each party took into +account the possibility of being betrayed. In all secretive illegal +societies there are suspects. Jimmy Stone having changed his mode of +life, suspicion fell very naturally on him; but though he sometimes +darkly hinted at the identity and the secrets of his late allies, he +was never known to definitely divulge anything that would incriminate +them. The nephew of Mrs. Clarkson was another marked man, as was also +a friend of his. The former had been very little heard of in those +parts since the night that his aunt implored him to give up his +associates. The last that was really seen of Lawrence and his friend, +they were drinking together in a public-house, and a few days after +some of their torn and blood-stained clothes were found in a lonely +hedged-in lane close by the moor. This dreaded place was called the +"Mugger's Lonnin" by the country-folk, owing to its being a +camping-ground for the gipsies, and from end to end it was prolific of +bramble-berries and other wild fruit. When the children went during +the summer months to gather these they were always accompanied by a +few grown-up people, as it was believed that many terrible tragedies +had happened there. The discovery of the clothes and the patches of +blood right in the middle of the lonnin was indicative of a foul +murder having taken place, and the bodies dragged along the grass to +some place of concealment. Search parties were formed, bloodhounds +were called into requisition, but no trace of the murdered lads' +bodies could be found, and for many months this supposed terrible +crime was sealed in mystery. A few people were callous enough to say +that they were convinced that no murder had taken place, but these +were very unpopular. The greater part of the small colony liked +sensation, and nursed this one assiduously until an almost greater +came to hand by it leaking out that the two men had been expeditiously +sent to Australia, and that the blood on their clothes was not their +own, but that of a sheep which had been killed for the purpose of +misleading. This exciting revelation lead to important issues. Were +they really alive and in Australia? Had they been bribed to reveal the +secrets of their former friends, or was it dread of capture that +caused them to be sent out of the country? These were some of the +outspoken conjectures that flowed with ever-increasing imagination. +The real facts never became known, but the tales of these stirring +times have been handed down in more or less hyperbolic form. It may be +fairly assumed that Thomas Turnbull got reliable information from some +source which he was never known to disclose, and having got it, he +hastened to use it judiciously and to advantage. + +The entrance to the cave was at last found at a spot where he and his +comrades had many times traversed. It was so ingeniously concealed +that they might have searched until the day of doom, and it could +never have been found but for the agency that conveyed him to the +spot. Tradition speaks of it being a long subterranean passage, +running east to west, and opening out close to a road that was quite +accessible to carts. It was honeycombed with compartments, and so +carefully were they constructed that only the initiated could have +discovered their locality. Some of the cells still contained +quantities of contraband, so that the Board of Customs made a good +haul. + +Turnbull frequently rubbed shoulders with men and women who eloquently +declaimed against the smugglers and their allies. He knew these people +were in the inner circle of the traffic. He realized also that it was +not good policy to let them see that he knew that they were merely +acting a part. He might some day have to make use of them. There was +a section who never disguised their antipathy to him. They saw that +through him the day of smuggling on that part of the coast was +well-nigh over--if not over altogether. It was he who had been the +instrument of emptying the vaults of treasure which they regarded as +legitimately theirs, and closing them to further enterprise. It was, +in fact, the system that he represented that was paralyzing their +honest efforts of contributing to their means of subsistence! These +were only some of the many indictments proclaimed against him and his +colleagues. The aggrieved ones strolled about with an air of injured +virtue, and their ferocious looks and veiled threats at the intruder +as he passed along betokened the belief in their prescriptive right to +plunder the Revenue. I think it is Macaulay who says that "no man is +so merciless as he who is under a strong self-delusion." + +The seizure of the storehouse gave a staggering blow to the +"fair-traders," but it did not prevent them from making another +desperate attempt to land their wares, and also to have their revenge +by destroying a few of her Majesty's servants. On dark nights the horn +lanterns were seen about the links, the flare-light flashed across the +sea, and the curlew's shrill call was heard. These signs were now +known to the Preventive staff; but they also had their signs and their +means of conveying news, so that when the low, sneaking black lugger +again appeared, they were ready for the fray. + +There she was, snugly anchored in the sleepy bay. The first boat-load +had left her side. The slow, dull sound of the horses' hoofs vibrated +through the hollows, and the night wind from the fields of sleep blew +softly over the rustling bents, causing a weird, peaceful lullaby. The +boat's bow is run on to the beach, a dozen or more men jump from her +into the water and haul her up as far as the weight of the cargo will +allow. They then commence to discharge. Again the curlew's call is +heard, again the sharp flare-light is seen; but no aid comes. The +cargo is landed at high-water mark; they realize something is wrong, +and hesitate whether to re-ship or re-embark without it. They are soon +disillusioned. A horse gallops madly from the south. The rider shouts +at the top of his voice, "Run, sailors, run! Treachery!" and then +heads his horse full speed in the direction he came from, and is soon +lost to view. The men push their boat into the sea, and row with all +their might towards the vessel. Bullets from a score of muskets whiz +over their heads; but they are accustomed to this, and lay their backs +into the oars with increased vigour. Meanwhile, a coble sails almost +peacefully alongside their ill-fated craft. In an instant a crowd of +concealed men rush aboard and call out, "Surrender!" But smugglers +were not given to surrender when merely requested, so a hand-to-hand +fight took place. The butt-end of muskets were freely used, and to +some purpose. There was no heroic effort to get at the powder +magazine, so that they might blow themselves and everybody else up. + +The lugger was in undisputed possession of the Revenue men before the +boat from the shore reached her. They, too, were quickly disposed of, +after a short, angry, though feeble resistance. Stringent precautions +were taken to prevent any blowing-up exploits. The whole gang were +well secured against that, and any other hostile outbreaks. This +having been done to the satisfaction of the officer in charge, the +anchor was weighed, a course was shaped towards the south, and the +last of the low, black, romantic luggers, with their gallant crews, +passed away, never more to be seen on this part of the coast. + +Recognition of the deeds done by the dauntless heroes of that age in +the Government service was very scanty. It may be they did not expect +it. In that case they were rarely disappointed. Thomas Turnbull seems +to have got his reward in being allowed to remain on the station until +the time came to retire on a pension. He went about his routine work +with placid regularity, and devoted what leisure he had to widening +his reading, which consisted mainly of history, theology, and Burns's +poems. He was never known to miss his class-meeting, and travelled +eight miles each way to keep his pulpit appointments on Sundays. He +sometimes entertained his family and the young folk that visited them +by relating his experiences with the smugglers, but his greatest +pleasure was in holding religious meetings in one or other of the +fishers' cottages. In this he was gratuitously aided by Jimmy Stone, +who entered into his work with energy, zeal, and oftentimes amazing +resource. Jimmy had developed a form of religious mania, insisting on +the theory that he was, as a preacher, a direct descendant of the +Apostles. This assumption severely taxed the Christian virtues of the +little society. Turnbull, who had a keen sense of humour, viewed the +new situation with intense amusement, and always excused the foibles +of his old convert up to the time of leaving the district to end his +own eventful career within easy reach of his family, who were all +grown-up and doing well. Jimmy did not long survive him, but he lived +long enough to see the passing away of that spiritual wave that had +changed his whole life. + +Many years after, an ugly incident broke the spell of monotony in the +village. A hideous-looking creature came to it and addressed himself +to a fisherman. His voice was that of a drunkard. He was dirty, his +eyes were bleared, and the cunning, shifty look betokened a long life +of vicious habits. He wished to know when Mrs. Clarkson died, where +all her relations that lived round about her were, to whom the estates +were sold, and whom the money they realized went to; what had become +of Turnbull and his family, and how long was it since the smugglers +were driven off the coast? These questions were only meagrely +answered, as the man he inquired of belonged to another generation, +and there were only very few left who knew anything of the period or +the people that he desired information about. The following day the +body of a man, supposed to be a tramp, was found in a barn. He had +left evidence of his identity, and when it was discovered that the +stranger was Stephen Lawrence, Mrs. Clarkson's nephew, the once flashy +young gentleman who controlled her estates, and who had been sent +abroad when grave suspicion rested upon him of being seriously +involved in pecuniary defalcations, it created a fresh sensation, and +revived all the old stories of bygone days. He had come to die within +the shadow of the home in which he was so indulgently reared, and his +remains were buried by those who knew not of him. It was probably +through him and Melbourne that the secret locality of the cave and +other valuable information which led up to the final conflict and +defeat of the smugglers became known. + +The "Mugger's Lonnin," all blazing with red and yellow flowers and +long silvery grass growing wild, and covering the mysteries that lie +beneath, is still there. The superstitions regarding its history still +exist. The sandhills, capped with the rustling, silky bents, looking +down into the bay, are still there. The thrilling sea winds come and +go, and the music of the shells on the beach is whispering as before, +but the shrill wail of the curlew is never sounded from knoll to knoll +now. The horn lantern is not seen by the roadsides, nor the quick +flashlight that signalled the coast was clear; and the rattle of the +horses' hoofs on the stones during the mystic night is never now +heard. There is nothing to indicate, in fact, that this lonely, superb +piece of England was once (not so long ago) a great centre of illicit +trading. The smuggler and Revenue man have disappeared, and the scenes +of their successes or failures, daring, comic, and sometimes tragic, +are undisturbed save by nature's sights and sounds. Man-o'-war sailors +(fine fellows though they be), with ribboned caps, and trousers that +flap like sails of a ship tacking, have replaced the trim, +gentlemanlike civilian of old. Some of the latter are still remembered +with affection, and even veneration, by people who were young when the +last of them passed away. + + + + +Smugglers of the Rock + + +Captain S---- was a man of enterprise, and never lost an opportunity +of scheming to supplement the freight of the vessel he commanded. His +common phrase was, "Look for business, and you'll meet it on the +road." He was well known all over the Mediterranean, and had done much +trade with the Spanish ports, so that he got to know a good deal about +the character and methods of their business. On one occasion, at +Gibraltar, a deputation of traders, as they called themselves, made +him a proposition that was startling in its remunerative dimensions. + +"I presume," said the captain, "this business which you are good +enough to put before me is sound; there is no humbug about it?" + +"Not one bit, captain. You undertake to do certain work for which we +pay you before starting." + +It was arranged that he should wire from his last port of call when +passing down the Mediterranean. He fixed his mind on the amount he was +to receive, and did not inquire too closely into the character of the +business. He would have been virtuously indignant if any one had +hinted that he was capable of going beyond the limits of stern +rectitude, although he admitted the undertaking to be extraordinary, +otherwise he would not have been so well paid for it. His knowledge of +character told him that he was going to do business with a squad of +rascals who knew no moral law, and yet the fascination of exciting +enterprise held him in its grip. So it came to pass that he sent his +telegram announcing approximately when he might be expected at +Gibraltar, and asking them to have all in readiness against his +arrival. In the early morning of the eighth day after leaving Malta, +the steamer crept from under the Great Rock into the beautiful bay, +and was promptly boarded by a few gentlemen of effusive manners who +were greatly concerned about the health of Captain S----. The latter +requested them to cease their chatter and to get to business. + +"Are the craft ready?" said he. + +"Oh yes," replied the Rock-scorpions; "but you will have to wait until +dark before they can be brought from their moorings." + +This was agreed to. The captain put his vessel alongside the coal +hulk, and by noon the required bunker coal had been shipped, and +through the kindness of the captain of the hulk she was allowed to +remain alongside until darkness set in, on the plea of repairs being +done to defective machinery. She was then slowly moved towards three +feluccas which lay waiting in the bay. The night was still, and the +moon shone bright and made the sea silvery by its reflection; but a +large halo encircled it, and the seamen knew that foreboded stormy +weather. "Telegraph boys" were coming up from the west very swiftly. +There was to be trouble outside Cape Spartel, and they were anxious to +get through the stream before the gale had developed strength. A boat +came alongside. Two Levantines stepped aboard. The captain said-- + +"So you have come at last. Have you got the money with you? Let me +have no wriggling, or I will have you put over the side and steam away +without your merchandize." + +"No, no, capitan, you must not do that! Come to the charthouse and you +shall be paid at once." + +After three-fourths of the agreed sum had been counted out the +paymaster stuck, and said, "Capitan, you must be satisfied. We are +poor men like yourself." + +In an instant the captain was out of the charthouse _with his money_, +and went on to the upper bridge and called out to his officers to see +the gentlemen into their boat. They pleaded to him to come into the +charthouse again, and every cent due to him would be handed over +according to agreement. + +"I did not mean what I said to be taken seriously," said the financial +agent. + +"But I did," replied the captain. "And take notice that if you +wriggle again I will make short work of this business." + +The balance of freight was handed over without further demur, and the +craft taken in tow as arranged. It was urged that the heaviest laden +of the three lighters should tow astern of the others. The engines +were set easy ahead. The two scorpions were asked to get into their +boat quickly. They wished the captain good luck, and gave him +instructions to steer over to the African side of the gut, as the +current was easier there. He was warned in true Levantine eloquence, +and with an accent and tone that indicated anxiety for the success of +the project, to look sharply after the "wolves" when they got off +Tarifa, for this is the narrowest part of the entrance to the +Mediterranean. It was clear that this traffic welcomed no publicity. + +The _C----_ was soon plunging into a strong westerly swell, though +there was as yet but little wind. They had got Tarifa abeam, when the +look-out man reported a small vessel three points on the starboard +bow. In a few more minutes the "wolves" announced themselves by a few +small shot rattled against the smoke stack. Orders were given to the +second officer to go aft with a hatchet, and when the signal was given +he had to snap the tow-rope of the last felucca. All hands were +ordered to lie low--_i.e._, lie under shelter of the bulwarks. The +captain and chief officer took shelter on the port side of the +charthouse. The vessel's course was altered, but being so far over on +the African coast there was not much room to play on. The firing was +still directed at the funnel, though at times it was erratic. One of +the seamen shouted, "I'm hit!" In an instant the captain blew his +whistle, and the tow-line of No. 3 craft was cut. The steamer's speed +increased, though it did not much matter so far as getting out of the +fire zone was concerned, as the Spanish _Costaguardia's_ attention +became fixed on the abandoned craft. + +"My God!" soliloquized the chief mate, "the Rock-scorpions are right. +They have pounced upon the derelict like wolves. I almost wish I was +there to see the effect when they realize they have been fooled, and +they find that that craft is loaded with stones. It was just done in +the nick of time; they might have compelled us to heave to." + +"I would never have done that," said the captain. "I knew they would +not risk being defeated in their object when they saw so excellent a +prize thrown at them." + +"They are setting the sail," observed the officer. + +"Yes," responded the captain. "The gentlemen will find one of their +craft anchored in Gibraltar Bay to-morrow morning, and may be the +whole three. I do not like the look of it; both the wind and sea are +making. I hope we may be able to reach to the westward of Trafalgar +Bay before it gets worse." + +Instructions were given to have the wounded seaman brought to the +saloon, and it was found that he was not seriously injured. After the +wound was dressed, orders were given to set the regular watch. Little +progress was made during the night, owing to the heavy west wind. By +six the following morning she was just a little west of Cape Spartel, +and the wind had increased to a heavy gale. The engines had to be +slowed down in order to save the two little vessels from being dragged +under water; indeed, as it was, their hulls were sometimes buried. The +captain saw that he was in for a tragedy if the craft were kept in +tow. He did not like to slip them, as it meant certain capture, and +while he was thinking out the wisest and best course to pursue, the +problem was solved by the people aboard the feluccas letting go the +tow-line, and the last that was seen of them was that they were +heading towards the Spanish coast with small storm sails set. + +Captain S----'s vessel had a severe passage, and on arrival in +Falmouth he went to an hotel. In the course of the evening he was +relating the incidents of the voyage, as was the custom with orthodox +captains on arrival in port, and of course he included his experiences +with the Rock-scorpions and their feluccas. Before he had completed +the tale, the proprietor interposed by reading as follows from a +shipping paper:-- + + "Information was conveyed to the Spanish Customs Authority that + a British steamer had run out of Gibraltar Bay with three + feluccas laden with manufactured tobacco destined for Cadiz. She + was to be intercepted at Tarifa by the coastguards, and the + craft with their cargo were to have been seized. When she got to + Tarifa the coastguards fired at her. The third lighter was + slipped, boarded by the officials and their men, and taken + behind the Rock, when it was discovered on removing the hatches + that she was laden with stones. The other two parted their + tow-ropes, and were driven through the Gut and captured. These + were laden with tobacco. The stone-laden craft was obviously + intended as a decoy, and but for the heavy gale that came on, + the other two would have succeeded in reaching their + destination." + +A few months later, Captain S---- entered Gibraltar Bay, and was +boarded by the chief commissioner of the last enterprise, accompanied +by a friend, who was introduced as being engaged in "our" trade. + +"Ah," said the former in genuine Rock-scorpion dialect, "The last was +a great disaster; but it has never been said that you did not do all +that was possible to carry out your contract properly. If there had +been any appearance of not doing so, my friend and I would not have +said that Captain S---- is the very man to carry out our new affair, +which is doubly better than the other." + +"Well, shut up about that," said the captain. "Come to the point. What +is it you wish me to do?" + +"Ah! capitan, but for the knowledge we have of your ability, and the +affection my friends and myself have for you, we would have hesitated +to show you this token of our much esteem." + +"Shut up!" interjected the sailor. "I don't want a display of pretty +nothings. I want business." + +"Oh! capitan, why do you say such things when we are so anxious to put +something your way. I tell you there are thousands of men that would +be glad to have your chance. The job we have is this: three feluccas +are lying up in the harbour laden with tobacco. Tonight you must lie +off the town without anchoring, and they will be brought alongside. +You must take the cargo aboard, and proceed off Amonti Pomoron. A +pilot and interpreter will go with you, and you must not go near the +land until darkness comes on, when craft showing signals which the +pilot understands will be there to meet you and have men to tranship +the cargo into lighters. You will have £400 for doing this--half in +cash before leaving, and the other half on arrival at Amonti. The +transaction will be quite straight." + +"It seems to me so uncommonly like a huge smuggling affair, that I +cannot entertain it," replied S----. + +"No, no! my dear capitan; here you are mistaken. We would not ask such +a thing of you. How can it be smuggling? The cargo is put aboard in +neutral waters; you take it off the coast of Spain and deliver it as +arranged. You get your money, and know nothing more about it. How can +that be smuggling?" + +"Well," said the captain, "it has nothing to do with me where the +stuff comes from, or where it is going to. If you will give me five +hundred pounds, all cash, before leaving here, I will agree to take +it." + +The Rock-scorpion gasped-- + +"What, five hundred pounds! Capitan, now do be reasonable. I tell you +no other man would get the half of what you are offered." + +"Very well, then," replied the captain, "it is off. Give it to the +person who will do it for half." + +"Certainly not; that is not what I mean," said the commissioner. "How +can I face my friends with such news after all I have said to them +about you? They will form a bad opinion of both you and myself." + +"Oh! d---- both you and your friends. Get over the side, or I'll help +you." + +"Well, Capitan S----, I have never seen a man in such a temper +before." + +"Oh, go to----!" + +"Oh no, no, capitan; don't say that. I cannot tell my friends of +this." + +"I wouldn't take your stuff for a thousand pounds now," said the +captain. + +"Forgive me, my best friend. I did not mean to be offensive; you have +misunderstood my meaning. I will give you five hundred pounds, though +I know I will have to pay one hundred out of my own purse. It is very +hard." + +The captain hesitated, but was overcome by the thought of making so +large a clean profit without involving any material loss of time. In +less than an hour after darkness came on the cargo was being put +aboard with amazing facility. The first lighter was nearly discharged, +when the captain asked the agent to pay the freight. This gentleman, +with many greasy apologies, informed him that he had only half of the +money with him. He could not get his friends to agree to pay all +before starting, "but they will agree to pay half here and the other +half as soon as the lighters come to you at Amonti." "Very well, +then; I won't take another bale in, and will steam away at once." + +"But," said the cunning Rock-scorpion, "you have a lighter of goods +aboard. You are very dreadful for talking about running away with it." + +"You make me sick," said the captain, with a killing look of scorn. + +"Capitan, you say queer things to your best friends. Now, I tell you +what I will do: I will on my own responsibility give you in cash +two-thirds now, and the other third I pledge myself will be paid at +Amonti. It would be a scandal to all concerned to allow it to drop at +the present time." + +"Scandal be d----d!" replied the commander. "You're a fine lot to talk +about scandal--you who would rob Jesus Christ of his shoe-strings." + +"Capitan, you do me wrong; I would never do the things you say." + +"Stump up the dross like a man, then, and don't stand whining there +like a sucking turkey craving for pity," retorted Captain S----. A +look of injured piety came over the old rascal's face, who was playing +a game of Levantine jugglery, subtle and crafty. + +"Ah," said he, "I am so sorry. Indeed, I cannot express my grief that +you should have changed in so short a time from the kind, generous +capitan of old times long ago to the very cruel, disobliging person of +this minute, who calls me names and refuses to reciprocate kindness +for kindness. I think my friends will say that I tell lies, which they +would not think of me, when I tell them that you have become morose +and disobliging. They will stare and say that my judgment has been +deceived. But to show my trust in you, nevertheless, I will, as I have +said, give you two-thirds cash, and the other third you will be paid +at your destination. No other man in Gibraltar would do the same; but +we are old friends who have done business together before--not +profitable, but still it was business, very hard business. Come, now, +capitan, do be reasonable, and do not look at me as though you would +like to strike my face with your fist." + +The captain had been standing in a reflective mood during the +Rock-scorpion's harangue, obviously reviewing the whole position and +the policy that should be adopted. He was dubious as to the wisdom of +accepting the terms offered; but seeing that the risk to him was less +than it was to them, he spontaneously replied-- + +"Agreed! But I warn _you_, and you must intimate the warning to your +friends, if there is any attempt at deceiving me, or any reluctance +shown at the other end to pay the balance of freight, I will steam off +with the merchandise and the men you propose sending with me, and I +don't care to say what will become of them." + +"Shake hands," said the wily agent; "and I give you my word of honour, +which everybody trusts but you since you came this time, that there +will be no trouble made. Now come to the charthouse and take over the +cash." + +This formality was speedily accomplished, though not without a further +attempt to reduce the cash payment on the plea that it would endanger +his professional reputation in the eyes of his commercial friends. + +"I care nothing for your reputation," murmured the candid sailor. +"What I want is two-thirds freight, so stump it all up, or I will have +it taken from you and then hoist you into your boat." + +Whereupon the agent became afflicted with grief at his dear friend's +threatened cruelty. + +"Really, my best friend, I must not give way here, but I will shed +tears when I get to my silent home, and speak with myself of the +change that has come to your mind." + +"Don't you bother about shedding tears; you see that your friends play +the game," said the inexorable captain. "I will carry out my part; +but, by heavens! if your people don't carry out theirs, you shall all +pay dearly for it." + +"You are too excited on this occasion, my dear capitan, and for this I +am sorry, as I like to see you as usual. I tell you if they do not +play the fair way, I will be responsible and be very vexed." + +"Shut up, you blatherskite; the cargo is all aboard. Get into your +boat quick, and remember what I have said to you when you can overcome +the effects of your wriggling and dodging. Your cargo can only be +delivered on one condition. Keep in mind what it is. Begone, and never +let me see your evil countenance again." + +Thus spoke the enterprising commander, who had begun to realize that +he was having dealings with a gang whom he would have to fight in +order to get his own. The engines were put at full speed, and kept at +that until she was fifty miles north-west of Cape Spartel, when they +were slowed so that she might not arrive before the appointed time. As +the vessel trailed sinuously over the quiet sea, the captain's +thoughts were centred on material things and the reception he was +likely to have on meeting the men his mind's eye pictured as +cut-throat ruffians. He had several conferences with the interpreter, +whose look and speech he regarded as a revelation of villainy. He was +tall and slim, with ricketty legs, dark shifty eyes, a low receding +forehead, and a mouth and chin that indicated the animal. The captain +felt instinctively the approach of trouble, and frankly told the +wretch, who he knew was deceiving him, that every bale of tobacco +would be held until after the freight was paid over in gold +sovereigns; and with an air of ostentatious authority he gave +instructions to have all the muskets and revolvers loaded and ready in +case they should be required. The hideous scoundrel fixed his eye on +the captain, and with ironic accent intimated he could not help being +filled with concern when he heard the orders given to prepare the +firearms. + +"Capitan, we are not pirates; we are respectable men carrying on a +respectable trade. You need not prepare anything; we are honest +tradesmen." + +The captain laughed heartily at this comic assurance of fidelity, and +felt convinced that a deep impression had been made, as the +interpreter shortly after was seen vigorously conversing with his two +compatriots. The one had been introduced as the representative of the +owner of the cargo, and the other the pilot, whose business it was to +direct the captain to that part of the coast where the craft was +awaiting the vessel's arrival. The treacherous dusk was casting its +shadows over them, and had brought with it a weird sound of the +moaning wind. The crew stood in little knots, talking earnestly to +each other. Obviously they conversed of the night's work, and all the +grave possibilities that lay in front of them. For the most part they +wore an anxious look on their faces, but there was one there whose eye +was full of sparkling fun, and whose face beamed with a self-satisfied +expectation of exhilarating dangers. The captain called him to the +bridge, and gave him some specific orders as to how he was to act when +certain signals were given. The chaste and simple motto of "the blow +first and jaw afterwards" guided him, and he was only profane when +discipline demanded it. His superstitious tendencies were in an +ordinary way an anxiety to him, but on the night in question the only +signs he gave of being affected in this way was by the half coherent +remark to the captain that he did not like to hear the shrill wail of +the wind through the rigging; "it seems to be speaking to us of some +trouble near at hand." Suddenly the interpreter called out, "I see the +feluccas." In a moment all thought of the wail of the wind had +disappeared, and this fine athletic seaman was commanding his men like +a hero. He had been told by his captain that there would more than +likely be rough work to do, and he prepared for it with a skill and +vigour that left no doubt as to how his instructions would be carried +out. "Give the signal at the proper time," said he, "and leave the +rest to me." A shipwrecked crew was being taken home in the steamer, +and these, together with her own crew, made the number look +formidable, and although they were never requested to give assistance, +they offered it in case of need. Undoubtedly the addition to the +ordinary crew had a moral effect upon the Spaniards. + +The craft came alongside, and her crew jumped aboard and commenced to +handle the bales. They were peremptorily stopped by the captain +giving instructions that not a single bale was to be allowed to pass +into the lighters until the freight was paid and he had given orders. +Soon there was a carnival of foes. The captain called to the +interpreter to bring the man with the money to the saloon. The +interpreter came but not the man. The former said the money was coming +on the second lighter, but the one alongside must be loaded and sent +away first. + +"No, no!" interposed the captain; "no money, no bales." He would wait +until the second lighter came, which could easily be placed alongside +astern of the first one. In a short time number two came, and was +moored as directed. A large number of men jumped aboard from both +craft. The captain again called out to bring the man with the money, +and again no one turned up but the interpreter. This time he was +defiant. He put his back against the saloon side, folded his arms and +began-- + +"Capitan, you see the number of people aboard your vessel. They can +take her from you, if they so wish it. I tell you frankly we have no +money; but, by God! we must and shall have the tobacco." + +The captain had been reared amidst a race of men who had imbued him +with the importance of hitting decisively and with promptness, when +confronted with situations which demanded physical action. In an +instant he had hold of the scoundrel, who, he was convinced now, was +the leader of a plot to take the cargo by force. Under peremptory +compulsion, the Levantine was rushed on deck, informed that he had +miscalculated with whom he had to deal, and that any one who attempted +to carry out his threat would be fired upon. + +"I give you fair warning there shall be no half measures, and I +command you to inform your friends what I have said; and also state to +them that as soon as I have been paid my freight, they will not only +be allowed to have the cargo, but I will instruct my crew to assist in +the transhipment." + +It never will be known now what this plant of grace intimated +precisely to his colleagues, but the general impression was at the +time that the captain's message had not been conveyed verbatim. Soon +the babble of tongues charged the air and gave an impression of +Bedlam. The captain had resolved upon a course of action which was +strenuous. He had given certain orders to the chief engineer, and was +standing on the lower bridge reviewing the situation, when the second +officer came up to him and said in a whisper-- + +"The Spaniards are all armed to the teeth, sir." + +"All right," said the captain, "they will soon be disarmed. Meanwhile, +as a precaution, put our men on their guard. This business must be +carried through vigorously, and with dash." + +At this juncture the interpreter, apparently with the intention of +breaking the deadlock, attempted to come on the bridge, and was warned +if he put his foot on the ladder he (the captain) would jump on top of +him. He did so, and the next moment he was flattened on the deck. The +Spaniards, in great excitement, surrounded the two. At last, one of +the shipwrecked men spoke to them in Spanish, and the master asked +him if he could really speak Spanish. He replied in the affirmative. + +"Then," said the captain, "translate to these men that I do not wish +to hold the cargo, but that my agreement was for the freight to be +paid immediately the craft came alongside." + +This pronouncement seemed to make an impression, but they still +coveted and cavilled for the goods. They endeavoured to persuade the +master of the steamer, who had gone on to the bridge again, to anchor, +and the money would be brought off in the morning. He prevaricated +with them, and at the same time told the chief engineer secretly to +put the engines easy ahead. She was brought head on to the sea, and +the wind having risen, a nasty swell came with it, which caused the +lighters to jump and put jerky strains on their moorings. A few of +their crew jumped aboard, and were trying to pass additional ropes +around the rigging of the steamer when the captain blew his whistle. +In an instant the tow-rope of the forward lighter was cut; then it was +that the Spaniards realized what was happening. They remonstrated +with the captain; they shouted to each other excitedly; those that had +not got aboard the feluccas flew along the deck and jumped, one after +the other, on to their vessel as she swung round. Another shrill +whistle, and the last rope of lighter No. 2 was snapped. Captain S---- +called out to the interpreter, who was pleading piteously to allow +them to have only some of the cargo, to jump at once if he did not +wish to lose his passage, and to be taken away with the steamer. He +quickly realized his true position, and sprang over the stern. It was +supposed that he was picked up by one of the craft. They then +commenced to fire wildly from the feluccas, but little harm was done, +and in a brief time the steamer had travelled far outside the range of +their guns, and was heading towards Cape St. Vincent, with the whole +of the contraband aboard of a value of something like £5000. The +question of how it was to be disposed of was a problem not easily +solved. The first thought was to take it to Lisbon. This idea having +broken down, the next thought was one of the Channel Islands (Jersey +or Guernsey). This also, for specific reasons, gave way. It was then +decided to take it to the port of discharge of the ordinary cargo; but +after calculating all the trouble, the payment of duty, time lost, and +possible legal technicalities, the captain resolved that the best and +cleanest way of disposing of it was to jettison the whole of it. This +decision brought him into sharp conflict with his chief officer, who +entirely disagreed with such a course. + +"Is it for this," he said, "that we risked being shot and having the +steamer seized and confiscated? The tobacco belongs to us by right of +conquest, as well as by moral right, and it will be an abomination to +throw it overboard. Even if we make only a thousand pounds out of it, +it is always something; but to put it into the sea would be sinful +beyond description. I cannot bring myself to be a party to such a +thing." + +The decision of the captain was irrevocable, in spite of the +persuasive eloquence of a deputation of the crew and engineers. So, +after passing the Burlings, orders were given to cut the bales, save +the packing, and shovel the tobacco overboard. This very nearly caused +open revolt, but the captain made a few tactful statements which had +good effect. He presented a case that could not be controverted, and +they yielded to the inevitable. The jettisoning commenced with bad +grace, and a continual growl was kept up until the captain himself was +overcome by the sight of the beautiful tobacco being thrown away. He +called a halt, after persuading himself that a new idea might be +presented to the mind as time went on, which would show how a profit +could be made without risking any vital interest; but this only +endured for a couple of days. No really sound idea came, and so the +work of destruction was resumed until only half a dozen bales were +left, and it was resolved to hold these whatever happened. The mate +was a sailor of the old school, and clung to the grog and tobacco +traditions of the eighteenth century. He might have forgiven the +purveyors of defective food, but if bad grog and tobacco were +supplied there was no forgiveness for that, here or hereafter! He +believed in the crew being served with grog whenever they were called +upon to do extra work, such as shortening sail or setting it, and +although he never allowed smoking when on duty, or expectoration on +the quarter-deck, a skilful seaman was all the more popular with him +if he chewed. His opinion was that they did better work, and more of +it, when they rolled a quid about in their mouths. If his attention +was called to a small boy who was practising the habit, a +pride-of-race smile would come into his face, and his laughing eyes +indicated the joy it was giving him. Then he would say, "Thank God, +the race is not becoming extinct. I have always hope of a youngster +turning out satisfactorily if he works well and chews well." As a +matter of fact, his conviction was that a boy or man who adopted the +practice did so instinctively because they were born sailors, and were +true types of British manhood. Indeed, he regarded manhood as strictly +confined to his own class, though on many occasions I have seen +volcanic evidences of shattered faith. It was not so much the money +value of the tobacco, but the _racial affection he had for it_ that +caused him to feel indignant at the suggestion of it being thrown to +the waves. + +The second day subsequent to this conflict, it was the first mate's +afternoon watch below. He had partaken of his midday meal, and went to +the bridge to have a smoke. As he looked down at the bales of goods, +he said to the second mate-- + +"However the thought of destroying that beautiful stuff can have +entered the mind of man I cannot fathom. I think I have got him +persuaded to leave well alone. It must be nothing short of stark +lunacy." + +And the two men were agreed that had their captain _been as short of +it as they_ had been one time and another he would not talk such +foolishness. The chief mate intimated that he was going to have a nap, +but that his mind was torn with presentiment which he could not speak +about calmly. At four o'clock when he came on deck he was made aware +of what had taken place during his watch below, whereupon he lapsed +into a kind of inarticulate stupor, and could not speak the +unutterable. He placed his right hand on his brow, and then on his +left breast, and stood gazing at the long Atlantic rollers, which had +the appearance of an uneven reef of rocks. The stage of stupor and +grief was superseded by that of resigned indignation. He plaintively +called out-- + +"Well, I'll--be--teetotally--d----d! Miles of sea to be paved with +that beautiful tobacco! Retribution will come to somebody; and, by +thunder! it should come with a clattering vengeance. I will never +forget the sight as long as I have breath." + +The captain came up to him, and seeing that his mind was centred on +what he regarded as not only a calamity but a crime, he was so much +amused at his ludicrously pathetic appearance that he laughingly +repeated-- + +"Oh, for the touch of a vanished hand, and the sound of a voice that +is still." + +The inappropriate words were merely used as a piece of chaff, but Mr. +S---- was not in a chaffing mood, so he retorted that he did not see +where the humour came in, and there was nothing to laugh at, and so +on. He then walked on to the bridge, and he and the captain were not +on friendly speaking terms any more during the voyage. + +At midnight on the sixth day after parting company from the Spaniards, +the vessel was hove to to take a pilot aboard. Captain S---- took him +aside as soon as he boarded, and asked him in an undertone if he ever +did anything in the contraband line. He held up his hands as though he +were horrified at the suggestion, and exclaimed-- + +"Not for the world, captain!" + +"Very well," replied the captain; "you go below, and I will join you +in a minute or two, after giving orders to the steward to make tea for +us." + +As a matter of fact, he remained behind to give orders to the mate to +throw overboard the remaining six bales, which was a further trial to +the grief-stricken officer; and having done this the captain joined +the pilot, and entered into conversation with him. The two men were +not long in discovering that they each belonged to the brotherhood of +Freemasons. This put them on easy terms at once, and encouraged the +pilot to inquire into the meaning of the words spoken to him on +boarding. + +"I do not quite know how I stand in relation to that," said the +captain. "Indeed, I am perplexed as to the plan I ought to adopt. So +many difficulties confront me as the scheme of development goes on; +but so far as I have been able to work out the problem, I think my +attitude must be straightforward, and that I should make a full +voluntary statement to the authorities. Meanwhile, if you pledge me +your Masonic honour to keep it a secret until I have made it public, I +will tell you the whole story." + +The undertaking was readily given, and long before the whole story was +told, the pilot's Christian virtues had broken down. At frequent +intervals while the narrative was being told he interjected, "Oh! why +didn't you tell me?" His mind was transfixed. Then the processes of +it became confused. The vision of wealth and the reckless squandering +of some of it took possession of him, and with uncontrolled zeal he +called out-- + +"My God! what a story! O captain, why didn't you tell me what it was +at once, and not waste time? Let us get to work without delay. I will +undertake to land what you have got on an island and share the +proceeds with you." + +"Too late, too late, my friend. You have thrown away an opportunity +which may never come to you again," replied the master, with a +mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Transactions of this kind are done +spontaneously and with vigour--they are not to be dreamed about." + +"I admit my error, captain; but, oh! how was I to know? Surely you do +not mean to tell me that the balance of the tobacco has been thrown +overboard since I came here?" + +"Yes, it is all gone. We do not hesitate when we face the inevitable, +no matter what the sacrifice may be." + +"Well, I'm blowed!" soliloquized the pilot. "It will take me some +time to get over this little bit of history." + +"I daresay," said the captain; "but it is time you took charge--she is +now within your jurisdiction. What do you say to going on the bridge? +You will find the chief officer there, with whom you may condole, if +it be safe for a stranger to speak of so delicate a subject to him. +You will, perhaps, find him stupefied with grief and shame at the +unpatriotic conduct of his commander, and I daresay his language will +impress you with the venerable traditions cherished by his class when +things are supposed to have gone wrong." + +The pilot greeted the chief officer cordially, but did not receive a +very polite response to his attempts to draw him into conversation +about his recent experiences, and was cut short in a sailorly fashion +by being told if he wanted any information about experiences, as he +called them, to go and ask "that ---- fool of a skipper about it." + +"I have had a little conversation with him," replied the pilot; "and +it does seem to me extraordinary--and if I were not here I might +almost say an outrage--that no other course could be found than utter +sacrifice." + +"Oh, don't talk to me!" exclaimed the vivacious mate, in a flood of +passion. "You call it extraordinary and an outrage! Is that a proper +name for such wickedness? You ask me what I think of it? I tell you I +cannot think. You talk about outrage! I say, sir, it is joining +outrage to injustice, and I cannot believe that any other than a +frozen-souled fool would have done it. There is not a glimmering of +common-sense in it. The wonder is that he didn't take it back to the +scoundrels, for pity's sake!" + +This outburst of withering scorn encouraged the pilot to ask what the +sailors thought of it. + +"Go and ask them, if you want to hear something you've never heard +before." + +The captain, who was in the charthouse, could not help hearing these +interesting opinions of himself, nor could he help enjoying the rugged +humour of them. His mate had his peculiarities, but he never doubted +his loyalty to himself, and he was sure that on reflection he would +come to see the wisdom of disentanglement. He went on to the bridge as +though all was serene, asked a few questions of the pilot, and settled +down until the vessel arrived at her discharging port. + +On landing, a message-boy told him there was a telegram at the office +for him. He eagerly asked if he knew where it was from. The boy +replied, "Gibraltar." He requested the messenger to get it for him, +and found it was from the agent who shipped the tobacco, the purport +of it being to offer him £500 to bring it back, and intimating that a +letter was on the way. When this came to hand, it explained +exhaustively the reason the freight was not paid as agreed, and boldly +accused the port authorities and officials of having organized a plot +in order to accomplish their own evil ends. This precious document was +signed by the writer, and, needless to say, was not replied to. As a +necessary protection to himself, the master had a declaration signed +by the whole of the crew, stating that they had no tobacco concealed +or in their possession other than that shown to the Custom-house +officers. + +As is usual after a vessel arrives in a home port, and is properly +moored and decks cleared up, the crew go aft, draw a portion of their +wages, and then go ashore. They had a fine tale to relate, and it may +be taken for granted that no incident connected therewith lost any of +its flavour in the process of narration. It would appear that the +sailors got drunk and "peached" in a most grotesque way. They declared +that although much of the contraband had been disposed of, this was +only done as a blind, and that there were tons beneath the iron ore +and in the peaks and bunkers, and all over the vessel. The story +spread, and grew as it was passed along, until it became the most +colossal smuggling enterprise ever known in the country. The captain +came on board at noon on the day following the arrival, and found a +large number of Custom-house officers on board. Some were in the holds +digging vigorously at the ore with picks and shovels. Their coats +were off, and their shirt sleeves doubled up. Others were on deck +ready for action, but the chief mate prevented them going into the +forepeak, which caused both suspicion and irritation. The captain gave +them permission. Two went forth full of hope and confidence that they +were on the point of reaping their reward. They had no sooner got down +than indescribable cries for God to help them were heard. A rush was +made to see what had happened. The lights were out, and nothing was +visible. They groped their way to the peak ladder, and were nearly +dead with fright when they reached the deck. When they had +sufficiently recovered, they said that there was something in the peak +alive, which kept butting up against them. They were sure it wasn't a +man, and that it must be something evil. An Irish sailor stood close +by laughing and jeering at them, and in genuine brogue he charged them +with being haunted by their own "evil deeds." + +"You had no business there," said he, "and to prove to you that I am +right I'll swear divil a thing is there in the peak but cargo gear +and other stores. I'll go down myself and face the evil one you talk +about." + +And down he went, but the fright of the officers was feeble to the +Irishman's. He shrieked and flew on deck shouting, "Be God, you're +right, he's there!" + +The chief mate suspected what it was, but was not keen on going down +himself or ordering any one else to do so, so the anchor light was +lowered down and shone upon the captain's pet goat. It had been long +aboard for the purpose of supplying milk to the captain and his wife. +The peak hatch had been off, and Nannie, accustomed to go wherever she +pleased, strayed into the darkness and tumbled down. The incident +stopped all work for a time, and created a lot of good-humoured chaff. +The Irishman was especially droll, and endeavoured to carry it off by +swearing he knew it was the goat, but he wanted some other fellow to +have a go at it. "But no fear," said he; "every one of them was dying +with funk." + +After a time the captain thought it right to disillusion the officer +in charge, and going up to him asked the meaning of the raid. + +"Well," replied the officer, "we have information that there is a +large quantity of tobacco aboard, and that some of it is in the +forepeak, but most of it is about a couple of feet below the iron +ore." + +The captain replied, "We had a lot of it a few days since, but there +is not a leaf aboard now that I know of. Every particle has been +thrown overboard. Let me reassure you on this point." + +"But," said the officer, "what about the packing? My men have come +across a large quantity." + +"That is very true," said the commander; "the packing is the only +thing we saved. Now get your men ashore, there's a good fellow. You +are only working them to death for no earthly reason." + +"But the sailors say the tobacco was emptied out of the packing and +covered over with ore." + +"Well, if you believe the sailors and you don't believe me, go on +digging. I can only repeat, the search is futile." + +"Very well," replied the disconcerted official, "I shall withdraw all +my men but two, who must remain to watch and make sure of there being +no concealment. Not that I disbelieve you. It is merely a formal +precaution which I hope you will think nothing of." + +The whole affair had been reported to the Collector of Customs, and +the master was informed that all things considered, the best thing had +been done in ridding himself of an awkward encumbrance. In a few days +an emissary of the Gibraltar syndicate had an interview with the +captain, and then disappeared. It was said that he was strongly +advised to disappear, lest he should be detained by legal authority. + +The owner received the freight paid in advance with obvious pleasure, +like a good, Christian gentleman; but the intelligence of how it was +earned and the disastrous conclusion of the undertaking was listened +to with studied gravity. A sermon on the danger of little sins such +as covetousness and the growing love of money was impressively +preached. The owner was convinced that if ever the gentlemen involved +in this little transaction got the opportunity they would take the +master's life, so in the goodness of his heart he determined that the +vessel should not call there for coal until the spirit of vengeance +had had ample time to cool down. + +More than twelve months had elapsed since these affairs occurred, when +the owner was offered a charter from the Black Sea, but one of the +unalterable conditions was that the vessel should call at Gibraltar +for orders. The captain strongly urged his owner not to lose so good a +charter because of his anxiety for him, but he was obdurate until the +captain said-- + +"Then I shall have to resign my command. I cannot go on like this any +longer." + +"If you make this the alternative, then I must give way; but the +responsibility is yours alone," was the reply. + +The charter was signed, and on a fine summer day two months after, the +_C----_ let go her anchor in Gibraltar Harbour to await her orders. A +tall, fine-looking man came aboard to solicit business of a legitimate +character. He spoke English with fluency and an almost correct accent. +The captain knew he had some business connection with the syndicate, +but did not give him any reason to suppose he had this knowledge. He +was cognisant of the characteristics of these people, and determined +that his safety was in assuming an injured attitude, and making a +slashing attack on the blackguards who had done him so much harm. +Excepting for a slight humorous twist in the corner of his mouth, Mr. +---- received the onslaught with perfect equanimity. The captain asked +if he knew the rascal P----. + +"Yes," said he, "I know him. He is a bad lot, and I advise you never +to trust him again. But if you wish me to, I will convey to him what +you say; and I think you would be perfectly justified in carrying out +your intention." (The intention was to horsewhip him publicly.) + +The following morning the captain landed with his wife and family, and +boldly walked past the resorts of the men who he had reason to +believe were on his track. He kept his hand on the revolver which was +in his trouser-pocket, and the sound of every foot behind him seemed +to be a message of warning. This ordeal went on for four days, and +never a sign of the dreaded assassins was seen. On the afternoon of +the fifth day he was walking down towards the boat-landing to go on +board, when his eye came in contact with the interpreter and the whole +gang that were concerned in the tobacco enterprise. There was a look +of murder on their villainous faces, which the captain said would +haunt him to his dying day. He spontaneously and without thought said +to his wife, who walked beside him-- + +"I see the smugglers. Don't look!" + +But it came so suddenly upon her that she could not restrain the +temptation of seeing them, and the impression of their malignant looks +had a lasting effect on her. When they reached the boat, the gentleman +who had boarded her on arrival was there. He drew the captain aside, +and whispered that he was being shadowed, and urged that a double +watch be kept at the entrance to the cabin. As a matter of policy the +captain assumed an air of defiance. He promised a sanguinary reception +for them if they attempted to come near his vessel, and he believes to +this day that this alone was the means of preventing an attack. + +Next morning orders were brought off, and no time was lost in weighing +anchor and clearing out, and he has never visited the place since. + + + + +A Pasha before Plevna + + +The Eastern Question was ablaze. Mr. Gladstone had published his "bag +and baggage" pamphlet, and made his Blackheath speech in September +1876. Both are memorable for the strong feelings they generated for +and against the object of his attack. Benjamin Disraeli had become the +Earl of Beaconsfield, and had made his bellicose and Judaical speech +at the Lord Mayor's Banquet. The fleet had been ordered to Besika Bay, +and the metropolitan Press was busy backing Turkish saintliness for +all it was worth. The Black Sea ports were crowded with steamers, and +a great rush was made to get them loaded before hostilities broke out. +In a few days there were but two vessels left in ---- Harbour. The +last cart-loads of grain in bags were being shipped. The vessel was +held by a slip-rope at bow and stern, and as soon as she was loaded +they let go, and the pilot took her to the outer harbour and anchored. +The captain went to the town to clear his ship and sign bills of +lading, and great exertions were made by his agents and himself to +have this smartly done so that he could sail before darkness set in. +After his business was done, he came to the landing and was about to +get into his boat when a gentleman stepped up to him, and in an +undertone said-- + +"Come to my office; I have something important to communicate to you. +Don't, for God's sake, open your lips here. The very stones feel as if +they were spying at me." + +The captain hesitated, but his friend whispered-- + +"You must come; it is urgent, and it will be made worth your while." + +Whereupon the cautious commander fell like a slaughtered lamb. They +were soon alone within the four walls of a sumptuously-furnished +private office. + +"What's the game?" asked the impatient captain, uneasily. + +"This is it," said his friend, coming close up to him and speaking in +a low voice: "I have a secret job for you." + +"Is there danger attached to it?" asked the captain. + +"Yes, a good deal," replied his friend; "and I have chosen you to do +it, because I know you will carry it out successfully if you'll take +the risk." + +"That's all very well," responded the captain, "but I don't care to +overburden myself with danger and risk of confiscation, without I'm +handsomely recompensed for it." + +"Hush!" said his friend, nervously; "I think I hear voices. If we are +overheard by any one, we may be betrayed and pounced upon at any +moment." + +After listening, he was reassured, and intimated that the worthy +skipper would be well rewarded. + +"That entirely alters the question," said the captain. "How much am I +to have, and what is it you wish me to do?" + +"You are to have two hundred and fifty pounds if you succeed in +getting a distinguished Turkish pasha and his suite from here, and +land them at Scutari." + +"What!" exclaimed the commander. "Do you expect me to run the gauntlet +with a Turkish pasha for two hundred and fifty pounds? Why, his head +is worth thousands, to say nothing about the danger I run of having my +ship confiscated, and myself sent to Siberia. Do not let us waste +time. I will risk it for a thousand pounds, and put my state-room at +his disposal." + +The agent demurred, but the captain was for some time obdurate. +However, seven hundred and fifty for the owners with two hundred for +the captain was, after keen negotiation, agreed upon. It was further +arranged that the steamer was not to sail until after midnight, so +that the risk of stoppage would be lessened, and in rowing off as soon +as it came dark, the oars were to be muffled. + +"Leave these matters to me," said the captain. "How many passengers +are there?" + +"Six," said the agent. "They are in hiding. I will undertake to bring +them aboard, with their baggage, in good time. Extreme care must be +used in getting them away, as we may be watched. I have had to use +'palm oil' liberally, but even that may not prevent their betrayal and +arrest." + +"Well, then," said the shrewd commander, "under these circumstances I +must have my freight before the risk actually begins." + +It took some time for the agent to make up his mind to part with the +money in advance, but the captain intimated that unless it was paid at +once he would throw the business up. This promptly settled the matter, +and a pledge was given by the enterprising captain to relax no effort +or dash--"Combined with caution," said the agent--to fulfil his +important mission. At 10 p.m., he was rowed alongside the steamer +without having been interrupted or spoken to from the guardship or the +sentries at the forts. After the gig was hoisted to the davits, the +chief officer and chief engineer were asked to go to the saloon, where +specific instructions were given as to the mode of procedure. The +anchor was to be hove short at once very quietly. All lights had to be +put out or blinded, and a full head of steam up at the hour of +sailing. The officers were made aware of the job that had been +undertaken, and relished the excitement of it. At 11.30 the +passengers, with a large amount of baggage, came alongside and were +taken aboard; and as a double precaution, the distinguished pasha and +his attendants went down the forepeak until the vessel got outside. +Their goods were put into the upper side-bunkers, and a wooden +bulkhead put up to obscure them from view in case the vessel was +boarded before getting clear. At midnight the anchor was weighed, and +the steamer slipped out into the Black Sea. Every ounce of steam was +used to make speed, and she was soon into safety so far as distance +could help her. + +The passengers, composed of the pasha, his priest, cook, interpreter, +and servant, were then brought from their hiding-place and taken to +the captain's private room. The vessel by this time was enveloped in a +dense black fog. The first blast of the steam whistle startled the +party, and the panic-stricken interpreter rushed on to the bridge. In +a confusion of languages he implored the captain to say whether there +was danger, and begged him to come to his master and his priest and +reassure them that the whistle was being blown to let passing vessels +know of their whereabouts and the course they were steering. + +"Ah," said he, "my master is a brave, clever soldier; but like most +soldiers, he does not know anything about the sea, and was in +consequence uneasy when he heard the shrill sound of the whistle. +Indeed, it made him change colour; he thought it might be a Russian +privateer demanding you to stop. And the priest did not wait one +minute; he went on to his knees and bowed his head in prayer, and the +pasha ordered me to come to you quick. You must not think that I was +nervous, captain; I was very excited only." + +"Very well," replied the captain, smiling. "You may call it +excitement, but I should call it white funk, the way you conducted +yourself on my bridge. Why, you spoke every language in the universe!" + +"Ah, that was not funk, captain; that was what you call confusion, +caused by anxiety for that brave soldier in your cabin, and his +spiritual adviser. Besides, captain, how can you speak to one of your +own countrymen in this fashion, and accuse him of talking so many +tongues! I am a Maltese, and have interpreted for many years for my +good friend, Osman Pasha." + +"What!" cried the captain. "Is this the Turkish patriot, Osman Pasha?" + +"Now, captain, _you_ are excited; but I do not say that you speak many +languages. Keep cool, and I will tell you. It is not Osman, but it is +very near him, being his lieutenant or aide-de-camp." + +"Is it Suleiman?" + +"No, it is not." + +"Then who the devil is it? By Jupiter! I believe it _is_ Osman." + +"I dare not tell you his name; he has been reconnoitring, and has had +narrow escapes." + +"That's not what I want to know. Tell me straight away--is it Osman +Pasha, or is it not?" + +"Captain," said the wily interpreter, "this is a secret mission. I +cannot tell secrets that may get us all into trouble; but I will +inform you that you will hear of this warrior during the next few +months. I must ask you to come and see him. He cannot speak one word +of English. Bring your chart, as he is sure to ask you to point out to +him exactly our position." + +The captain followed the interpreter into the presence of a +majestic-looking person, who saluted him with kindly dignity. His face +wore a thoughtful appearance; his eyes were penetrating, and under a +massive forehead there rested well-developed eyebrows, betokening keen +observation. His chin and nose were strong, and altogether his general +looks, if not handsome, were comely. He gave the commander a real, +big-hearted grip of the hand, which settled the question of friendship +for him at once. Sailors detest a "grisly shake of the flipper." Likes +and dislikes are invariably fixed by this test. The pasha was +exceedingly cordial; asked, through his interpreter, all sorts of +questions about the British Government, British statesmen, admirals, +and generals, and the Army and Navy; but, above all, he was anxious +to hear whether the British people were for or against Turkey. He was +aware that Disraeli was with his nation, and regretted the attitude of +Gladstone. He said poor Turkey had many enemies, and when the captain +told him that he thought the bulk of the British people were in favour +of Disraeli's policy, he held out his hand again in token of +appreciation. The captain spoke very frankly about the Bulgarian +atrocities, and the bad policy of the Turkish Government with her +subject races. The pasha admitted that reforms ought to be given, but +held that the Balkan insurrections were encouraged by Russia in order +to ultimately get hold of Constantinople. + +"My Government," said he, "is a better Government than that of Russia. +We do not treat our people worse than she does hers. Are there no +atrocities committed in Russia proper, in Siberia, in Poland? Why does +Mr. Gladstone not demand that Russia shall give reforms to her +subject races? Is it because she is big, and near to India, and calls +herself a Christian nation? We are Mohammedans; and our religion +teaches honesty, cleanness, sobriety, devotion to our God and his +prophet Mahomet, and we adhere to it. Does the Russian adhere to his +religion, which I admit, if carried out, is as good as ours? I think +our consistency is superior to theirs, and the extent of our cruelty +no worse, though I do not justify it. But do you think that the +Servians, Armenians, Herzegovinians, Montenegrins, and Bulgarians are +saints? Do you think that the Turkish people and Governors have not +been provoked to retaliation? There may have been excesses, but no one +who knows the different races will say that the Turks are all bad, or +that the subject races are all good." + +He then requested to be shown the position of the steamer on the +chart, asked if there was any danger of collision if the fog +continued, and hoped she was steaming full speed, as he must get to +Constantinople without delay. The captain informed him that so long as +he heard the whistle going the fog was still on, and it might become +necessary to ease down as she drew towards the regular track of +vessels; and when the danger of collision was explained to him, he +agreed that it was necessary to guard against it, but asked through +his interpreter that he should be shown the chart every four hours, +which was agreed. The interpreter then intimated that the priest would +hold a service previous to retiring to rest, and during the passage +they would be held before and after every meal. The food, cooking +utensils, and cook were provided by themselves. They would not eat the +food of Christians, or use their utensils for the purpose of preparing +it. In fact, what with the weird, shrill wail of their "yahing" +prayers, the intolerable smell of their cooking, the smoke from their +"hubblebubbles," and a perpetual run of messages coming from the pasha +(while he was awake) to the officer in charge, they became somewhat of +a nuisance before the first twenty-four hours had expired. The +officers could not get their proper rest, which caused them to feel +justified in becoming profane, and wishing the Turkish windpipes +would snap. + +The fog lifted, as it generally does, a little before noon, on the day +after sailing, and an accurate latitude was got; but during the +afternoon it shut down blacker than ever. The engines had to be +slowed, and the whistle was constantly going. The pasha's anxiety to +get to his destination was giving him constant worry, and he became +more and more troublesome. The interpreter explained that the Sultan +was waiting to consult his master about the plan of campaign, and +other military matters, and that the delay was making the pasha +impatient; but in spite of annoying pressure, the captain refused to +depart from the wise precaution of going slow while the fog lasted. At +midnight it cleared up a little, and the engines were put at full +speed until 8 a.m. the following morning, when they ran into a bank of +fog again. The speed was slackened to dead slow, and as she was +nearing the Bosphorus land the lead was kept going; but, owing to the +great depth of water, sounding is little guide towards keeping +vessels clear of the rocks of that steep and iron-bound coast. +Currents run with rapid irregularity, and in no part of the world is +navigation more treacherous than there. According to the reckoning, +the vessel was within four miles of the entrance to the Bosphorus, but +no prudent navigator would have risked going farther until he could +see his way; so orders were given to stop her. This brought more +urgent messages from the pasha. As the day wore on and the mist still +continued, all hope of getting into the Bosphorus had disappeared. The +pasha sent for the captain, and said he must be at Constantinople that +evening. + +"Well," said the captain to the interpreter, "tell your master that if +the Sultan and all his concubines were to ask me to go ahead I would +have to refuse." + +Then he proceeded to point out the dangers on the chart. This did not +appeal to the pasha's military understanding. What he wanted was to be +landed somewhere, and he did not regard running the vessel ashore with +any disastrous consequences to himself until he was assured that the +rocks were so steep that even in a calm the vessel might sink in deep +water and everybody be drowned. + +"Anyhow," said the captain, "I'm not going to try it on; so you must +inform your master of my definite decision. He cannot be more anxious +than I am. I've scarcely closed my eyes since we left, and if this +continues I must face another night of it." + +He then went on to the bridge, and had only been there about half an +hour when his persistent passenger approached him beseechingly, +stating that the pasha would give a hundred pounds if he was landed +that night. + +"I would not attempt such a thing for twenty hundred," said the +captain. + +"Will nothing tempt you, then, to run a risk?" asked the interpreter. + +"Nothing but the clearing away of the fog," replied the commander. + +He then commenced to walk the bridge, and pondered over the experience +he was having, wrestling with himself as to the amount of risk he +should run. He called the second officer to him, and gave him orders +to go aloft to the foretopgallant mast-head and see if he could make +anything out. The officer was in the act of jumping into the rigging +when a Turkish schooner sailed close alongside and was soon out of +sight. The captain knew then that he was in the vicinity of the +entrance, and set the engines easy ahead. The second mate, after being +at the mast-head about ten minutes, shouted-- + +"I see over the top of the fog a lighthouse or tower on the port bow. +I can see no land." + +When he was asked if he could see anything on the starboard bow, his +answer came in the negative. The captain, fearing lest he might be +steering into the false Bosphorus, which is a treacherous deep bight +that has been the death-trap of many a ship's crew, gave orders to +stop her while he ran aloft to verify the officer's report and scan +over the mist for some landmark to guide him in navigating in the +right direction. He had only been a few minutes at the mast-head when +he discerned the white lighthouse on the starboard bow. There was no +doubt now that these were the Bosphorus lighthouses, and the vessel +was heading right for the centre. The captain asked if they could see +anything from the deck. The chief mate replied that he could scarcely +see the forecastle head, so dense was the fog. The master shouted that +he would navigate the steamer from the topgallant-yard, and gave +instructions to go slow ahead, and to keep a vigilant look-out for +passing vessels. Half an hour's steaming brought them abreast of the +lighthouses, when suddenly they glided into beautiful, clear weather. +The scene was phenomenal. Not a speck of fog was to be seen ahead of +the vessel, while astern there stood a great black pall, as though one +had drawn a curtain across the harbour entrance. + +After the papers had been landed at Kavak, the pasha and interpreter +came to the bridge and asked for a few minutes' talk with the captain, +who was in excellent temper at having cut through the fog and saved +daylight through the narrow waters. The pasha was dressed gorgeously, +and many decorations adorned his uniform. He shook the proud commander +warmly by the hand, and through his interpreter gratefully thanked him +for carrying himself and his suite safely to their destination. He did +not undervalue the great danger of having them aboard in the event of +being chased and captured, nor did he under-estimate the risk that had +been run in steaming into dangerous waters during a dense fog; and in +order that the captain might be assured of his grateful appreciation, +he begged to hand him two hundred Turkish pounds for himself. After +suitably offering his thanks for so generous a gift, the captain again +asked the interpreter the name of the distinguished general he had had +the honour of carrying as a passenger, and was again told that such +questions could not be answered. + +Before the sun had sunk beneath the horizon, they had reached Scutari; +and in order that the passengers might be disembarked comfortably, the +anchor was dropped. Caiques came alongside for them and for their +baggage. The captain went to the gangway to see the pasha safely into +the boat, and to say his _adieux_ to him. After he had got safely +seated in the caique, and the interpreter was about to follow, the +commander held out his hand to him and said-- + +"Before bidding good-bye, may I again venture to ask if I have had the +honour of conveying Osman Pasha to Constantinople, or whom I have +conveyed?" + +The interpreter, with an air of injured pride, drew himself up to his +full height, and said-- + +"Captain, I have told you not to ask such things. Good-day." + +But that was how one of the heroes of Plevna made his first English +ally by sea. + + + + +A Russian Port in the 'Sixties + + +My first visit to Russia was at the age of thirteen. I was serving +aboard a smart brig that had just come from the Guano Islands in the +Indian Ocean. The captain and officers belonged to the "swell" type of +seaman of that period. The former has just passed away at the age of +eighty-four. He was in his younger days a terror to those who served +under him, and a despot who knew no pity. In an ordinary way he was +most careful not to lower the dignity of his chief officer in the eyes +of the crew, but wherever his self-interest was concerned he did not +stick at trivialities. I have a vivid recollection of a very +picturesque passage of words being exchanged between him and his +first mate. The officer had been commanded to go ashore in the +longboat at 5 a.m. on the morning after arrival for the labourers who +were required to assist the sailors to discharge the cargo. The +infuriated mate asked his commander if he took him for a "procurator" +of Russian serfs, and reminded him that his certificate of competency +was a qualification for certain duties which he was willing to +perform; but as this did not come within the scope of them, he would +see him to blazes before he would stoop to the level of becoming the +engager of a drove of Russian convicts. + +"What is it coming to," said he, "that a chief mate should be +requested to take charge of a boat-load of fellows who wouldn't be fit +to live in our country? The boatswain is the proper man to do this +kind of work, and if you cannot trust him to select the lousie +rascals, then go yourself!" + +These harsh words affected the captain so much that he became +inarticulate with passion; but when he had somewhat recovered, the +splendour of his jerky vocabulary could be heard far beyond the +precincts of the cabin. He declared that his authority had never been +outraged in such a fashion before, and with the air of an autocrat +ordered the mate to his berth until the morrow, when he would have to +appear before the British Consul. + +The officer's pride was injured, his temper was up, and he began to +suitably libel everybody. Her Majesty's representative was the object +of much vituperation, and a rather brilliant harangue was brought to a +close by the officer stating that he would go and see the blooming +Consul, and say some straight things to him. With a final flourish he +called out at the top of his voice, disdainfully-- + +"Who the h---- is he?" + +The next morning at ten o'clock the captain gave orders to row him +ashore. The mate wore a humbler appearance than on the previous day: +meditation had mellowed him. He stepped into the boat beside his +commander, but was told with icy dignity that the boy would take him +ashore in the cook's lurky. No greater insult could have been offered +to an officer. The Consul at that time was Walter Maynard, a charming +man whom I knew well years afterwards. Although I only heard odds and +ends of what transpired, I feel sure the advice given was in the +mate's interests, and made him see his objection from another point of +view. He did not take kindly to bringing the labourers off, but he +sullenly commenced from that day to do it. + +Coal cargoes were at that time jumped out of the hold with four ropes +bent on to one called a runner, which was rove through a coal gin +fastened on to the end of a derrick composed of two studdingsail booms +lashed together, and steps were rigged with studdingsail yards and +oars. The arrangement had the appearance of a gate, and was fixed at +an angle. Four men gave one sharp pull with the whip ropes, and then +jumped from the step on to the deck. The men in the hold changed +places with the whips every two hours. It was really an exciting thing +to witness the whipping out of coal cargoes. It may be seen even now +in some ports of the United Kingdom, but the winch has largely taken +the place of this athletic process. Most captains supplied rum or +vodka liberally, with a view to expediting dispatch, and did not +scruple to log and fine those seamen who acquired a craving for +alcohol, and misconducted themselves in consequence when they got +liberty to go ashore. Nobody was more severe on the men who committed +a breach of discipline than those who, for their own profit, had +taught them to drink. + +The poor, wretched Russians who were employed aboard English and other +vessels were treated with a cruelty that was hideous. Before the +emancipation of the serfs by the Emperor Alexander II. in 1861, it was +not an uncommon occurrence for captains and officers and seamen to +maltreat them, knock them on the head, and then pass their bodies over +the side of the vessel into the Mole. One of the first things I +remember hearing in a Russian port was a savage mate swearing at some +labourers and threatening to throw them overboard. It is no +exaggeration to say that almost every day dead bodies came to the +surface and were taken to the "Bran" Wharf or to the mortuary, with +never a word of inquiry as to how they came by their end, though it +was well known that there had been foul play. It is true they were +awful thieves, very dirty, very lazy, and very provoking, and it was +because the officers were unable to get redress that they took the law +into their own hands. It is incredible that such a condition of things +was allowed to exist. + +A stock phrase even to this day of predatory Russians is, "Knet +crawlim, tackem"--_i.e._, "I have not stolen, I have only taken." They +have a pronounced conviction that there is a difference between +stealing and taking. Tradition has it that a humorous seaman ages ago +conveyed this form of distinction to them, and it has stuck to them +ever since. Another peculiarity of the race is that they wear the same +large grey coat in the summer as they do in the winter; they are +taught to believe that what keeps out cold keeps out heat. When they +take drink they never stop until they are dead drunk, then they lie +anywhere about the streets and quays. The police, who are not much +better, use them very cruelly. During the Russo-Turkish war hundreds +of the common soldiers, who are similar to the common labourer, were +found lying on the battle-field, presumably dead, when it was found +they were only dead drunk. I was told by a doctor, who went right +through the campaign, that it was customary to fill the "soldads," as +they are called, previous to a battle, with vodka. The lower order of +Russians must be hardy, or they could never stand the extremes of cold +and heat, and the terrible food they have to eat. They are not +long-lived. I cannot recall ever having seen a very old Russian +labourer. + +The emancipation of the serfs was a great grievance to the old seamen, +who looked back to the days when they could with impunity chastise or +finish a serf without a feeling of reproach. After the emancipation it +became a terror to have them aboard ship. Many a mate has been heavily +fined and locked up in a pestilential cell for merely shoving a +fellow who was caught in the act of stealing, or found skulking, or +deliberately refusing to work properly. Labourers, in fact, became a +herd of blackmailers, and were encouraged in it by some agency or +other, who shared the plunder. One old captain, with an expression of +sadness on his face, told me, on my first visit to Cronstadt since I +was a boy, that everything had changed for the worse. + +"At one time," said he, "you never got up of a morning without seeing +a few dead Russians floating about. You could chuck them overboard if +you liked, and nobody interfered. Many a time I've put one over the +side. But now you dare not whisper, much less touch them." + +The general opinion amongst English seamen, from the master downwards, +was that a great injustice had been done to us by the Decree of +Liberation. + +On one occasion I lay alongside a Yankee ship which was loading flax. +Work had ceased for breakfast. I saw the chief officer on the poop, +said "Good morning" to him, and asked him how the loading was going +on. + +"Well," said he, "it goes not so bad, but we've had an accident this +morning which stopped us for nearly an hour. There were three or four +bales of flax slung in the hatchway; the slings slipped, and the bales +fell right on a dozen Russians." + +"That is very serious," I said. "Did it kill them?" + +"No," drawled he, with a slow smile; "it didn't exactly kill them, but +I guess it has flattened them out some." + +The "Bran" Wharf was then a large pontoon, with dwelling accommodation +for Custom-house officers and harbour officials. It was moored just at +the entrance to the dock or mole, and was in charge of an official who +regulated the berthing of vessels. This man was originally a boatswain +aboard a Russian warship. He was illiterate, but very clever, so much +so that great power was put into his hands; indeed, he became quite as +powerful in his way as his Imperial Majesty himself. Every +conceivable complaint and petty dispute was taken to him, and it was +soon found that it could be settled in a way that did not involve a +fine or imprisonment. In fact, there were occasions when a favourite +English captain or mate asked this official's aid in getting the +Russians to work properly. He would, if agreeably disposed, come +aboard, spit, stamp, and swear at the men in a most picturesque way, +and if he had had a glass or two of grog, or wanted one, and the +captain or mate made a very bad report, he would lash the skulkers +with a piece of rope. When he was finished there was no more need for +complaint. This notorious person was called Tom the Boatswain. He drew +very fine distinctions as to whom he favoured with his countenance and +his chastening rod. For obvious reasons, he loathed a Swede and a +Norwegian. In truth, he told me himself that Englishmen were "dobra" +(good), and that Norwegians and Swedes were "knet dobra." He spoke a +peculiar kind of English, with a fascinating accent, and when he went +his rounds in the early morning, rowed by two uniformed sailors, +studied respect was paid to him. His invitations to breakfast, or to +have a glass of brandy (which he preferred to whisky), indicated the +esteem, fear, or amount of favours inspired by him. He in turn +endeavoured to pay a hurried visit to each of his guests, ostensibly +to see that their vessels were properly berthed, and the men working +properly, but really to test the generosity of the captains, who +seldom let him go without a "douceur," which was sometimes +satisfactory. He was accustomed, when asked to have refreshment, to +request that his two men should have a nip also. One morning he +visited a favourite captain who had arranged with his mate to act +liberally towards the men. His stay in the cabin was prolonged, and +when he came on deck and called for the boat, his devoted henchmen did +not come forth. He looked over the quarter-deck, and was thrown into +frenzy by seeing them both lying speechless, their bodies in the +bottom, and their legs sticking up on the seats of the boat. He got +into her, kicked the two occupants freely without producing from them +any appreciable symptoms of life, and then finally rowed himself back +to the "Bran" Wharf. The two culprits were compulsory teetotalers +after that. + +Their master went on accumulating roubles, which, under Russian law, +Tom could not invest in his own name, and perhaps he had personal +reasons for secrecy. He did not allow the amount of his wealth to be +known to gentlemen who might have relieved him of the anxiety of +watching over it. But, alas! there came a period of great trial to +Tom. That portion of the "Bran" Wharf where the roubles were concealed +took fire. The occupants had to fly for their lives, and soon the +whole fabric was burnt to the water's edge. Another pontoon was +erected in its place, and Tom put in command; but before he had time +to replace the fortune he had lost, he was superseded by a naval +officer, and his roubles were taken from him. I believe his dismissal +was brought about by one of the countrymen to whom he had such a +strong aversion making a complaint to the Governor about his +partiality to Englishmen. Great sympathy was secretly extended to poor +Tom by his English friends, but the loss of his position and his +wealth broke his heart, and he only survived the blow for a few weeks. + +In addition to controlling the berthing of vessels, and keeping the +harbour free from confusion, it was Tom's duty to see that no fires or +lights were allowed either by day or night, and, as these rigid rules +were frequently broken, his "hush money" very largely contributed to +his already affluent income. Nor did his removal affect the +acquisitiveness of his successor, who loyally followed in his +footsteps. As soon as a sailing-vessel arrived in the Roads, the +galley fire had to be put out before she was allowed to come into the +Mole. All cooking was done ashore at a cookhouse that was loathsomely +dirty. A heavy charge was made for the use of the place, and also for +the hire of the cook's lurky, a flat-bottomed kind of boat constructed +of rough planks. These boats were invariably so leaky that on the +passage to and from the shore they became half-foil of water, and the +food was frequently spoiled in consequence. But, even if all went +right, the crews often had to partake of badly cooked, cold rations. +Many a meal was lost altogether, and once or twice a poor cook who +could not swim was drowned by the boat filling and capsizing. The +frail craft of this kind were of curious shape, and only a person who +had the knack could row them. No more comical sport could be witnessed +than the lurky race which was held every season. Many of the cooks +never acquired the art of rowing straight, and whenever they put a +spurt on the lurky would run amuck in consequence of being +flat-bottomed and having no keel. Then the carnival of collisions, +capsizing of boats, and rescuing of their occupants began. Some +disdained assistance, and heroically tried to right their erratic +"dug-outs." It would be impossible to draw a true picture of these +screamingly funny incidents, but be it remembered they were all +sailor-cooks who took part in the sport, and the riotous joy they +derived therefrom was always a pleasant memory, and kept them for +days in good temper for carrying out the pilgrimage to and from the +cookhouse. + +The popular English idea is that there are only two classes in +Russia--viz., the upper and lower; but this is quite a mistake. There +has always been a thrifty shopkeeping and artisan class, which may be +called their middle lower class. Then there is a class that comes +between them and the common labourer. Nearly all the shopkeepers that +carry on business at Cronstadt, Riga, and other Northern Russian ports +during the summer have their real homes in Moscow, and mostly all +speak a little English. There are also the boatmen, who are a +well-behaved, well-dressed lot of men, whose homes are in Archangel. +They, as well as the tradesmen, come every spring, and leave when the +port closes in the autumn. In the sailing-ship days each of the +greengrocers--as they were called, though they sold all kinds of +stores besides--had their connection. Every afternoon, between four +and six, batches of captains were to be found seated in a +greengrocer's shop having a glass of tea with a piece of lemon in it. +It was then they spun their yarns in detail about their passages, +their owners, their mates, their crews, and their loading and +discharging. If their vessels were unchartered they discussed that +too, but whenever they got authority from their owners to charter on +the best possible terms they became reticent and sly with each other. +To exchange views as to the rate that should be accepted would have +been regarded as a decided token of business incapacity. Supposing two +captains had their vessels unchartered, each would give instructions +to be called early in the morning, that they might go in the first +boat to St. Petersburg, and neither would know what the other +intended. When they met aboard the passenger boat they would lie to +each other grotesquely about what was taking them to town. If they +were unsuccessful in fixing, they rarely disclosed what had been +offered; and this would go on for days, until they had to fix; then +they would draw closer to each other, and relate in the most minute +fashion the history of all the negotiations, and how cleverly they +had gained this or that advantage over the charterers; whereas, in +truth, their agents or brokers had great trouble in getting some of +them to understand the precise nature of the business that was being +negotiated. The following is an instance. + +Mr. James Young, of South Shields, whose many vessels were +distinguished by having a frying-pan at the foretopgallant or royal +mast-head, had a brig at Cronstadt which had been waiting unloaded for +some days. Her master was one of the old illiterate class. His peace +of mind was much disturbed at Mr. Young's indifference. At last he got +a telegram asking him to wire the best freights offering. He proceeded +to St. Petersburg, bounced into Mr. Charles Maynard's office, and +introduced himself as Mark Gaze, one of Jimmy Young's skippers. + +"Well," said Mr. Maynard, in his polite way, "and what can I do for +you, Captain Gaze?" + +"Dee for me, sorr? Wire the aad villain that she's been lyin' a week +discharged." + +"Yes," said the broker, writing down something very different. "And +what else?" + +"Tell him," said Mark, "te fetch the aad keel back te the Gut, and let +hor lie and rot wheor he can see hor!" + +"Very good," said Maynard, still waiting; "and what else?" + +"Whaat else? Oh, tell him to gan to h----, and say Mark Gaze says see. +Ask him whaat the blazes he means be runnin' the risk of gettin' hor +frozzen in. Say aa'll seun be at Shields owerland, if he dizzen't mind +whaat he's aboot." + +"Well, now," said the agent, "I think we have got to the bottom of +things. We'll send this telegram off; but before it goes, would you +like me to read it to you?" + +"For God's sake send the d---- thing away!" said Mark. "And tell him +te come and tyek the aad beast hyem hissel; or, if he likes, aa'll run +hor on te Hogland for him." + +"Well, you do seem to understand your owner and speak plainly to him. +I should think he knows he has got an excellent master who looks +after his interest." + +"Interest! What diz he knaa aboot interest? He knaas mair aboot the +West Docks. Understand him, d'ye say? If aa divvent, thor's neebody in +his employ diz. Aa've been forty-five years wiv him and his fethor +tegithor. Aa sarved me time wiv him. He dorsent say a word, or aa'd +tell him to take his ship to h---- wiv him." + +"That is really capital," said the much amused agent. "Now, what do +you say, captain, if we have some light refreshment and a cigar?" + +"Ay, that's what aa caal business. But aa nivvor tyek leet +refreshment. Ma drink is brandy or whisky neat," said Captain Gaze, +his face beaming with good-nature. + +They proceeded to a restaurant, and when they got nicely settled down +with their drinks and smokes, the skipper remarked-- + +"Aa wonder what Jimmie waad say if he could see Mark Gaze sittin' in a +hotel hevvin' his whisky and smokin' a cigar?" + +"I should think," said Mr. Maynard, "he would raise your wages, or +give you command of a larger ship." And then there was hearty +laughter. + +Captain Gaze had a profound dislike to Russians, and more than once +narrowly escaped severe punishment for showing it. I have often heard +him swearing frightfully at the men passing deals from the lighters +into the bow ports of his vessel, and declaring that God Almighty must +have had little on hand when he put them on earth. Certainly he would +have considered it an act of gross injustice if, having killed or +drowned any of them, he had been punished for it. + +Mark did not know anything about history that was written in books. He +only knew that which had occurred in his own time, and the crude bits +he had heard talked of amongst his own class. He, and those who were +his shipmates and contemporaries during the Russian War, believed that +a great act of cowardice and bad treatment had been committed in not +allowing Charlie Napier to blow the forts down and take possession of +Cronstadt.[2] They knew nothing of the circumstances that led to the +withdrawal of the fleet, but their inherent belief was that a dirty +trick had been served on Charlie, and Russians, irrespective of class, +were told whenever an opportunity occurred, that they should never +neglect to thank Heaven that the British Government was so generous as +to refrain from blowing them into space. + +At Cronstadt, after the introduction of steam, it became a custom for +stevedores' runners, and representatives and vendors of other +commodities, to have their boats outside the Mole at three and four +o'clock in the morning during the summer. The captain of each vessel, +as soon as she was slowed down or anchored, was canvassed vigorously +by each of the competitors. One morning, the representative of Deal +Yard No. 6, who was an ex-English captain, came into sharp conflict +with a Russian competitor. The latter rudely interrupted the +ex-captain while he was complimenting a friend who had just arrived on +having made a smart passage. All captains like to be told they have +made a smart passage, but the ardent advocate of Deal Yard No. 6 kept +welcoming his friend at great length, obviously to prevent the other +runners from getting a word at the new arrival. There arose a revolt +against him, headed by a person who was always supposed to be a +Russian, but who spoke English more correctly than his English +competitor. The ex-captain was somewhat corpulent. He was short, and +had a plump, good-natured face which suggested that he was not a +bigoted teetotaler; he had a suit of clothes on that did not convey +the idea of a West-end tailor; his dialect was broad Yorkshire, and +his conversational capacity interminable. The representative of No. 10 +Deal Yard undertook to stop his flow of rhetoric by calling out, +"Stop it, old baggy breeches! Give other people a chance!" But he paid +no heed, and did not even break the thread of his talk until the +captain of the steamer began to walk towards the companion-way, when +he stopped short and said, "Well, I suppose I'm to book you for No. +6?" and then there was a clamour. The whole of the runners wished to +get their word in before the captain definitely promised, but they +were too late. No. 6 had got it; but instead of accepting his success +modestly, he was so elated at having taken away an order from another +yard, that he stood up in his boat and congratulated himself on being +an Englishman. + +"No use you fellows coming off here when I'm awake; and, you bet, I'm +always awake when there's any Muscovite backstairs gentlemen about." + +As the boats were being rowed into the Mole again, some one asked who +had got the ship. The Russian competitor, who was angry at the work +being taken from his master, called out, "Bags has got her, the +drunken old sneak!" + +Bags lost no time in letting fly an oar at him, the yoke and rudder +quickly following. His vengeance was let loose, and he poured forth a +stream of quarter-deck language at the top of his voice. His phrases +were dazzling in ingenuity, and amid much laughter and applause he +urged his hearers to keep at a distance from the fellow who had dared +to insult an English shipmaster. + +"Or you will get some passengers that will keep you busy. +They--_he_--calls them _peoches_, but we English call them _lice_!" + +This sally caused immense amusement, not so much for what was said as +for his dramatic style of saying it. His antagonist retorted that he +had been turned out of England for bad language and bad behaviour, and +he would have him turned out of Russia also. This nearly choked the +old mariner with rage. He roared out-- + +"Did I, an English shipmaster, ever think that I would come to this, +to be insulted by a Russian serf? I will let the Government know that +an Englishman has been insulted. I will lay the iniquities of this +Russian system of rascality before Benjamin Disraeli. I knows him; and +if he is the man I takes him for, he won't stand any nonsense when it +comes to insulting English subjects. He has brought the Indian troops +from India for that purpose, and when the honour of England is at +stake he will send the fleet into the Baltic, and neither your ships +nor your forts will prevent his orders to blow Cronstadt down about +your blooming ears being carried out. I know where your torpedoes and +mines are, and Disraeli has confidence in me showing them the road to +victory. The British Lion never draws back!" + +The Russian deal-yard man, to whom this harangue was particularly +directed, went to the Governor on landing, and stated what the rough, +weather-beaten old sailor had been saying. The Governor communicated +with the authorities at St. Petersburg, and an order came to have the +old Englishman banished from Cronstadt and Russia for ever within +twenty-four hours. The poor creature had made a home for himself in +Cronstadt, his wife and four children being with him. The blow was so +sharp and unexpected, it stupefied him. His first thought was his +family, but there was little or no time for thought or preparation. He +had either to be got away or concealed. A liberal distribution of +roubles at the instigation of many sympathizers made it possible for +him to be put aboard an English steamer, and a week after his +banishment was supposed to have taken effect he sailed from Cronstadt, +a ruined and broken-hearted man. The old sailor's grief for the harm +his wayward conduct had done to his wife and family was quite +pathetic, and so far as kindness could appease the mental anguish he +was having to endure it was ungrudgingly extended to him, and when he +left Cronstadt he left behind him a host of sympathizers who regarded +the punishment as odious. + +The fact of any public official listening to a miscreant who told the +story of a stevedores' row, to which he himself had been a party, and +seriously believing that the threats, however extravagant and +bellicose, of a verbose old sailor could be a national danger, is, on +the face of it, so ludicrous that the English reader may easily doubt +the accuracy of such an incident; and yet it is true. + + * * * * * + +In other days I used occasionally to meet members of the Russian +revolutionary party at my brother's home in London. They were all men +and women of education and refinement. The first time I met them the +late Robert Louis Stevenson (who generally used the window as a means +of exit instead of the door), William Henley, George Collins (editor +of the _Schoolmaster_), and, I think, Mr. Wright (author of _the +Journeyman Engineer_) were there. The talk was very brilliant. My +brother, who was a charming conversationalist, kept his visitors +fascinated with anecdotes about Carlyle and John Ruskin, whom he knew +well. They spoke, too, about the unsigned articles which they were +each contributing to a paper called the _London_, and their criticism +of each other's work was very lively. But to me the most touching +incident of the afternoon was the story told by one of the +revolutionary party about Sophie Peroffsky, who mounted the scaffold +with four of her friends, kissed and encouraged them with cheering +words until the time came that they should be executed. He related +also a touching and detailed story of little Marie Soubitine, who +refused to purchase her own safety by uttering a word to betray her +friends, and was kept lingering in an underground dungeon for three +years, at the end of which she was sent off to Siberia, and died on +the road. No amount of torture could make her betray her friends. They +spoke of Antonoff, who was subjected to the thumbscrew, had red-hot +wires thrust under his nails, and when his torturers gave him a little +respite he would scratch on his plate cipher signals to his comrades. + +The account of the cause and origin of the revolutionary movement and +its subsequent history, which sparkled with heroic deeds, was told in +a quiet, unostentatious manner. I had just come from Russia. I had +been much in that country, and thought I knew a great deal about it +and the sinister system of government that breeds revolutionaries; but +the tales of cruel, senseless despotism told by these people made me +shudder with horror. I had been accustomed to abhor and look upon +Nihilists as a scoundrelly gang of lawless butchers, but I found them +the most cultured of patriots, loving their country, though detesting +the barbarous system of government which had driven them and thousands +of their compatriots from the land and friends they loved, and from +the estates they owned, into resigned and determined agitation for +popular government and the amelioration of their people. The upholders +of this despotic system of government are now engaged in a +life-and-death struggle, and all civilized nations are looking forward +to the time when, for the first time in its history, Right and not +Might shall prevail in Russia. It has been said, "Happy is the nation +that has no history." Russia knows this to her cost, for her history +is being made every day, with all the horrible accompaniments of +massacres, injustice, and tyranny. Only it should be remembered that +the fight must be between tyranny and liberty, and that the Russian +peasant must work out his own salvation. This may be--nay, must +be--the work of years, but England's sympathy will be with the workers +for freedom. English feeling on the matter was well expressed by the +statesman who had the courage to say publicly, "Long live the Duma!" +and every Englishman will in his heart of hearts applaud any efforts +made to secure constitutional government. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 2: Napier was a great favourite with his sailors, +notwithstanding his apparent harshness to them at times. Whenever he +wanted a dash made on a strong position, he inspired them with a fury +of enthusiasm by giving the word of command incisively, and then +adding as an addendum, "Now, off you go, you damned rascals, and +exterminate them." This was a form of endearment, and they knew it.] + + + + +"Dutchy" and his Chief + + +A handsome barque lay at the quay of a South Wales port, ready to +sail, and waiting only for the flood tide. Her name was the _Pacific_, +and she was commanded by a person of laborious dignity. His officers +were selected to meet the tastes and ambitions of their captain, whose +name was John Kickem. I have said before it was customary in those +days for crowds of people to congregate on the quays or dock sides to +watch the departure of vessels. Some came out of curiosity, but many +were the relatives and friends of different members of the crew who +wished to say their _adieux_, and to listen to the sombre singing of +the chanties as the men mastheaded the topsail yards, or catted and +fished the anchors. These vessels were known as copper-ore-men. They +were usually manned with picked able seamen and three apprentices. In +this instance they were all fine specimens of English manhood. It was +no ordinary sight to witness the display of bunting as it stretched +from royal truck to rail, and the grotesque love-making of the +seafarers as they hugged and kissed their wives and sweethearts over +and over again with amazing rapidity. One of the favourite songs which +they delighted to sing on such auspicious occasions was rendered with +touching pathos-- + + "Sing good-bye to Sal, and good-bye to Sue; + Away Rio! + And you that are list'ning, good-bye to you; + For we're bound to Rio Grande! + And away Rio, aye Rio! + Sing fare ye well, my bonny young girl, + We're bound to Rio Grande." + +It didn't matter, of course, where they were bound to, this ditty was +the farewell song; and it always had the desired effect of melting +the bystanders, especially the females, though Jack himself showed no +really soft emotion. Not that they were not sentimental, but theirs +seemed always to be a frolicsome sentimentality. + +The eldest apprentice of the _Pacific_ was in his eighteenth year. He +was a fine, broad-shouldered, fair-haired, medium-sized youth. He had +been dividing his attentions amongst a number of girl admirers, and +was told to come aboard to unmoor and give the tug the tow-rope. While +these orders were being carried out the lad caught sight of a young +girl who had just arrived in a great state of excitement. She was +dressed in dazzling finery, and carrying something in a basket. The +boy sprang on to the dock wall, and created much merriment with his +elephantine caresses. They shouted to him from the vessel to jump +aboard or he would lose his passage. He made a running spring for the +main rigging as she was being towed from her berth. A wild cheer went +up from the crowd when they saw the smart thing that had been done, +and that he was safe. The devoted female who had caused him to dare so +much, in the luxuriance of grief, shouted to him-- + +"Good-bye, Jim! You've always been a rare good pal to a girl. Take +care of yourself; and mind, no sweethearts at every port!" The latter +communication was made almost inarticulate with sobbing. Her last +words were, "Don't forget, Jim!" To which he replied, "You bet, I +won't!" + +Soon the attractive craft, and her equally attractive crew were lost +sight of amidst the haze of the gathering night. A quiet, easterly air +was fitfully blowing in the Channel, and when full sail was set, the +pilot and tug left. All night she trailed sinuously over the peaceful +sea, and as the cold dawn was breaking she slid past the south end of +Lundy Island with a freshening breeze at her stern. In a few days the +north-east trade winds which blow gently over the bosom of the ocean +were reached, and every stitch of canvas was hung up. The sailors had +got over their monotony, and began to entertain themselves during the +dog-watches from six to eight. The imperious commander was never happy +himself, and was angry at the sight of mirth in anybody. He forthwith +commenced a system that was well calculated to breed revolt, and which +did ultimately do so. Orders were given that there were to be no +afternoon watches below, and all hands were to be kept at work until 6 +p.m. In addition to this petty tyranny, the crew were put on their +bare whack of everything, including water; and so the dreary days and +nights passed on until Cape Horn was reached. They had long realized +that the burden of their song should be "Good-day, bad day, God send +Sunday." The weather was stormy off the Horn, and nearly a month was +spent in fruitless attempts to get round. The spirit had been knocked +out of the officers and crew by senseless bullying and wicked +persecution. They had no heart left to put into their work, otherwise +the vessel would have got past this boisterous region in half the +time. At last she arrived at Iquique, and, like all ill-conditioned +creatures who have been born wrong and have polecat natures, the +captain blamed the hapless officers and crew for the long passage, and +in order to punish the poor innocent fellows, he refused to them both +money and liberty to go ashore. Treatment of such a character could +only have one ending--and that was mutiny, if not murder; and yet this +senseless fellow, in defiance of all human law, kept on goading them +to it. He was warned by a catspaw (whom even despised bullies can have +in their pay) that the forecastle was a hotbed of murderous intent, +and that for his own safety he should give the men liberty to go +ashore, and advance them what money they required. + +"Let them revolt!" said he. "I will soon have them where they deserve +to be, the rascals. Let them, if they dare, disturb me in my cabin, +and I'll riddle them with lead. If they want to go ashore, let them go +without liberty; but if they do, their wages will be forfeited, and I +will have them put in prison." + +A policy of this kind was the more remarkable, as even if the men were +driven to desertion it was impossible to fill their places at anything +like the same wages, or with the same material. The available hands +were either not sailors at all, or if they were, they belonged to the +criminal class that feared neither God nor man, and knew no law or +pity except that which was unto themselves. On the other hand, this +vessel was manned with the cream of British seamen, who would have +dared anything for their captain and owners had they been treated as +was their right. He had run the length of human forbearance. The crew +struck. They demanded to see the British Consul, and submit their +grievances to him. Sometimes this authority is but a poor tribunal to +appeal to when real discrimination is to be determined. On this +occasion the seamen were fortunate in getting a sympathetic verdict, +and the captain got what he deserved--a good trouncing for his +treatment of them. They were willing to sign off the articles, and he +was plainly told that they must either be paid their wages in full, or +he undertake to carry out the conditions of engagement in a proper +manner. "And I must warn you," said the irate official of the British +Government, "if you drive these men out of your ship, you may expect +no assistance from me in collecting another crew. The men are right, +and you are wrong." + +The captain was in a state of sullen passion at the turn things had +taken against him. He said that he would decide the following day +whether the proper course for him to take, now that his authority had +been broken, was to pay the men off or not. On the morrow he +intimated his decision to pay them off. Poor creature, it would have +been well for him and all connected with this doomed vessel had he +swallowed his pride and resolved to behave in a rational way to his +crew. The places of respectable men were filled with human reptiles of +various nationalities--criminals, every one of them. He must have +persuaded himself that his despotism would have fuller play with these +foreigners, whose savage vengeance was destined to shock the whole +civilized world with their awful butchery. The apprentices and +officers did not take kindly to the changed condition of things. They +instinctively felt that they were to become associated with a gang of +-, and hoped that something would transpire to prevent this +happening. An opportunity was given the oldest apprentice in an +unexpected way. The captain had ordered his gig to be ashore to take +him aboard at a certain time at night. The boat was there before the +captain, and as he was so long in coming the boat's crew went for a +walk ashore. The great man came down and had to wait a few minutes for +his men. This caused him to become abusive, which the oldest +apprentice, James Leigh, resented by using some longshore adjectives. +The master seized the foothold of the stroke oar and threw it at the +lad, and when they got aboard the captain again attempted to strike +him, but the lad let fly, and did considerable damage in a rough and +tumble way to the bully, who was now like a wild beast. James was +ultimately overpowered and got a bad beating. He thereupon determined +to run away, and he laid his plans accordingly. In a few days he was +far away from the sea in a safe, hospitable hiding-place, with some +friends who knew his family at home, and the _Pacific_ had sailed long +before he reached the coast again. + +After a few months' travelling about, picking up jobs here and there, +he was brought in contact with a rich old Spaniard who owned a leaky +old barque which was employed in the coasting trade. The captain of +her was a Dutchman who spoke English very imperfectly, and what he did +know was spoken with a nasal Yankee twang. It was a habit, as well as +being thought an accomplishment in those days, as it is in these, to +affect American dialect and adopt their slang and mannerisms in order +to convey an impression of importance. Even a brief visit to the +country, or a single passage in a Yankee ship was sufficient to turn a +hitherto humble fellow into an insufferable imitator. It was obvious +the skipper had been a good deal on the Spanish Main, as he spoke +their language with a fluency that left no doubt as to what he had +been doing for many years. He was discovered at a time when the owner +was in much need of some one to take charge of his vessel, as she did +not attract the highest order of captain. The Dutchman had no Board of +Trade master or mate certificate; he was merely a sailor. James Leigh +was discovered in pretty much the same way as the captain, and the +owner took a strong liking to him at the outset. He was good to look +at, and gifted with a bright intelligence which made him attractive, +besides having the advantage of knowing something about navigation. +The chief mate's berth was offered to him and accepted. Furthermore, +it was suggested that he should visit and stay at the owner's house, +whenever the vessel was in port and his services were not required +aboard, and seeing that he was not yet eighteen, he felt flattered at +the distinction that had been thrust upon him. Perhaps he accepted the +invitation all the more readily as he was informed by his employer +that he had two daughters that would like to make his acquaintance. + +The first voyage was to Coronel and back with coal to Iquique. Mr. +Leigh, as he was now addressed by everybody, on the ship or ashore, +had intimated to his commander that he liked his berth for the +prospects that might open up to him, but he didn't relish the thought +of having to pump so continuously; whereupon Captain Vandertallen +winked hard at him, and strongly urged that it should be put up with, +and to keep his eye on the girls who were to inherit their father's +fortune. + +"I tink," said he, "I vill marry de one and you vill have de other." + +"I don't know about that," retorted James Leigh. "You see I've a girl +at home, and somehow I thinks a lot about her. But a bit of money +makes a difference; I must think it over." + +Quarterdeck etiquette was not observed between the two men. The +captain addressed his first officer as Jim, and Jim addressed his +captain as "Dutchy." This familiarity was arrived at soon after they +came together, owing to a strong difference of opinion on some point +of seamanship which had to do with the way a topgallant sail ought to +be taken in without running any risk of splitting it. The quarrel was +furious. Jim had called his commander "a blithering, fat-headed +Dutchman, not fit to have charge of a dung barge, much less a +square-rigged ship. Captain Kickem of the _Pacific_ would not have +carried you as ballast." + +Vandertallen was almost inarticulate. He frothed out-- + +"Yes, an' you he vould not carry at all; you too much chick. Remember +I the captain, and I vill discharge you at first port." + +"Oh, you go to h----!" + +"No, I vill not go to h----. I'll just stay here, and you can go to +----. You jist a boy." + +"All right, Dutchy," replied the refractory mate; "you'll want me +before I want you." + +And this was a correct prediction, as, a few days later, Dutchy lost +himself, and was obliged to come to his mate and ask the true position +of the vessel. + +"I am not captain," said he. "Do it yourself; you are a very clever +fellow." + +"No, no," said Vandertallen; "you know better dan me. Let us be +friends, Jim. I call you Jim; you call me Dutchy, or vat you like." + +"All right, then," said James Leigh. "If that is to be the way, I'll +tell you where you are, and if you had run in the same direction other +four hours you would have been ashore on the Island of Mocha." + +"Vair is dat?" said Vandertallen, nervously. + +"For Heaven's sake don't ask such silly questions," said the mate. +"You are miles out of your reckoning." + +"Vell, I'm d----!" said the amazed skipper. "Den you must do de +reckonin' now, Jim." + +"That's all very well, Dutchy, but if I have to do the navigation I am +entitled to share the pay." + +"Vary vell," replied his captain, "dat agree." + +So henceforth they were co-partners in everything--wages, +perquisites, and position; and they never again got out of their +reckoning. It was obvious James was first favourite with the crew, +and after the first voyage the veteran owner showed his marked +approval. Jim was allowed to do just as he pleased. The daughters were +charmed with him, and frequently visited the vessel with their father +when the officers could not get conveniently to their home. A strong +and growing attachment was quite apparent so far as the girls were +concerned. There seemed to be a preference with both of them for the +first mate, who, in turn, fixed his affections on the youngest. His +comrade was not quite satisfied with being so frequently ignored, so +remonstrated with Jim to stick to one, and he would stick to the +other; but the ladies having to be taken into account, it did not work +at all smoothly, as each desired to have Mr. Leigh, and before it was +settled the sisters had a violent tiff, which brought about the climax +and made it possible for negotiations to be carried on in favour of a +settlement. The father selected the elder girl for Vandertallen, and +the younger was fixed on Leigh, who threw himself into the vortex of +flirtation with youthful ardour. He thought at one time of marrying +and settling down in Chili, and undoubtedly the owner and daughter +gave encouragement to this idea. + +But letters began to arrive from home, which had an unsettling effect +on him. He was afraid to give his confidence to the captain lest he +might break faith with him, but in truth his mind and heart were +centred on a picturesque spot on the side of a Welsh hill, and in that +little home there was one who longed to have him back. Indeed, she had +written to say that if he did not come soon to her she would come to +him. These communications revived all the old feelings of affection in +his breast, and he resolved to tear himself away from the environment +which had gripped him like a vice. The old Spaniard kept hinting +marriage to him each time he paid a visit to the superb villa, but he +refused to be drawn into anything definite. As he said-- + +"The place is getting too hot for me. I must face it sooner or later +if I am not to permanently settle in Chili. Once married it is all +over with me. I will have loads of money, but am I sure it will bring +happiness? I think I must say that I lean towards a daughter of my +native land, who may not have wealth, but who has all the attributes +that appeal to me. In a few days I must decide." + +These were some of the thoughts occupying Jim's mind as the leaky old +ark lounged her way along the coast. The captain, on the other hand, +talked freely to his mate as to his own thoughts, prompted no doubt by +close companionship and the idea of becoming brothers-in-law. He told +Leigh that both of them would be very wealthy some day, but Jim kept +his counsel. He had resolved that if the subject was mentioned by the +Spaniard again he would make himself scarce. + +On their arrival at Iquique, Leigh received more letters from home. He +went to the owner's house, and in the course of the evening the old +gentleman asked him right out to marry his daughter. Mr. Leigh was +confused, and said he would like to save a little more money. + +"Never mind the money. You will have plenty of that," said the father. + +It was duly arranged that the wedding should take place at the end of +the next trip, and on the strength of that there was much rejoicing at +the villa, in which James Leigh heartily joined. He was pressed to +stay all night with the happy family, but he said that he could not do +so, owing to pressing official duties; so he bade his usual _adieux_, +and slipped out into the balmy night and made his way aboard the +vessel. He packed his belongings in a bag, woke the captain, who was +asleep in his berth, shook hands with him, and said-- + +"Good-bye, Dutchy. _You_ can do what you blessed well like, but I am +off." + +And before the captain had recovered from his sleepy amazement his +mate had slipped over the side into a boat. That was the last Dutchy +ever saw of his prospective brother-in-law. + +James Leigh stowed himself away aboard a Yankee full-rigged +packet-ship which had to sail the following morning, and when the +coast was clear he made his appearance. He was subjected for a time to +that brutal treatment which at one time disgraced the American +mercantile marine,[3] but being a smart young fellow who could do the +work of a competent seaman, and handle his "dukes" with aptitude, the +officers began to show partiality towards him, and before many days he +became quite a favourite with them and with the captain. To his +surprise, when the vessel had been at Philadelphia a few days, he was +asked to qualify for the second officer's berth. He received the +compliment with modest reserve, but his inward pride gave him trouble +to control. This was a position of no mean order even to men far +beyond _his_ years, but the thought of serving as an officer under the +magic Stars and Stripes was more fascinating than any pride he had in +the size of the vessel. A life of slash and dash was just the kind of +experience that appealed to a full-blooded rip like Jim Leigh, so that +he needed no persuading to take the offer, and adapt himself with +fervour to the new conditions, which invested him with the +knuckle-duster, the belaying pin, and the six-shooter. The _Betty +Sharp_ was chartered for London instead of the Far East, as was +expected, and twenty days after passing Cape Henry she entered the +Thames; but even in that short time the sprightly officer had made +quite a name for himself, by his methods of training and taming a +heterogeneous team of packet rats. + +As the vessel was being hauled into the Millwall Docks, spectators +were attracted by the disfigured condition of many of the crew. A +gentleman came aboard to solicit business, and after a few preliminary +remarks he said-- + +"Pardon me, captain, but I cannot help noticing that some of your +sailors look as though there had been fighting. Did they mutiny?" + +"Well, no; it was not exactly mutiny, but it was getting near to it." + +"It must have been an anxious time for you, sir," continued the +visitor. + +"Well, no; I guess I was not anxious at all, for my officers went +about their rough work with some muscular vigour. The war-paint was +soon put on and the rebellion squashed out of them. The chief officer, +understand, is an old hand at the game; and that there young fellow, +the second officer, takes to the business kindly. So we'll get along +right away." + +When the vessel was moored and the decks cleared up, the second +officer and the boatswain asked the captain's permission to go ashore +for the evening. This was granted, with a strong admonition to keep +straight and return aboard sober. The boatswain was a short, thick-set +man, with no education, but a sailor all over in his habits, manner, +and conversation, and was just the kind of person to have as a +companion if there was any trouble about. The two sailors were like +schoolboys on a holiday. They were well received by their friends, +male and female. In the West of London both were objects of interest, +and told their tales with unfailing exaggeration. The boatswain was +especially attractive, owing to his rugged personality and his +unaffected manner. His sanguinary tales of American packet-ship life +were much canvassed for, and being a good story-teller, he embellished +them with incidents that gave them a fine finishing touch. He was +asked by some young ladies if he had ever done any courting. + +"Oh yes," said he; "I have mixed a lot of that up with other things. +The very last time I was stranded in Chili I got on courting a girl +whose mother kept a bit of an hotel, and I was getting on famously, +when one day the old lady told me I wasn't to come about her house +after her daughter; but I kept on going in a sort of secret way, and +one night I was sitting in what you would call the kitchen, and the +old girl sneaked in with a great big stick. I saw the fury in her eye. +She made a go for me. I couldn't get out, so I bobbed under a +four-legged wooden table, picked it up on my shoulders, and tried to +protect my legs as much as I could. The girl screamed, and rushed to +open the door, and then called out for me to run. I didn't need any +telling. I rushed out, the old witch laying on the table with all her +might until I got out of her reach. And that is the way I am here, +because I shipped at once aboard the _Betty Sharp_, for fear I might +be copped and put in choky by the old fiend." + +"Have you heard from your sweetheart since?" asked one of the ladies. + +"No," said Jack the boatswain; "nor I don't want to. I'll soon get +another where they knows how to treat genuine sweetheartin'." + +Jim Leigh at this point said-- + +"Now then 'Shortlegs,' we must be going. I've heard that yarn fifty +times." + +"Yes, _you_ have; but these here ladies haven't." + +"Quite right," said the ladies. "And we would like you to continue +telling some more of your love experiences on the Spanish Main." + +Jack, however, said-- + +"Well, not to-night. Jim wants to get away. I'll come some other +time." + +The two sailors then left and made their way back to the docks, and as +they approached the East End a fog which had been hanging over became +so dense that they could not see where they were, and after groping +about for a couple of hours they ran against a house which had a light +in the window. Jim rapped at the door, and a man presented himself. He +was only partially clad. His voice and dialect left no doubt as to the +locality they were in. + +"Wot yer doin' of 'ere this time o' night? 'Ave yer come to rob some +o' these yere 'ouses, or wot's yer gime?" + +Mr. Leigh was a talkative person, and hastened to explain where they +were going, and that they could not find their way. The man asked the +two officers in, and presented them to a woman who sat by the fire +with a shawl over her shoulders. She was young, and seemed to be of +the gipsy type; tall, handsome features, jet black hair, sparkling +eyes and eyebrows; and when she asked them to be seated, her voice and +accent gave the impression of a lady. She chatted quite freely to the +sailors about their profession and the countries they had visited, +which led them to suppose that the lady was a great traveller. She, +however, told them that her knowledge was derived from books. +Shortlegs was mute. While the others talked he was closely +scrutinizing the surroundings. Their host was a tall, well-set man, +with shifty, evil-looking eyes that were kept busy, as was his tongue. +After they had been in the house some time, he asked them if they +wished to stay all night. + +"We don't want ter press yer, but if yer like we've got a comfortable +room. But ye'll both 'ave to sleep in one bed." + +"We don't mind that," said James Leigh. "Show us where it is." + +They bade the lady good morning, as it was 2 a.m., and they were +escorted upstairs to a moderately-furnished room with an iron bed, +wooden washstand, wardrobe, two chairs, and canvased floor. + +"Well, do you think it'll do?" asked the host. + +"Yes," replied James, in a jaunty way. "We've slept in many a worse +place than this, Shorty, haven't we? See that we're called at six in +the morning, gov'nor." + +"That's all right," said the shifty-eyed host; "we're early birds, we +are, in this 'ere 'ouse. We goes to bed early too. Wot'll ye 'ave for +breakfast?" + +"Never mind breakfast; we'll get that when we get aboard," replied +Leigh. "Good-night; it's very good of you to put us up." + +The host remarked that he was pleased to do a kindness to anybody, but +especially to sailors, and then he slid out of the room. Shortlegs +watched him downstairs, then closed the door. When he looked round his +second officer was half undressed. He whispered to him not to undress, +and that if he knew as much about bugs as he did he would need no +telling. + +"Oh! d---- the bugs and everything else. I'm in for a good nap." + +"Well," said Shortlegs, "you may do as you like, but I'm a-going to +keep my clothes on." + +Jim, however, did not heed his companion's advice; he undressed, +jumped into bed, and was soon asleep. Shortlegs sat smoking his pipe +for a while, then rose and commenced a survey of the room. He looked +under the bed, into a cupboard, behind the curtains, and then sat down +and pondered over their strange experience. At last he pulled his +boots and coat off, and was preparing to get into bed, when it +occurred to him that he had not examined the wardrobe; so he jumped +up, opened the door, stood gazing at the inside, closed the door, +went to the bed, shook his mate into consciousness, and speaking in a +loud whisper, he said-- + +"Jim, for God's sake get up!" + +"What for?" said Jim. + +"Because there's a dead 'un in the wardrobe," replied Shortlegs. + +"A what?" asked Mr. Leigh. + +"A corpse," responded his companion. + +"Go on, don't talk such rot!" + +"Very well, look for yourself," said the boatswain, who again opened +the door, and exposed the dead body to view. James Leigh turned pallid +and almost inarticulate. He could only touch his friend on the +shoulder, and utter-- + +"My God, where are we? What shall we do with the corpse?" + +Visions of being had up for murder had seized him. But he was quickly +pulled up by his more discreet shipmate, who told him to cease +speaking, allow the dead 'un to remain where he was, keep their boots +off, open the window quietly, see how far it was to drop or to lower +themselves down with the bedclothes. This being done, they found the +plan of escape impracticable without being "nabbed," so they took the +bold resolve of going out as they had come in, with their boots on. +Before they had got half-way down the stairs they heard suppressed +conversation. It was evident they were detected. + +"Use your knuckle-duster, Jim, if necessary, and charge them with +murder," whispered Shortlegs. + +"You leave that to me, Shorty; I'm going to get out of this." + +When they reached the bottom of the stairs, the room door, which was +ajar, opened, and the man who showed them upstairs stood before them. +He was in his sleeping clothes. They requested him to open the outer +door and let them out, as they did not desire to remain any longer in +the house. He asked why they were leaving comfortable lodgings on +such a night. Jim being the spokesman, said they didn't like sleeping +with corpses, and raising his voice with nervous courage, declared +that if the door was not immediately opened he would stand a good +chance of being put in the wardrobe where the other poor devil was. +The wretched bully, shivering with passion and sudden fear, made a +grab at Jim, and in an instant he was lying on the floor, and the two +sailors opened the door and stepped out into the cold fog. + +"My God, what an experience!" said Shorty. "What a lucky thing I +looked in the wardrobe. We might have been given up to the police as +the murderers; and that lady, as we thought, what a demon she must be +to be connected with such." + +"My dear fellow," said the second mate, "don't say anything wrong +against the lady. How do we know but she is a prisoner, or in some way +beholden to the rascal. What a strange thing she never appeared. I +wonder if she was there. She must have been, as we heard voices." + +"That's right enough," said the boatswain; "but was it her voice?" + +"I never thought of that, Shorty. What d'ye say if we go back and try +and learn more about this mysterious affair?" + +"Not me," said Shorty; "I've had enough of this kind of experience." + +"But," remonstrated the officer, "suppose the lady is in captivity?" + +"Never mind that, boss. I don't care if there were twenty blessed +women in captivity. I'm not going back, because I thinks the lady is +in the swim." + +"Nonsense, Shorts. She is an educated woman!" + +"Yes; and I've heard, boss, of educated women doin' funny things. How +d'ye know but it's her husband that's in the wardrobe, gov'nor? No, +no; I knows some of these 'ere ladies, and I'm not a-going to mix +myself up with them. And if you takes my advice you'll stick to me and +get aboard as soon as we can. And keep this 'ere affair mum, or we may +have a visit from some of her Majesty's detectives." + +"Well," ejaculated James Leigh, "it is a mystery, and must remain such +so far as we are concerned. But I am tempted to tell the police, as I +feel certain that woman cannot be there of her own free will." + +"Woman be d----d, boss! How do you know, as I said before, that she's +not at the bottom of it? You never knew an affair like this that a +woman had not her hand in it; and if you are going to give +information, don't introduce your humble servant, who has his own +ideas of this 'ere person." + +The young fellows had talked on ever since they left the tomb of the +dead, unheeding the direction in which they were going. When the fog +cleared they found themselves amidst the East End slums, environed by +all that was villainous. They were not long in winding their way +aboard the _Betty Sharp_. The night's exploits made a deep impression +on James Leigh; it caused him to review the Bohemian career he had +lived ever since he ran away from the _Pacific_ in Chili. He resolved +to pay a visit to his home in Wales, as he was so near, and in spite +of strong protestations on the part of the captain he resigned his +post. There was great rejoicing in the little village when he +unexpectedly made his appearance. The news of the mutiny aboard the +_Pacific_, and the tragic end of the captain, officers, and part of +the crew preceded him. His family had blamed him for leaving at +Iquique. They now said he had been guided by a strange but merciful +Providence to his old home. He told the eager listeners of the family +circle many tales of daring adventure as they sat in the cosy room by +the fire, but whenever the gruesome figure of the dead man in the +wardrobe crossed his mind he became reticent and pensive. These +lapses did not go unnoticed, and he was often pressed for the cause of +so sudden a change from mirth to sullen silence. + +"I will tell you what it is," said he; "a corpse is the cause." + +And then he told them all about it. James Leigh's change of life, +manner, and habits dated from the dreaded night when he saw with his +own eyes the ghastly figure of what he believed to be a murdered man. +From being a roving, reckless, devil-may-care sailor, he settled into +a steady, ambitious, capable man. He married a Welsh girl after his +own heart, and forgot all about the daughter of the old Spaniard, who, +if subsequent accounts were correct, pined for his return to Chili. +Mrs. Leigh resented any allusion to the Spanish maiden. She always +reminded her husband that people should marry their own countrywomen, +and that instead of thinking of her he should be using his mind in +attaining that knowledge that would enable him to reach the height of +his profession. He was not long in satisfying the lady's ambition and +his own. In less than five years from leaving the Yankee ship he was +in command of a smart, up-to-date English steamer, trading between +Mozambique and Zanzibar, trafficking in slaves and other merchandise. +He made heaps of money for his owners, and was gifted with an aptitude +for never neglecting himself in matters of finance. In due course the +trade collapsed, and he was ordered to bring his vessel home. By this +time his savings from several sources had accumulated to a decent +little fortune, and with it he resolved to start business on his own +account. He sought the aid of a few friends, and was enabled to +purchase a small steamer. It was while he was on a visit to this +much-boasted-of craft that he came across Shorty at a fair outside +Cardiff. The rugged ex-boatswain had a machine for trying strength, +and asked him to have a go. Captain Leigh recognized his old shipmate +by a defect in his speech, and made himself known. Shorty was filled +with delight, and would have given him the whole show. He rushed off, +called out to a lady who was attending to the machine, and brought her +to be introduced. + +"This is my bit o' cracklen, Jim. She's a good 'un, she is. Now, don't +ye be a-fallin' in love with her, James, as you used to with the other +girls out in Chili, ancetera, ancetera. Don't ye reckonize her? Don't +ye remember that fine hotel we landed in, and the wardrobe and one or +two other incidents?" + +"I do," said Captain James Leigh; "but surely this is not?" + +"Yes, it is," said the proud husband. "It's she, isn't it, chubby?" + +The lady merely nodded her head and smiled. + +"Then what have you been doing, Shorty, all these years?" + +"This," said he, pointing to the show. "I never got over the 'orror of +that night, so I made my mind up not to go a rovin' agen; and this +'ere girl, that I thought so badly of, 'as helped me to make a livin' +ever since I came across her. Very queer, you was right; she was sort +o' confined to the 'ouse, but had nothin' to do with the corpse. She +didn't know of it until I told her." + +"My God! don't talk of it, Shorts. I cannot bear to think of it even +now. But how did you pick her up?" + +"At the docks," said John Shorts. "She came to look for us, and I took +on with her and got married." + +"You must have had a strong belief in her." + +"Yes; and so would you if you knew her as I do. I'd trust my money, +and my life, and everything with her. D'ye see that waggon of mats and +baskets? That's her department; started on her own 'ook. My word, +she's a daisy." + +"Well, Shorty, I'm delighted to see you. And now I must be going. You +seem quite happy." + +"Happy," said the boatswain, "that's not a name for it. It's 'eaven on +earth this 'ere thing," looking and pointing at his wife. Breaking off +quickly, he said, "'Ave ye ever heard from Chili, Jim?" + +"Oh yes," said he; "I had a letter only the other day from Dutchy. The +old owner died, and left all his money to his two daughters and +Dutchy, who married the eldest." + +"That's a bit thick, isn't it, Jim--for that fat Dutchman to go +wandering about the Spanish Main doin' all sorts of things, and then +fall on his feet like this?" + +"Well," said Jim, "you have fallen on your feet, so you say; and I'm +sure I have." + +"That's right," said Shorts. "I wasn't thinken' that the wife was +standin' by." + +The lady quietly smiled, shook hands with her husband's late chum, and +walked off towards her caravan. Captain Leigh endeavoured to draw +Shorty to tell him about his wife, but the old sailor evaded all his +questions. + +"Well," said Leigh, "this has been a joyful meeting to me, and if we +never met again, God bless you!" + +"The same to you, Jim," said Shorts. "Good-bye, old chap." + +The two men never did meet again. James Leigh is now a prosperous +merchant, and may be seen any day in a smart-cut "frocker" and silk +hat, having his lunch at a bar, surrounded with kindred spirits, +telling his wonderful tales--some truthful, others well padded, but +all interesting. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 3: It may be said in passing that America at that period, +and for some years later, supplied Great Britain and other nations +with the finest and fastest ships afloat, large and small. The +Americans have always had a reputation of doing things on a large +scale. Unmistakably their vessels were bad to beat. Their crews were +well paid and well fed. They had the best cooks and stewards in the +world; but the inadequacy of their manning, and the cruel treatment of +the poor wretches who composed the crew, was a national disgrace. An +American vessel with a mediocre crew aboard was nothing short of a +hell afloat, and even with an average lot of men it was little better, +unless they had the courage and the capacity to straighten the +officers out, which was sometimes done with salutary effect.] + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LOOKING SEAWARD AGAIN*** + + +******* This file should be named 15222-8.txt or 15222-8.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/5/2/2/15222 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: Looking Seaward Again</p> +<p>Author: Walter Runciman</p> +<p>Release Date: March 1, 2005 [eBook #15222]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LOOKING SEAWARD AGAIN***</p> +<p> </p> +<h3>E-text prepared by Steven Gibbs<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team</h3> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> + + <h1>Looking Seaward Again</h1> + + <h3>By</h3> + + <h2>Sir WALTER RUNCIMAN, Bart.,</h2> + + <h4>Author of <i>The Shellback's Progress</i>,<br /> + <i>Windjammers and Sea Tramps</i>, etc.</h4> + + <h4>LONDON:<br /> + WALTER SCOTT PUBLISHING CO. LTD.<br /> + 1907.</h4> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" width="506" height="275" + alt="Dodging under the Land" title="Dodging under the Land" /> + <br /> + <b>Dodging under the Land</b> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h4>TO<br /> + MY WIFE<br /> + THESE FRAGMENTS<br /> + ARE AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED.</h4> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE"></a>PREFACE.</h2> + + <p>The following tales have been told to some few men and women + by the fireside. The stories themselves only claim to be + unvarnished matters of fact; and I may repeat here what I said in + a previous volume, that my object has not been to strain after + literary effect or style. My too early desertion of home-life to + graduate in the harsh and whimsical discipline of sailing-vessels + in the days when they had still some years to live and "carry on" + ere steam took the wind out of their sails, precluded such + studies as are natural to the embryo man of letters. But the + circumstances that told against mere study did not prevent my + preserving many memories of my sojourns ashore and voyages in + distant seas. I mention this fact, not as an apology, but as an + explanation which I hope may commend itself to the amiable + reader.</p> + + <p>WALTER RUNCIMAN.</p> + + <p><i>3rd December</i> 1907.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS.</h2> + + <div class="center"><table> + <tr><td align="left"><a href="#PREFACE"><b>PREFACE.</b></a></td></tr> + + <tr><td align="left"><a href="#Through_Torpedoes_and_Ice"><b>Through Torpedoes and + Ice</b></a></td></tr> + + <tr><td align="left"><a href="#Fair_Trade_and_Foul_Play"><b>Fair Trade and Foul + Play</b></a></td></tr> + + <tr><td align="left"><a href="#Smugglers_of_the_Rock"><b>Smugglers of the + Rock</b></a></td></tr> + + <tr><td align="left"><a href="#A_Pasha_before_Plevna"><b>A Pasha before + Plevna</b></a></td></tr> + + <tr><td align="left"><a href="#A_Russian_Port_in_the_Sixties"><b>A Russian Port in + the 'Sixties</b></a></td></tr> + + <tr><td align="left"><a href="#Dutchyquot_and_his_Chief"><b>"Dutchy" and his + Chief</b></a></td></tr> + </table></div> + <p> </p> + + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="Through_Torpedoes_and_Ice" id= + "Through_Torpedoes_and_Ice"></a>Through Torpedoes and Ice</h2> + + <p>"Osman the Victorious," as Skobeleff called the matchless + Turkish pasha, had kept the Russian hordes at bay for one hundred + and forty-two days. Never in the annals of warfare had the world + beheld such unexpected military genius, combined with stubborn + endurance, as was shown during the siege of Plevna. On December + 10th, 1877, Osman came out and made a desperate struggle to break + through the Russian lines; but after four hours' hard fighting + the Turks sent up the white flag, and boisterous cheering swelled + over the snow-clad land when it became known that the greatest + Turkish general of modern times had surrendered. His little army + of Bashi-Bazouks had annihilated more than one Siberian + battalion. The Russian loss was forty thousand, and the Turkish + thirty thousand. Had Suleiman and the other Turkish generals + shown the same stubborn spirit as Osman, the Russian army would + never have been permitted to cross the Balkans, much less reach + Constantinople.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id= + "FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class= + "fnanchor">[1]</a> But after the fall of Plevna the resistance of + the Turkish army was feeble, and the Muscovites were not long in + pitching their camp at San Stefano. Indeed, a rumour got abroad + one night that the Russians were in the suburbs of + Constantinople. This roused the indignation of the English + jingoes to such a pitch that the great Jewish Premier, with the + dash that characterized his career, gave peremptory orders for + the British fleet to proceed, with or without leave, through the + Dardanelles, and if any resistance was shown to silence the + forts. Russia protested and threatened, and Turkey winked a stern + objection, but Lord Beaconsfield was firm, and suitable + arrangements were arrived at between the Powers.</p> + + <p>Bismarck offered his services as mediator, and suggested that + a European Congress should be held at Berlin to discuss the + contents of the Treaty of San Stefano. This was agreed to, and + Lord Beaconsfield, accompanied by Lord Salisbury, were the + British representatives at the Congress. The Prime Minister and + the Foreign Secretary drove a hard and favourable bargain for + Turkey and for Britain. Turkey, it is needless to say, got the + worst of it; but, considering her crushing defeat, came well out + of the settlement. Cyprus was ceded to the British, to be used as + a naval station, and subsequent experience has proved the wisdom + of this acquisition. Lord Beaconsfield proclaimed to a tumultuous + crowd on the occasion of his return to London that he had brought + back "peace with honour." This was the acme of the great Jew's + fame. It looked as though he could have done anything he liked + with the British people, so that it is no wonder that the old man + lost his balance when such homage was paid him by that section of + the public which was smitten with his picturesque and audacious + personality.</p> + + <p>Naturally, his policy impregnated Russia with a strong + anti-British feeling, and it was said that her activity in + running up earthworks and apparently impregnable fortifications + was in anticipation of Disraeli declaring war and ordering the + fleet to bombard the Crimean ports; hence, too, in addition to + the strong fortifications, torpedo mines were laid for miles + along the seaboard, and every possible means and opportunity were + taken to make it widely known that the Black Sea was one deadly + mine-field. The Press on all sides was, as usual, brimful of + reports of the most alarmist nature—these, of course, for + the most part extravagant and inaccurate rumours. Nor did the + Russian Press minimize accounts of the terrible devastation that + was wrought on unarmed trespassers who came within the zone of + terror. I read twice of my own rapid and complete destruction. + There is no doubt that mines were laid, though both their + capacity for destruction and the number of them was very much + exaggerated.</p> + + <p>From the end of —— outer breakwater to beyond the + —— there was a line of mines which left between the + land and them a channel less than half a mile wide. A gunboat + with torpedo pilots aboard was moored at the south end, and + vessels prior to the war and during the armistice were compelled + to take a pilot in and out; but no vessel was allowed to pass in + or out from sunset to sunrise. A gunboat was also stationed + outside the inner breakwater. A large fleet of steamers had been + attracted by the high freights, inflated by the war fever that + permeated Europe at that time, and also because the season was + far advanced, and merchants were anxious to get their stuff + shipped in case hostilities broke out. The heavy snowstorms had + made the roads almost impassable, but in spite of great + difficulties the loading was carried on; slowly, it is true, but + with dogged perseverance. The frost had become keen, and large + floes of ice were rushed down the reaches by the swift current. + Booms were moored outside the vessels to protect them, but these + were constantly being carried away, and not a little damage was + done. A consultation amongst the captains was held as to the + advisability of leaving with what cargoes they had aboard, but + only two decided to start on the following morning. Some of the + others said they could force their way through six inches of ice, + and would risk waiting to receive their whole cargo. Accordingly, + as soon as it was daylight one of the captains who had made all + arrangements to leave gave orders to unmoor. The other had + changed his mind, and fell in with the views of the majority. The + captain of the <i>Claverhouse</i>, however, got underweigh, but + before getting very far his engineer reported that the hot-well + cover had broken in two. It was temporarily repaired, and she got + along famously until they came to a bend in the river where there + was much packed ice. For two hours manoeuvring continued without + any appreciable result. At last the big mass began to move, and a + navigable channel was opened, which enabled the vessel to make + slow though risky progress through a field of moving ice.</p> + + <p>The anchorage at —— was reached before darkness + set in, and a vessel which had left four days previously was + observed to be ashore, with the ice drifting up against her port + side, forcing her farther on to the bank. Signals were hoisted + offering assistance, but before the reply could be made a + blinding snowstorm came on, which lasted all through the night. + The next morning, at daylight, signals were again made by the + <i>Claverhouse</i> to the stranded vessel asking if they would + accept assistance. The reply came, "I want lighters." The crew + were jettisoning the cargo of wheat on to the ice as it flowed + past, but the more they lightened the farther the vessel was + forced on to the bank by the rushing current. The master of the + <i>Claverhouse</i>, observing the critical position, sent a boat + away with a small line. A communication was effected, but not + without great difficulty. The master of the <i>Aureola</i> was + worn out with anxiety and want of rest, for his vessel had been + ashore for forty-eight hours. He very wisely accepted the + assistance which had opportunely come to him. A tow-rope was + attached to the small line, and by this means a thick tow-line + was got aboard, and she was dragged off the bank; then orders + were unaccountably given to cut the tow-rope. This very nearly + resulted in a more serious disaster, as the engineers in the + confusion kept the engines going astern, and the rope drifting + with the current, became entangled round the propeller. If the + anchor and chains had not held the great strain that was put on + them, she would have gone ashore again in a worse position, and + inevitably have broken her back. As it was, the propeller was + cleared in about a couple of hours. The captain of the + <i>Aureola</i> was not well acquainted with the locality, and + arranged that he should follow the other steamer + to——. Suitable plans and signals were settled, and + both vessels weighed anchor and proceeded as fast through the ice + as was compatible with safety. Once out of the narrows and clear + of the obstruction, the engines were put at full speed and kept + going until they were forced to slow down on account of the snow + squalls, which obscured everything. The sea had become rough, and + the utmost resources of the commanders were taxed in their + efforts to navigate the coast and yet keep together. They groped + their way until —— town lights were visible. It was + then seen that the gunboat anchored at the south end of the + mine-field was signalling to them to stop; but still they went + slowly on, feeling their way by the lead, while those aboard the + gunboat began to fire rockets with exciting rapidity. Regardless + of the warning, the two steamers kept on their way until they got + to the anchorage, when the warship was hidden from view.</p> + + <p>It was past midnight; and although the crews of both vessels + had gone through a severe ordeal of physical endurance, they were + each anxious to hear what the other had to say about the events + of the last forty-eight hours, which were beset with peril, and + had culminated by boldly running into the anchorage over the + mines in defiance of the regulations—to say nothing of the + danger of being blown up, or the mysterious prospect of Siberia! + The captain of the <i>Aureola</i> was greatly perturbed, and he + promptly ordered his gig to be manned to take him to the + <i>Claverhouse</i>. On getting aboard, he reproached his friend + for leading him into what might prove a serious scrape. The two + men talked long of the exciting doings of the day and the policy + that should be adopted on the morrow, when they would be + confronted with officials that were not over well-disposed to + British subjects. They fully realized that the case would have to + be managed with great astuteness, so they bethought themselves of + one of the cleverest and most popular men in——, and + sent a message to him asking his help. His name need not be + mentioned; he is long since dead, and it is sufficient to say + that he was an educated Maltese, and held a kind of magnetic + influence over the harbour authorities. The Admiral was an + amiable man in an ordinary way, and susceptible to the + temptations that beset officials in these places; but the + <i>Claverhouse's</i> offence was no common one, nor could it be + approached in an ordinary way of speech.</p> + + <p>On going ashore, the captains were ushered into the presence + of the infuriated official who was to decide their destiny. He + fumed and foamed savagely, and whenever an attempt was made to + speak his paroxysms became inhuman. Their Maltese friend had come + to their aid, and was waiting patiently for the storm to subside, + so that he could explain how it happened that the regulations + came to be broken. Things looked black until Mr. C—— + began to speak in Russian. It took him some time to get the great + man pacified, and as soon as that was accomplished he said to the + master of the <i>Claverhouse</i>—"You know that you could + be sent to Siberia or less. How am I to explain it? Why did you + not keep at sea all night? There is only one thing that will save + you."</p> + + <p>"Well, then," responded the captain of the <i>Claverhouse</i>, + "let that one thing be arranged; but let me also state the cause + of our breaking the law. We could have kept the sea quite well + had we known exactly where we were, but we could see nothing, and + had to navigate by taking soundings, and as soon as we got into + seven fathoms the water became smooth, and, fearing we might run + aground, the anchor was let go. As for the rockets that were + fired by the gunboat, we had passed the line of torpedoes before + our attention was attracted by the firing. The Admiral himself + could not have avoided it. Surely he cannot think we deliberately + ran into the anchorage?"</p> + + <p>"That is just what he does think," said Mr. C——. + "What am I to do?"</p> + + <p>"Settle on the best terms," said the captain.</p> + + <p>At this point two officers took the captains to another room, + and they were locked in. An hour afterwards Mr. C—— + came to them and said—</p> + + <p>"I have managed to get him quietened down. You have had a + narrow squeak. It took me a long time to get him to speak of + liberating you, and now I am requested to bring you to him so + that you may be severely reprimanded. He talked of gaol, and + sending you out of the country for ever, and inflicting a heavy + fine; but that stage has passed, so come with me."</p> + + <p>When they were ushered into the Admiral's presence he frowned + severely at them. Russian officers and high officials always + expect you to tremble when they administer a rebuke. Needless to + say, the reception was harsh. There was a good deal of long + stride, prancing from one end of the room to the other, vehement + talk in Russian, and wild gesticulation. The Maltese told the + somewhat callous captains that the Admiral declared the next + Englishman that attempted such a thing, if he were not blown up, + would have to be shot. An example must be made. The genial + intermediary interjected with apparent sternness—</p> + + <p>"Captains, you must apologize for the crime you have + committed, and be thankful that you are going to be dealt + leniently with. The Admiral is right: you deserved to be blown up + with your ship. But apologize suitably, and leave the rest to + me."</p> + + <p>All but the last sentence was interpreted to the gallant + official. An apology was made, and silently accepted; but the + real penalty was not disclosed to the captains until afterwards, + and then it was kept secret by them and by the two contracting + parties. The two commanders, when being congratulated on their + release, said they did not know what all the fuss was about. They + had done no harm to anybody, and if hostilities were resumed they + hoped the Turks would wipe the Russians off the field, and so + on.</p> + + <p>Three stirring months passed before the <i>Claverhouse</i> + returned to ----. When she arrived at the gunboat guarding the + torpedo channel, she took a pilot, and proceeded into the harbour + in a law-abiding manner, while her captain, audibly and + inaudibly, declaimed against a Government whose barbarous notions + led them to impose restrictions that caused expense and + interrupted the normal process of navigation. "What right have + these beastly Russians to hamper British shipping like this?"</p> + + <p>When the captain landed he was met by several friends, who + cheerfully inquired if he had found another new channel into the + port. He jokingly retorted—</p> + + <p>"No; but I might have to find a new one out."</p> + + <p>He was solemnly advised not to attempt it. The Admiral, whom + he occasionally met, was unusually cordial, and this attitude of + courtesy was ungrudgingly reciprocated. One evening the captain + wished to visit a friend of his, whose vessel lay at the forts. + The sentry asked him to retire. He refused to move, and commenced + to harangue the soldier in a language he supposed to be Russian. + There must have been something wrong about it, for after a few + words of conversation the sentry rushed at him with the bayonet + fixed, and but for the swiftness of his heels there might have + been a tragedy. He immediately called at the Admiral's office, + informed him of what had occurred, and requested that he should + be escorted where he desired to go. An officer was sent with him, + and when they got to the sentry the officer spoke to the man in a + heated tone, and then slapped him on the face with the flat of + his hand. The captain asked why he had struck the sentry. The + officer replied—</p> + + <p>"Because he told me you had used some Russian language to him + that caused him to believe you were a suspicious character. I + told him he was a fool, and that you were a friend of mine and of + the Admiral. You will have no more trouble."</p> + + <p>A <i>douceur</i> was slipped into the willing hand, and on the + return journey another was given to the poor sentry, who showed a + meekness and gratitude that was nearly pathetic.</p> + + <p>On the following day there was a sensational rumour that the + armistice would be raised and hostilities between the two + belligerents resumed. At the forts and at the military quarters + of the city there was much activity. The troops were being + reviewed by one of the Grand Dukes, and there were evidences of + conscription everywhere. Aboard the warships the flutter was + quite noticeable, and the frequent communications between them + and the shore augured trouble. Merchants, agents, and captains + displayed unusual energy to complete their engagements. A + strongly-worded order was handed to the captains of the few + vessels still remaining in port that, on penalty of being sunk by + the warships or blown up by torpedoes, no vessel was to go out of + the port after sundown at 6 p.m.</p> + + <p>On the second day after this instruction was given the loading + of the <i>Claverhouse's</i> cargo was completed. A gentleman sent + a note requesting the captain to see him, and not to remove the + staging between his vessel and the quay, as it would be required + to carry out an important shipment which would be of great + benefit to himself and all concerned. Negotiations were opened, + and were briefly as follows:—This estimable Briton had been + approached by a person of great astuteness and easy integrity, + who was neither an Englishman nor a Turk, to engage at all costs + a steamer to take bullocks on deck to a certain unnamed + destination. The freight would be paid before the cattle were + shipped, but the vessel would have to sail that night, and a + large sum would be paid for running that risk.</p> + + <p>"State your price," said the genial agent; "anything within + reason will be paid."</p> + + <p>The captain was as eager to do a deal as his new acquaintance, + though he pleaded the almost impossible task of running out of + the port without being observed, and if observed the inevitable + consequence of being sunk, probably with all on board. The agent, + having in mind his own considerable interest, played discreetly + on the vanity of the commander, and laughed at the notion of an + astute person like him allowing himself to be trapped; appealed + to his nationality, and the glory of having run out of a port + that was severely blockaded. The captain cut this flow of greasy + oratory short by stating that for the moment he was thinking of + the amount of hard cash he was going to get, and not of the + glory.</p> + + <p>"I know what I will have to do, and I think I know how it will + have to be done; but first let us fix the amount I am to have for + doing it. My price is £——. Do you agree?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," said the agent; "though it's a bit stiff. But the + animals must go forward."</p> + + <p>The captain did not expect so sudden a confirmation, and + remarked, "I fancy I have not put sufficient value on the + services I am to carry out; but I have given my word, and will + keep it."</p> + + <p>In due course the money was handed over in British gold. The + cattle were taken aboard, and just as the sun was setting the + moorings were cast off, and the vessel proceeded to the outer + harbour and anchored. The chief mate was instructed to put as + little chain as possible out, and the engineer was told to have a + good head of steam at a certain hour. Meanwhile, the captain + proceeded to the city to clear his ship, and at the stated hour + he was stealthily rowed alongside. The pawls of the windlass were + muffled, and the anchor was hove noiselessly up by hand; the + engines were set easy ahead, and as soon as she was on her course + the telegraph rang "full speed." She had not proceeded far before + a shot was fired from the inner gunboat, which landed alongside + the starboard quarter. The chief officer called from the + forecastle head—</p> + + <p>"They are firing at us—hadn't you better stop?"</p> + + <p>"Stop, be d——d! Do you want to be hung or sent to + the Siberian mines?"</p> + + <p>The next shot fell short of the stern. They now came thick and + heavy, but the <i>Claverhouse</i> by this time was racing away, + and was quickly out of range. The most critical time arrived when + she was rushed headlong over the line of torpedoes; and as soon + as the outer gunboat was opened clear of the breakwater, she, + too, commenced to fire. Once the line of mines was safely passed, + the course was set to hug the land. The firing from the torpedo + gunboat was wildly inaccurate, never a shot coming within fathoms + of their target, and soon the little steamer was far beyond the + reach of the Tsar's guns.</p> + + <p>Her captain had no faith in the report industriously + circulated that the Crimean coast and the Black Sea were + impenetrably mined, so he proceeded gaily on his voyage, shaking + hands with himself for having succeeded in running the gauntlet + without a single man being hurt, or the breaking of a rope-yarn. + The crew were boisterously proud of the night's exploit. They + knew that no pecuniary benefit would be derived by them, and were + content to believe that they had been parties to a dashing piece + of devil-may-care work. The average British sailor of that period + loved to be in a scrape, and revelled in the sport of doing any + daring act to get out of it. It never occurred to the captain + that his crew might jib at the thought of undertaking so perilous + a course. He had been reared in the courage of the class to which + he belonged, and his confidence in the loyalty of his men was not + shaken by the thoughtless interjection of the chief officer, who, + in a shameful moment asked him to turn back after the first shot + was fired. He had no time to think of that senseless advice when + it was given, but it may be taken for granted the cautious mate + did not add to his popularity with the crew. He had commanded + large sailing vessels in the Australian passenger trade, and this + was his first voyage in steam. The new life, with all its varied + sensationalisms, was a mystery to him, and this little incident + did not increase his belief in the wisdom of his change from sail + to steam. He explained that the thought of what he regarded as + inevitable disaster caused him to spontaneously call out that + they were firing.</p> + + <p>"Besides," he continued, "I don't like the business; so I'll + resign my position and go back to sailing vessels again, on the + completion of the voyage."</p> + + <p>The captain reminded him of the fine spirit of enterprise that + prevailed amongst the crew; only in a lesser degree, perhaps, + than that which caused Nelson under different circumstances to + say of his sailors, "They really mind shot no more than + peas."</p> + + <p>"Nelson may have said that, and our crew may have a fine + spirit of wholesale daring, but I don't like to be mixed up with + either the enterprise or the shot," retorted the reflective + officer; and I daresay if the captain were asked for an opinion + now he would be disposed to take the mate's view.</p> + + <p>The thought of being pursued kept up a quiet excitement. The + vessel was pressed through the water at her maximum speed and + arrived at her first destination without any mishap to herself or + the deck cargo, which was landed expeditiously. She then + continued on her voyage. On arrival at the discharging port, a + letter was received from the owners complimenting the captain on + the success of an undertaking which would contribute so + considerably to the profits of the voyage, and at the same time + calling his attention to a newspaper cutting. An official + telegram to the English Press stated that "<i>A British steamer, + name unknown, in attempting to run out of —— harbour + over the torpedo lines, was warned and fired upon by a Russian + warship which was guarding the harbour. The steamer refused to + stop. She was shelled, and in crossing the mine zone the vessel, + with her crew, was blown to atoms!</i>" This was a sensational + piece of news to read of one's self.</p> + + <p>Two years elapsed before the captain again steamed into + —— harbour. He expected to meet his old friend the + Admiral, and a few other Russian gentlemen in whom his interest + was centred; but they had either gone to their rest or had been + removed. It seemed as though the incident that caused so much + commotion at the time had passed out of recollection. Indeed, + there seemed quite a new order of things. New officials were + there. The gunboats were removed from their familiar stations. + The torpedoes that had been the dread of navigators had been + lifted, and it was commonly reported that many of them were + loaded with sand. No signs were visible of there having been war + defences that were meant to be regarded as impregnable—and + it is not to be denied the earthworks justified that opinion. + There were whisperings that when those in high places discovered + what some of the mines were charged with, the persons responsible + for the laying of the mines were seized; and tradition has it + that an impromptu scaffold had been erected outside the town, and + every one of the suspects hanged without trial—and merely + on the suspicion that they knew of, even if they had not + contributed to, the treacherous act. In the light of the horrors + that are occurring in Russia at the present time, it is not + improbable that there was treachery; and that when it was + discovered, suspicion centred on certain persons, who were, in + accordance with Muscovite autocracy, dispatched without ceremony, + guilty or not guilty.</p> + + <p>"Ah!" said Mr. C—— to the captain, who had just + finished describing his last departure from —— + Harbour, "you may thank your stars that the torpedoes were loaded + with sand or some other rubbish, or you wouldn't have been here + this day. The officers were in a great fury at the wires not + operating when you were running out, and the + men—submarines, I think, they are called—who were + behind the earthworks were knocked about badly. They came to my + place to get to know the name of the vessel, but I bamboozled + them, and gave them cigars and vodka, and they weren't long in + forgetting about what had happened. I think there is no doubt + about your being the cause of having the mines raised, as, to my + certain knowledge, they tried to explode them the day after you + left the port, and very few of them went off. Things were kept a + bit quiet, but I can always get to know what is going on, and if + the gunboats had been properly handled that night it would have + been all up with you."</p> + + <p>"But," said the captain, "what on earth is the use of talking + that way! They were not properly handled, and here I am. And what + I want to know is this: do you think there will be any more about + it, now the war is over, and old Pumper Nichol [the Admiral] and + his friends are not here?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know," said his friend. "You never can tell what + these sly rascals are thinking or doing; but I will know as soon + as there are any indications. If I had been you, I wouldn't have + come out here so soon; or, at least, have first made sure that + all danger was over. But never mind; we'll soon smuggle you off, + if we can get the slightest hint. 'Palm oil squares the yards,' + as the old sailors used to say, and nobody has had more + experience of that than I."</p> + + <p>"Does G——d and old J——b know about the + affair?"</p> + + <p>"I think they are bound to, though they may have forgotten. + Anyhow, they are absolutely loyal, and may be depended upon if + their aid is called into requisition. Do you know they had to + clear out of the country with their families, and nearly every + English family had to do the same?"</p> + + <p>"Well, Patrovish C——," said the captain, "they may + seize the steamer, but they will never be allowed to seize me, + even should it be legal to do so, now the war is at an end."</p> + + <p>"What do they care about what is legal," said Patrovish. "If + it suits their purpose, and those in authority learn what took + place, there will be no scruples about doing anything. My advice + is to keep quiet and cool-headed, and I feel almost certain you + won't be interfered with. But there comes Yaunie. Hear what he + says."</p> + + <p>This gentleman was a Greek pilot, who had previously been a + boatswain aboard a Greek sailing-vessel. He saw an excellent + opening at the beginning of the steamship era to add to his + income, so commenced a business which flourished so well that his + riches were the envy of a large residential public, to say + nothing of the seafaring itinerants who swarmed in and out of the + port. He spoke English with a Levantine accent. Physically, he + was a fine-looking, well-built man, who commanded attention and + respect from everybody. He was on excellent terms with the port + authorities, and with sea captains, and deemed it part of a well + thought-out policy to share with popular shrewdness a portion of + his takings. His benevolence was more partially shown towards the + officials than to those from whom he derived his income; but + because of his geniality, and—mostly, I should say—on + account of his generosity, he was well liked by both sections of + people. He was quite uneducated, and, like most clever men who + have this misfortune, he had great natural gifts. His memory was + prodigious, and he invested his savings with the judgment of an + expert, keeping mental accounts with startling accuracy; but, + notwithstanding this, his memory never retained anything he + conceived it to be policy to forget. When asked his opinion as to + whether there was any likelihood of anything more being heard of + the captain's running out of the harbour and over the torpedoes, + he suggestively put his finger to his mouth, and said—</p> + + <p>"I can know nothing, but I tink it is over." And shrugging his + broad shoulders, he 'cutely remarked, "Some dead, some maybe + Siberia, and"—with a significant smile he lowered his voice + to a whisper—"some, maybe, 'fraid to say anything because + for many reason. Yes, I tink finis; but if not, den you trust me + to help. I knows these people, and some of dem knows me."</p> + + <p>Yaunie was taken fully into the confidence of the captain and + Patrovish, and when he took his leave they felt sure that to have + him as a friend was of great value in the event of the affair + being resurrected. The captain had renewed many old friendships, + and spent his evenings in the hospitable homes of an English + colony whose kindness is unequalled anywhere. Unlike most English + families who settle in foreign countries, they retained a great + many of their national customs in food, and also in their mode of + life generally. Of course the extremes of climate have to be + considered, but all their homes preserve their British + atmosphere.</p> + + <p>The <i>Claverhouse</i> had nearly completed loading, and the + kindly emissaries of her captain had reported nothing of a + disturbing character, until one morning a steamer came in and was + moored alongside the <i>Claverhouse</i>. Yaunie was the pilot, + and after completing his work he went aboard the + <i>Claverhouse</i> and asked to see the captain.</p> + + <p>"He is not astir yet," said the steward.</p> + + <p>"I must speak with him at once," said Yaunie.</p> + + <p>The captain, overhearing the conversation, called out, "All + right, come to my room."</p> + + <p>"Well, Yaunie, what news this morning?" asked the captain.</p> + + <p>"Ah, it is very bad news," replied Yaunie. "That fool + Farquarson," pointing to where the other steamer lay, "speaks all + the time about what happened when you went from the port without + permission. He say that he was aboard the gunboat asking for a + torpedo channel-pilot, and that he could not get one because they + were firing at you all the time. They asked him the name of the + steamer, but he told some other. I say to him he was wrong, but + he say no; and he will jabb, as you call it."</p> + + <p>"Well, Yaunie, what's to be done? What is the remedy?"</p> + + <p>"What's to be done—I don' know what you call the other. + I say, get the steamer loaded quick and away. I don' tink + trouble, but O Chresto! his tong go like steam-winch, and you + much better Black Sea dan here."</p> + + <p>"Very excellent advice, Yaunie. Now let us go on deck."</p> + + <p>A sudden inspiration came to the captain, which caused him to + exclaim—</p> + + <p>"Yaunie, I'll ask him to eat with us. This is our English mode + of settling obstacles, and making and retaining friendships. + Don't you think it a good suggestion?"</p> + + <p>"Do anything you like. Give him the Sacrament, but keep him + quiet. He is very dangerous now."</p> + + <p>The captain of the other steamer was on deck, and as soon as + he got his eye on them he bellowed out in terms of unjustifiable + familiarity—</p> + + <p>"Hallo, old fellow, how are ye? So they've not sent ye to the + silver mines yet?"</p> + + <p>"No," smartly retorted the captain, with some warmth, "they've + not, or I wouldn't have been here. But they d—d soon will + if you don't keep your mouth shut!"</p> + + <p>Without heeding what was said to him, the distinguished + commander of the new-comer slapped his thigh vigorously with his + right hand, and laughed out—</p> + + <p>"By Joshua, you were in a tight corner, and will never be + nearer being popped! [sunk]. They were furious at me, and would + have blown all England up because I said I didn't know who it + was."</p> + + <p>"Oh," said the <i>Claverhouse's</i> commander, "that is old + history. Come aboard and have breakfast with me."</p> + + <p>"All right," said Farquarson, "I'll have a wash up, and then + come. But what a darned funny thing not to blow you up with the + mines. I just said to my mate, they are a lot of lazy beasts, or + there's something wrong with the wires. But the mate said, 'No; + he's taken them unawares.' 'Unawares be d——d!' said + I; 'he's not taken these gunboat chaps unawares, for I couldn't + get them to stop firing.'"</p> + + <p>"He's off again!" interjected Yaunie.</p> + + <p>"All right, all right!" replied the impatient captain to his + voluble compatriot. "Come to breakfast as quick as you can, + there's a good fellow."</p> + + <p>Farquarson got to the companion-way—<i>i.e.</i> the + entrance to the cabin—and was about to make some further + remarks when the captain of the <i>Claverhouse</i> said to + Yaunie, "Let's go below, for God's sake! As long as he sees us + he'll keep on."</p> + + <p>When they got into the cabin, the burly pilot was almost + inarticulate. All he could say was—</p> + + <p>"My goodness, what a tong! He must be dangerous to his owners. + I have never see such a tong."</p> + + <p>In due course the irrepressible person appeared, and was + received with professional cordiality. He had no sooner taken his + seat at the table than he became convulsed with laughter, slapped + his hand on the table, and shouted—</p> + + <p>"By Cocker, I'll never forget it! The rage of them Russians, + and the way they blazed away their shot, and it never going + within miles of where you were! Miles, mind you!"</p> + + <p>Yaunie and his friend looked at each other in savage despair, + as he persisted in reeling off quantities of disconnected + incoherencies. But relief to his perturbed friends came when the + steward placed the breakfast on the table. He stopped the flow of + narration, and exclaimed—</p> + + <p>"Ah! that's what I like—dry hash and a bit of ham with + an egg or two. I was just saying to my mate—who's as big a + born fool as ever drank whisky—there's not a better meal + made at sea than dry hash."</p> + + <p>By this time his mouth was full, and it was difficult to know + what he wished to convey. His eating was quite as boundless as + his talk, though he could not do both at once. Having finished a + good sound plate of hash, he passed his plate along for some ham + and eggs, and asked his host if he did not observe what a good + appetite he had compared with what he used to have.</p> + + <p>"Yes," said the captain, in blissful ignorance of what he was + saying. "Your appetite was never very good. I'm glad to see you + making such a good breakfast."</p> + + <p>"Well, you know," replied the guest, "the worst of me is, I + appear to be unsociable when I'm eating, as I cannot both eat and + talk."</p> + + <p>"Go on eating, then," said the host.</p> + + <p>"Yes, go on eatin'," responded Yaunie. "You had a long + passage, and must be hungry."</p> + + <p>"Quite right," replied the guest, with his mouth full. "I'm + glad you don't think me uncivil, but as I say, I like my + breakfast better than most meals, and I can only do one thing at + a time. My wife always says I must have been born either eating + or talking."</p> + + <p>He laughed heartily at this little domestic joke, and + proceeded with the putting in of the "bunker coals," as he called + it. The captain of the <i>Claverhouse</i> and the pilot had + purposely lingered over their meal to keep him company. He + observed this, and effusively asked them not to mind him a bit, + and to leave the table if they wanted to. After expressing a few + unreal excuses for their apparent rudeness, they were prevailed + upon to go into the state-room, where the captain solemnly + conveyed to Yaunie that he never thought he would live to have + imposed upon him such humiliation.</p> + + <p>"I hope the brute will have an apoplectic fit!" said he.</p> + + <p>Yaunie did not quite understand all that was said, but knew it + meant some form of obliquy, and replied, "Yes, and I hope so + too."</p> + + <p>As soon as Farquarson had finished eating, he straightway came + to the state-room and assured his host that he never remembered + enjoying a breakfast so much.</p> + + <p>"Let's have a cigar," said he, "to soothe my nerves a + bit."</p> + + <p>This was given him. He lit up, and was proceeding to discuss + the merits of good feeding with great volubility when his + harangue was snapped by a request from his host to "cut it," as + he wished to have a yarn with him about a matter which was of + great importance to himself. "In short, I wish you to be most + careful not to attract attention to me by any friendly comment + about that affair of two years ago. No one who is in office now + would appear to have any suspicion of what took place; or if they + do, it is obvious they are not desirous of opening the question + up again. But should it be brought prominently before them, they + will have to do something, and it may make it very awkward for + me. Now, what I want you to do for me is this: never mention the + incident again. I am sure you would not intentionally do anything + that would jeopardize my safety, and I feel that I have only to + ask and you will give me your word not to do it."</p> + + <p>Farquarson jumped to his feet, gripped the hand of the captain + in a sailorly fashion, and said—</p> + + <p>"On my Masonic honour, I swear never to breathe again what you + have warned me against, and I'm glad you told me. I might + innocently have got you into a nasty mess. It never struck me + when I was bawling out to you that there was danger. But between + ourselves, it was a bit thick your dashing out of the + 'impregnable port,' as they called it, and expectin' to get off + scot-free, I have often spun long twisters about it, and you can + bet it was always made attractive."</p> + + <p>"I feel sure you would do that, Farquarson, as you were always + a good story-teller."</p> + + <p>This encouraging flattery switched his mind with eager + interest on to a subject quite irrelevant to the one which had + engaged their attention so long.</p> + + <p>"Yes," said he, with a self-satisfied smile, "that's true. But + talking about yarns, you remember when I was with Milburn's, + running to Hamburg? The old gentleman asked me to take a few + overmen a trip. They belonged to some mine he was interested in. + By the time we got outside, and got the decks cleared up, it was + dark, and the watch was set. The look-out man went on to the + topgallant forecastle, and I was walking from side to side of the + bridge when one of the miners came running up, and in great + excitement he said—</p> + + <p>"'Captain, for God's sake gan doon to the cabin and pacify + them! They're playin' nap, and they've faalen oot amang + theirselves, and there's fair almighty hell gannin' on. Aa's sure + if ye divvent get them pacified ther'll be morder!'</p> + + <p>"'My good man,' I said,'I cannot leave the bridge.'</p> + + <p>"'Ye canna' leave the bridge! What for, then?'</p> + + <p>"'Because,' I said, 'I must keep a look-out and see that that + man on the forecastle-head does the same. If he were to see me + leave the bridge, the chances are he would get careless and sit + down and go to sleep, and we might run into something, and + probably sink ourselves or somebody else and lose a lot of + lives.'</p> + + <p>"By this time I heard loud voices and awful oaths coming from + the after-end of the ship, so says I, 'This must be put a stop + to, but I cannot leave here without somebody takin' my place. You + must take it, and walk across and across as I am doing, so that + that fellow on the look-out will think it's me.'</p> + + <p>"'Aa'm not pertikler what aa dee, mister, if ye ony get thor + differences settled before ye come up. Aa nivor heerd sic + swearin'.'</p> + + <p>"'Very well,' said I; 'you do what I've told you to do. Walk + steadily to and fro, and I'll go and see what can be done.'</p> + + <p>"When I got down below they were still wrangling, but I soon + made peace with them, and they asked me to have a hand with them. + I had a look on deck. It was a fine moonlight night, and nothing + seemed to be in the way, so I began to play, and forgot all about + the fellow on the bridge, and everything else for that matter, + until I heard four bells go. This reminded me, so I stopped + short, went on to the poop, and the other fellows came up with + me. I was chaffing them about their row, and I heard the look-out + man call out, 'A red light on the port bow, sir!' I saw we were + going a long way clear, so took no notice; but the miner on the + bridge increased his pace. In less than a minute the look-out man + called out again, 'A red light on the port bow,' and got no + answer. I thought to myself, 'What's going to be the upshot of + this?' when the man called out again, sharply this time, 'A red + light on the port bow!' The miner quite excitedly shouted at the + top of his voice, 'Blaw the b——y thing oot, then, and + let's hear ne mair aboot it!'"</p> + + <p>At this conclusion the two captains laughed heartily, and so + did Yaunie. Then all at once Farquarson began as suddenly as he + had left off—</p> + + <p>"Now, let us make up our minds never to broach running the + gauntlet again in Russian waters, for they're devils to listen, + and you never know where they are. Why, I've seen them at the + time of the war crawlin' and sneakin' about all over, lying on + the sofa in the billiard-rooms, and come and ask you to play in + good English. Sometimes the impudent villains would come and + barefacedly sit down at the same table where you were having a + meal, and begin speakin' and get you to say something + disrespectful about Russia and their Tzar, and lots of poor + fellows were asked to leave the country for it. Talk about + despotism and bribery! Well, I've seen some of their goings on. + What did they do when the poor Turks that were taken prisoners + when Plevna fell marched into Reval? A few of us cheered them, + and the Russians got quite annoyed about it, and hustled us about + as though we were common thieves, and threatened to run us into + their filthy gaol. My word, how things have altered since the + days when you could kill a Russian and nobody cared a brass + button! But now—well, there's no word to express it."</p> + + <p>"Ah! they're a cruel, merciless lot," interjected Captain + S—; "but I think you are getting excited, Farquarson, so + you better cease talking about them."</p> + + <p>"It is time I was getting up to the city. They are rattling it + into her. She'll be loaded in a jiffy, and I've much to do."</p> + + <p>"Very well," said the bluff skipper, "get away. And it's + understood that mum's the word; but mind you're not through the + wood yet. What do you say, Yaunie?"</p> + + <p>"I say you no speak so loud or so much. It is better not."</p> + + <p>"Very well, old skin-the-goat," said Farquarson playfully; "I + suppose I am a bit noisy."</p> + + <p>He then jumped aboard his vessel, and invited the trusty pilot + to follow him so that they might work out a scheme that would + thwart any possibility of a raid being made on the + <i>Claverhouse</i>. He prided himself on being fertile in + strategy, and certainly his notions were not those of an ordinary + person. His confidences were given to Yaunie without any reserve. + First, he suggested inveigling the raiders from S——'s + vessel to his own, getting them down below and filling them full + of champagne or whisky, whichever they preferred; and in the + event of their remaining on board his friend's ship, they were to + be made drunk there, and that being accomplished, the vessel was + to be unmoored and taken to sea with them aboard, and they were + to be landed or cast adrift in an open boat. The recital of these + dare-devil propositions caused Yaunie's face to wear a careworn + look, and when asked what he thought of it he said—</p> + + <p>"Well, I try to tink, bit it is impossible. You speak what + cannot happen. If you do what you say, how can you come back + here? No, no; that must not be. I have better plan. No trouble, + no get drunk, no run off with officers, no put him in boat; but + leave it me: I settle everyting, suppose trouble come."</p> + + <p>"Agreed again, old cockaloram. I'm only saying what I'd do. As + I said before, you can do as you like, but I prefer giving these + fellows 'what cheer!' I says again, what business have they to + interfere with Englishmen carryin' on their business in their own + way? I say they had no right to put a blockade on, and England + should see that her subjects are duly protected."</p> + + <p>This eloquent pronouncement of patriotism, with comic gesture + added, excited the fiery dissent of the critical Levantine.</p> + + <p>"Yes!" he retorted; "you tink everyting foreign should be for + English. You swagger off with other people's country and say, + 'This mine.' You like old J——b and G——d; + they speak all the time same as you. English, English, everyting + English! an' I say what for you stay? I Greek, an' I stay because + Russia better for me."</p> + + <p>This was said partly in jest and partly in good-natured + earnestness, for Yaunie was a student of English characteristics. + Farquarson explained that he would have to go to the + Custom-house, and then to see his agents. Yaunie, with a + significant look and gesture, warned him not to speak too much to + port officers, bade him good-morning, said he would call back + again in the afternoon, jumped on to the stage and went + ashore.</p> + + <p>It was late in the afternoon before Captain S—— + got down to the docks. His steamer was loaded and ready for sea. + At the quay, close to the stern of the vessel, Mrs. + C——, with her daughter, was seated in a drosky. She + explained that they had come to say good-bye, and to convey a + message from Patrovish that he, Yaunie, and some officers were + aboard Captain Farquarson's vessel. "He commissioned me to say + that you were to slip out of the harbour quietly to avoid + trouble, as he had reason to believe that there was something + going on, and you might be stopped. Meanwhile, they are doing + some entertaining for your benefit, so I will not detain you + longer. Good-bye, and we hope to see you again soon."</p> + + <p>The captain made haste aboard, and gave instructions to cast + off the moorings. The <i>Claverhouse</i> glided quietly out of + the harbour, and in less than an hour she was steaming fall speed + towards the Bosphorus. The two captains did not meet again for + several months, and when they did, Farquarson gave a vivid + account of the development and ultimate success of what he termed + the plot to extricate S—— from the possibility of + being detained or heavily fined.</p> + + <p>"I assure you," said he, "they were on the scent. They asked + if I was the man who was on the gunboat when the English steamer + ran over the mines. I swore by all that was holy that I didn't + know what they were talking about. Then Yaunie and Patrovish + asked them in Russian to have some refreshment aboard my ship, + and they kicked up a devil of a row when they found you had gone + without saying good-bye. Yaunie swore it was to cheat the + pilotage, and Patrovish said he couldn't have believed it of you. + I said you always were a bowdikite, and that you were putting on + 'side.' The Russians were very jolly. They had a thimbleful or + two of whisky, which made them talk a lot. We had a good laugh + after they went away, and Patrovish said it was a good job you + were gone, because they would have been sure to have caused + trouble. Yaunie wasn't sure, but I was on C——'s side, + for, I said, why did they mention the gunboat to me, if they + didn't mean anything?"</p> + + <p>"Whatever their intentions were," rejoined Captain + S——, "the precautions you took to checkmate were + successful, and I am much obliged for the trouble you took after + you realized the danger. I must always be grateful to you for + that; and the next time you go out there, thank my two friends + for their important share in it, and say to Patrovish that his + own and his wife's wish to see me soon back is much appreciated, + but my present plans are such that I will not be able to visit + Russia for a long time to come, and it may be I never shall + again."</p> + + <div class="footnotes"> + <h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> How came + it to pass that the Russians were allowed to cross the + Balkans? How was it that they were allowed to take possession + so easily of the Schipka Pass? Did the personages who so soon + afterwards disappeared mysteriously and were never heard of + again yield up this stronghold to the possessors of a golden + key? Poor Turkey!</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="Fair_Trade_and_Foul_Play" id= + "Fair_Trade_and_Foul_Play"></a>Fair Trade and Foul Play</h2> + + <p>Smuggling at the beginning of the nineteenth century, and + right up to the middle of it, was rampant, and was regarded as a + wholesome profession by those who carried it on. They called it + "fair trade," and looked upon those whose duty it was to destroy + it with an aversion that oftentimes culminated in murderous + conflict. The seafaring portion of this strange body of men, in + characteristic contrast to their "landlubber" accomplices, never + at any time, or under any circumstances, tried to conceal what + their profession was. They were proud to be known as smugglers; + whereas their shore colleagues, many of whom were gentry, or + offshoots from it, adopted every possible means to turn suspicion + from themselves when the preventive men were on the scent. + Smugglers of that day were adroit tacticians; they had their + signs just as Freemasons or any other craft have theirs. The + pursuit was exciting, and the romance of it attracted men and + women of gentle as well as of humble birth into its ranks. The + men who manned the luggers were sailors who knew every bay and + nook round the coast. They made heroic speeches expressive of + their contempt for death. They talked boldly of powder magazines, + and of blowing themselves and any one else up who put them into a + tight corner; and there are instances on record that this was + actually done. Be that as it may, they had great organizing skill + and not a little business ability, whilst in their combination of + strategy and valour they were unsurpassed. In many ways they were + akin to pirates, though it could never be said that they went + outside their own particular business—<i>i.e.</i>, they + were not predatory buccaneers who murdered first and plundered + afterwards. They believed, as I have said, their calling to be as + legitimate as any other form of trading. Their doctrine was that + it was the Government that acted illegally, and not themselves. + It was not surprising, therefore, that the system should take so + long a time to wipe out, notwithstanding the rigid way in which + the whole coastline of the British Isles was guarded. Much has + been written about the desperate ways of these men, but no + accurate estimate can be formed by the present generation of the + extent of the system, and the methods adopted to carry it on. + Romance has gone far, but rarely too far, in describing it; and + to really know it as it was you must have lived in its + atmosphere, or have taken part, either for or against, in its + attractions. One of the greatest ambitions of my early boyhood + days comes to me now. I had resolved that when I grew up I would + secretly leave my home and join some smuggling lugger. Happily + for me, the luggers had disappeared before I grew up.</p> + + <p>Here is an authentic instance of professional attachment and + pride. When I was quite a small boy a brig ran on to the rocks + beneath my father's house. The captain was a fine, rollicking, + sailorly-looking man, with a fascinating manner. He often came to + our house during his stay in the locality, and one of the first + things he told my parents was that in his younger days he was a + smuggler, and had had many encounters with Deal coastguards. He + spoke sadly of the way the "trade" was ruined by Government + intervention, and said that he had never been really settled or + happy since he was driven out of the business, and had to take + service in the merchant navy for a living. He was asked if he + would like to go back to it again.</p> + + <p>"Go back to it again!" said he; "I wish I could! There is + nothing to fill its place in the whole world. But that is done + for now. Oh! what good money we used to make, and what narrow + squeaks we had of being captured or killed."</p> + + <p>It seems incredible that so great a change should have taken + place in so short a time, considering that these sea-rovers were + so firmly persuaded that their profession was as lawful as any + other, and that they were persecuted and hounded to death by a + set of whippersnappers who made insufferable laws! The system + became so gigantic in the early part of last century that the + Government had to appeal to the Navy, and a large number of + officers and men were landed on the coast of Kent and Sussex, + where a strict blockade was enforced. Later, a semi-civilian + force under the control of the Customs was formed. This was + called the "Preventive Water Guard," and subsequently it went + under the new title of "Preventive Coastguard." The duties were + arduous and risky. The men never went forth unless armed with a + big dagger-stick and a flint-lock pistol, both of which were not + infrequently used with effect. Owing to the dangerous character + of the occupation, a high wage and pension was offered as an + inducement to join the service; at least, the wage and pension + were considered very good at the time. The men, however, rarely + had decent houses to live in. Their uniform was rather like that + of a naval officer. They would have disdained wearing the garb of + the present-day coastguard. Their training in most cases + consisted in service aboard a Revenue cutter for a few months + before being appointed to a station. Many of these men were + tradesmen who had never been to sea at all, and often were men of + education and sterling character. For the most part these + educated men were Wesleyans—or "Ranters," as they were + called—and not a few were local preachers, and some of them + were well versed in theology. They were stationed usually eight + miles apart, right along the coast, and their ordinary duty was + to meet each other half-way and exchange despatches. This gave + the religious section opportunities of comparing experiences and + discussing the faith that was in them. I knew one who spoke and + taught French and Latin, another who could make an accurate + abstract of Bishop Butler's <i>Analogy</i> from cover to cover, + and another who became possessed of a small schooner, which made + him a fortune while he was still in the service. The wives of + these three coastguardsmen were quite as well informed and as + ardent religionists as themselves, and took a common interest in + books, educational matters, and in each other's home affairs. + Their homes were always neat and clean, and the children were + disciplined into a rigid, methodical life. It is a remarkable + fact that the sons of each of these men have all risen to high + positions in commerce, literature, art, and politics, and those + that still survive are proud to acknowledge that they owe their + position to the splendid example and beautiful home-life which + they were taught to live when children. Guarding the coast was + not the only occupation of the Preventive Coastguard.</p> + + <p>There arose in 1848 a manning difficulty in the Navy, which + became so grave that the large force of disciplined men employed + in protecting the revenue were drilled in gunnery to fit them for + sea service. Many of them were called out to serve aboard ship + during the war with Russia in 1854. One of the grievances in the + service was the irritating and unfair policy of the Board of + Customs in constantly moving the men from one station to another. + In many instances the hardships constituted a public scandal. + Adequate recompense was never made for this breaking-up of their + little homes, and frequently when they arrived at some outlandish + coast village there was no provision made for housing them. I + know of several instances where families were beholden to the + generosity of the villagers or farmers for lodgings until a house + was found. During the interval their furniture was stored in some + dirty stable or store. It was not an uncommon thing for these + poor fellows to be removed, with their families, from one end of + England to the other two or three times in a year, at the behest + of an uneasy bureaucratic commander-in-chief who knew little, and + probably cared less, about the domestic hardships incurred. From + Holy Island or Spital to Deal in those days of transit by sea was + a greater and more hazardous voyage than that of Liverpool to New + York to-day. The following story may give some idea of their life + as they then lived it.</p> + + <p>A group of fishermen stood at the north end of the row, + watching a smart cutter that was beating from the north against a + strong S.S.E. wind and heavy sea, which broke heavily on the + beach and over an outlying reef of rocks which forms a natural + breakwater and shelters the fishermen's cobles from the strong + winds that blow in from the sea during the winter months. The + cutter tacked close in to the north end of the ridge several + times during the forenoon. Her appearance was that of a + Government vessel, and her commander evidently wished to + communicate with the shore. When the ensign was hoisted to the + main gaff, the onlookers knew that she did not belong to the + merchant service. The simple people who inhabited this district + were concerned about the intentions of what they regarded as a + mysterious visitor, and the firing of a small cannon from the + taffrail did not lessen their perplexity. At last the national + flag was hauled up and down, and the squire, who had come from + his mansion amongst the woods, told the fishermen that those + aboard the cutter were really asking for a boat to be sent to + them.</p> + + <p>The flood tide had covered the rocks. A volunteer crew of five + fine specimens of English manhood were promptly got together, and + a large coble was wheeled down the beach and launched into the + breaking sea. They struggled with accustomed doggedness until + they had passed the most critical part of the bay and got safely + within speaking distance of the vessel. Two good-looking fellows + in naval uniform stood on the quarter-deck, and one of these, the + commander, asked the fishermen to take one of his officers + ashore. To this they readily agreed, though they said it would be + most difficult to land, as it was much safer to go off than come + in, but they would risk that. The officer jumped into the boat, + the rope was slipped, and then commenced a struggle between the + endurance and skill of the hardy fishermen on the one hand and + the angry cross seas which threatened to toss the boat and its + occupants to destruction on the other. The officer suggested that + the reefs should be let out of the sail to rush her over the + dangerous corner of the entrance.</p> + + <p>"I have used this plan often," said he, "and it always + succeeded."</p> + + <p>The coxswain demurred, although these men are very skilled in + the handling of their boats; but at last he was prevailed upon by + his crew to allow the officer to try the experiment. The latter + only agreed to do so on condition that he was in no way + interfered with, and his orders were strictly carried out. Up + went the close-reefed lug; the occupants were instructed to lie + low to windward, the men at the main sheet were ordered in a + quiet, cool manner to ease off and haul in as necessity required. + In a few minutes they had reached the crucial point. The men + began to express anxiety, when amid the shrill song of the wind + and the noise of the breaking seas, the man now in charge called + out with commanding vigour—</p> + + <p>"Steady your nerves, boys! I know quite well how to handle + her."</p> + + <p>The helmsman had barely finished his appeal when the combers + began to curl up in rapid succession; the mass of water + threatened to overwhelm the rushing craft, but she was + manipulated with such fine seamanship that only the spray lashed + over her in smothering clouds. Suddenly orders were given to + stand by to lower the sail, and in another minute the helm was + put down to bring the boat head to sea and wind. The sail was + lowered, oars shipped, and she was manoeuvred stern on to the + beach. As soon as she struck, a rush to help was made by those + who had watched with feverish anxiety the passage through the + broken water, lest the frail craft should be overturned and all + aboard drowned. A rope was bent on to the stern, and the crowd + quickly hauled the coble away from the heavy surf into safety. At + this point, an elderly gentleman, tall, with a long, shaggy beard + and bushy grey hair, which might have been a wig, rode up on a + brown mare. His appearance and demeanour stamped him with the + characteristics of a real old country gentleman, who put on what + sailors would call an insufferable amount of "side." He promptly + introduced himself to the officer as the Lord of the Manor, + giving his name as Crawshaw.</p> + + <p>The naval man gave his as Thomas Turnbull, and explained that + he was sent to organize some system of resistance to the + smuggling that was being carried on along that part of the coast. + Mr. Crawshaw volunteered assistance, and hinted that the task + would be rendered all the more arduous as he would not only have + the smugglers to deal with, but their accomplices, the + fisher-folk and farmers. After a few weeks' experience, it was + quite obvious that the squire was right, and in view of this, + Thomas Turnbull sent for his wife and six children, and settled + down to his work in real earnest.</p> + + <p>The intimation that the new-comer was a religious man, and + could preach and pray, soon spread through the villages, and + large numbers flocked to see and hear him. Many came out of pure + curiosity, and some to mock and jeer, but these seldom succeeded + in setting at defiance the great power that was behind the + preacher. He was of commanding presence; his face, as some of the + villagers used to say, was good to look at, and the message that + he delivered to his audience came with irresistible force, which + broke the spirit of some of the most determined obstructers, and + turned many into friends, and a few even into saints. The + fisher-folk did not take kindly to him, and so strong was their + opposition that they threatened many times to take his life. + Their savage ignorance would have unnerved and discouraged a less + powerful personality, but this man seemed to be buoyed up by his + belief that it was God's work and he was only the instrument in + carrying it out. He was often warned of the violence that was + threatened towards him, but the intimation never disturbed his + inherent belief that no earthly power could break through the + cordon that protected him; and so he continued his work, temporal + and spiritual, undisturbed by the threats of a class whom he was + determined to civilize, and, "with God's help, Christianize." The + process was long, the methods of resistance wicked.</p> + + <p>Jimmy Stone, one of the worst scoundrels in the district, had + laboured to persecute Turnbull, and to break up the meetings for + months past. He tyrannized over men and brutally maltreated + women, and his blasphemy was terrible to listen to. It was during + one of his outbursts of wrath against the "Ranter" preacher that + he was suddenly staggered by Turnbull going up to him, laying his + hand on his shoulder, and admonishing him to refrain from such + shocking conduct. He attempted to seize the preacher by the + throat, and I fear at this juncture Turnbull forsook for a little + his usual attitude of equanimity, for before the giant knew where + he was he lay on the ground, stunned by a left-hander. The + preacher was an awkward customer to deal with, and it would seem + as though he did not entirely trust to Divine interposition when + hands were laid on him. His tormentor lay, a humiliated heap, at + his feet. Never in Jimmy's life had any one dared to resent his + attacks in this way. He could not understand it, and was overcome + more by superstition and a fear of Turnbull's reputed + supernatural aids than by real fear of his physical powers. + Turnbull ordered the bully to stand up, and warned him against + experimenting on strangers. He then, in quaint, old-world + phraseology, the outcome of much deep reading of Butler, Baxter, + and Jeremy Taylor, and wholly without cant or affectation, went + on to say—</p> + + <p>"I intend to let you off lightly on this occasion, but if I + hear of you practising any injustice or in any way giving + annoyance to your neighbours again, I shall deem it my duty to + teach you a salutary lesson. Now, bear in mind what I say to you; + and remember that the Almighty may visit you with His wrath. It + may be that He will send to your house affliction, and even make + it desolate by taking some one from you whom you love. Or He may + see that the only way of checking the course of your wickedness + is to have you laid aside with sickness. It is probable that He + will smite you by taking away from your evil influence some of + your children. God is very merciful to little children when they + are in the hands of brutes like you. Go away from me! and ponder + over what I have said."</p> + + <p>Jimmy slouched off, muttering vengeance against the Almighty + if He dared to interfere with his bairns, and, as an addendum, he + vividly portrayed the violent death of Turnbull. He slunk + listlessly into his cottage, tumbled on to a seat, and was lost + in meditation. Jenny, his wife, tremulously asked what ailed him. + She was alarmed at his subdued manner; she had never known him + come into the house without bullying and using blasphemous + language to her and the children, and oftentimes this was + accompanied by blows that well-nigh killed her and them; and yet + she stood loyally by him whenever he needed a friend. Suddenly he + jumped to his feet, and as though he had become possessed of an + inspiration, broke silence by vigorously exclaiming to his wife + that he had settled the manner of the "Ranter" preacher's + death.</p> + + <p>"Aa'll catch him some neet betwixt here and the burn [stream], + and finish him. That'll stop his taak aboot the Almighty takin' + ma bairns frae me!"</p> + + <p>Jimmy's idea was that Turnbull was in communion with the + Almighty for the removal of his children, and if he were put out + of the way there would be an end to it. Jenny was no less + ignorant than her husband, and therefore no less superstitious + about meddling with this mysterious person who had come amongst + them and wrought such extraordinary changes in the lives of many + of her class. She doubted the wisdom of killing the preacher, as + she had heard that these people lived after they were killed, and + might wreak more terrible vengeance when their lives assumed + another form. She urged her husband to leave well alone; not + because she in any way differed from his views in regard to + Turnbull's preaching and his attitude generally towards + evil-doers, or objected to his being put to death; but she + preferred some person other than her husband should do it. Hence, + she disagreed with his policy, and he in turn raged at her for + taking sides against him.</p> + + <p>"This interloper's spyin' into everythin' we dee and say," + said he. "We had nee taak aboot religion afore he cum, and noo + there's nowt but religion spoken, so that we can hardly get a man + or a woman t' dee any trootin' inside the limit; an' when we dee + get a chance we hev t' put wor catches into th' oven, for feor + him or his gang gan sneakin' aboot and faal in wi' summat they + hae nee reet t' see. Forbye that, within the last few months he's + driven the smugglers off the coast, and deprived us o' monny an + honest soverin' in helpin' them t' and theor stuff. And then he's + got the gob t' tell me that if aa divvent change me ways, the + Almighty'll dee God knaw's what tiv us! He'll myek sickness cum, + and mebbies tyek sum o' th' bairns frae us. It'll be warse for + him if harm cums t' th' bairns, or me either! Aa tell't him that + this mornin', an' aa said he might tell his Almighty that he + taaked see much aboot, if he liked."</p> + + <p>Jenny secretly disapproved of carrying retaliation any + further, but dared not openly say another word in favour of her + views, for, as she afterwards said, "Aa was afeared ye might kill + me afore ye got a chance o' killin' the preacher."</p> + + <p>Mr. Turnbull knew what Jimmy's intentions were, and purposely + put himself in his way, so that he might say a cheery word to him + in passing; but he never got more than a grunt in response. He + knew that this wild creature was in league with a gang of the + most desperate smugglers that the "Preventer men" had to contend + with. No landing, however, had been seriously attempted during + the time that Turnbull had been at the station. Craft had been + sighted and signals exchanged, and then the suspected craft + disappeared for weeks. The men who guarded the coast knew these + buccaneers had emissaries, and could have laid hands on them, but + preferred to catch them red-handed.</p> + + <p>After weeks of close watching and waiting, information was + passed along the coast that a landing would take place close to + the spot where Turnbull now lived with his wife and children. Men + from all the stations extending over a radius of fifty miles were + summoned to meet at a certain point at eleven o'clock on a + certain night. Trusted civilians had been drafted into the + service for the occasion; and so accurate was the information + given, that within a couple of hours of the time several + boat-loads of contraband were landed above high-water mark. Three + carts came along, and while the process of transhipping into them + was going on, the "Preventer" men, led by Turnbull, quietly came + from their concealment, and with a sudden rush surrounded the + smugglers. Those of their accomplices who had smelt the scent of + battle fled behind the hills, and got clean away. One of the + carts attempted to bolt, but a shower of shot targeted into the + horses peremptorily stopped that move, and the drivers were + easily captured. The smugglers fought like polecats, but received + no help from the few accomplices who had not escaped. These, + either from fear or policy, or both, did not attempt to extricate + themselves or lend their support to a lost cause. It was common + knowledge that smugglers drew lots as to who had to escape if + severe fighting or capture became inevitable, and the battle + became the more fierce in order to cover the escape of those few. + They did not all succeed in getting off in their boat, but it was + estimated half a dozen might have done so. The rest, something + like a score, were ultimately overpowered, sent to prison and + tried in the good old style, and sentenced to transportation to + the criminal dumping-ground of Western Australia.</p> + + <p>The notorious Jimmy Stone on that memorable moaning night was + disguised, but that did not prevent him being detected while + rendering assistance to land and convey the contraband on to the + beach and into the carts. One of the Government men was + indiscreet enough to shout "James Stone, you are my prisoner!" + and almost before the words were out of his mouth Jimmy dropped a + keg of gin on to him and fled. The companions of the stunned man + were too busy with the other cut-throats to follow Jimmy, or to + see in what direction he had gone. It was only after the conflict + was over that they were reminded that this lawless fisherman had + escaped, and must at all costs be captured and brought to + justice. A party was selected to search for him. They knew that + he must be hiding in some of the hollows where the thick clusters + of bents and bracken would give him cover. Some of the party had + strayed from the central group, and were talking of Jimmy's + prowess and astuteness, and wondering where he was concealed, + when they suddenly came across a man with his head and part of + his body up a rabbit-hole. He was asking in subdued tones, "Are + the —— gyen yet?" and one of the party, in the same + tone of voice and the same dialect and language as he had used, + cautioned him not to speak too loud, as they were still hovering + about.</p> + + <p>"My God!" said he, "when aa get oot o' this mess aa'll hae ma + revenge on that Ranter." And becoming impatient, he began to + curse at his supposed friend for advising him to put his head in + a rabbit-hole, vigorously announcing that he wished his + —— head was there instead of his own. "Aa cud hae run + if ye hadn't persuaded me t' hide heor."</p> + + <p>"Hae patience!" responded the voice from without.</p> + + <p>"Patience be d——!" said he; "Aa wish aa had + them—— Government men heor. Aa wad make short work o' + them, the —— rascals!"</p> + + <p>"Whisht," said his companion; "they're comin' this way!"</p> + + <p>In a few seconds Jimmy's posterior became the subject of some + vigorous thrashing. He was dragged, yelling, from his retreat, + and confronted with the men he had so recently sworn to murder. + They asked if he was Jimmy Stone. He replied in the affirmative, + and added—</p> + + <p>"Aa thowt it was Jack Dent aa was taakin' tee. He cum heor wiv + us."</p> + + <p>"Where is he now?" inquired the officer.</p> + + <p>"Hoo am aa t' knaa?" said Jimmy; "but the Lord help him when + aa dee cum across him. He's betrayed me. Nivvor more will aa put + me heed in a rabbit-hole!"</p> + + <p>His soliloquy was cut short by his captors putting his hands + in irons and conveying him to where their colleagues were; and + Jimmy would have been included amongst the convicts but for the + magnanimous intercession of Turnbull, who informed his captors + that they were to leave Jimmy to him. He was working out a scheme + whereby his knowledge would be invaluable to the Service. So + James was not sent to the Colonies.</p> + + <p>A well-known farmer, who was accustomed to make friendly calls + on the Turnbull family, was caught in the act of bolting with a + cartload of unlawful merchandise. He was sent to Australia, but + not as a convict. Turnbull had found some useful purpose for him + also, and he was advised to get out of the country, lest it + became too hot for him.</p> + + <p>A couple of ladies had attracted special attention; not that + they were bellicose, but because in consequence of their abnormal + bulk they created some suspicion that they had concealed beneath + their crinolines more than their ordinary form. They were asked + unchivalrously to undo their clothing, and with comic dignity and + superb self-possession they defiantly declined. They were then + told in the name of the Queen that if they did not undress + voluntarily it would have to be done for them, whereupon they + adopted the old dodge of weeping and calling themselves + unprotected women, whose characters were being assailed by men + whom it was not safe for females to be amongst, making the sandy + hollows resound with their artificial shrieks and sobs; but it + was all to no purpose. Their skirts were examined, and there were + found boxes of cigars, packets of tobacco, and bottles of gin, + all hooked in methodical order to an ingenious arrangement + connected with the skirt. These ladies were proved to be on + familiar terms with the red-capped gentlemen who were defrauding + the Revenue, and not infrequently shooting down its + guardians.</p> + + <p>One of these women was the sister of Jimmy Stone, and the + other his wife, and it would have gone hard with them had + Turnbull not conceived the humane idea of reclaiming and + ultimately drafting them into the Service. He convinced his + colleagues that they would be invaluable adjutants. They would + take a deal of taming, as there was little to distinguish them + from a species of wild animal. He requested that they should be + handed over to him for the purpose of trying the experiment. The + women and Jimmy were locked up in separate rooms in the Old Tower + for a week. Turnbull visited them daily, and detected on each + visit the growth of penitence; his little talks had penetrated + their stony, vicious natures, until at last they broke down and + humbly solicited pardon and release, which was granted under + well-defined conditions. There was much talk in the village about + the leniency extended to the fishers. Tom Hitchings, the cartman, + declared that they should have been sent to the Colonies, the + same as the other smugglers; and Ted Robson said transportation + was too good a punishment, they ought to have been shot or + bayonetted, and had any other person but a ranter preacher been + in charge it would have been done.</p> + + <p>"How de we knaa, Tom," said Ted, "that them fiends o' + smugglers winnot rise oot o' theor beds in the deed hoor o' the + neet and break into wor homes and cut wor throats afore we're + awake? We helped te catch them, whaat for shouldn't we hev some + say aboot theor punishment?"</p> + + <p>"That's whaat aa says," replied Tom. "But ye'll heor o' some + queer things happenin' varry syen. He'll be hevvin' his meetin's + in Jenny's hoose, and Jimmy'll be preachin' afore lang. Ther'll + be fine scenes if it's not throttled i' the bud."</p> + + <p>"Get away, man," said Ned; "they're the biggest blackguards + roond the countryside, and they'll steal, rob, or morder, + whichivver comes handiest. What d'ye think that fellow Jimmy did + once? A ship was in the offin'. She had distress signals flyin'. + He could get neebody te man a boat but women; the men wadn't hev + onythin' te dee wiv him, so his awn wife, Ailsie's Jenny, Nanny + Dent, and Peggy Story went. They pulled the boat through monster + seas, and the brute was cursin' at the women aal the way until + they gat alangside, when the captain said, 'Ma ship's sinkin'.' + The crew were telled to jump into the boat smart, and as syen as + the captain said, 'We're aal heor,' Jimmy sprang aboard like a + cat, cast the boat adrift, shooted to his wife, 'She's mine! Pull + the —— ashore, and then come off and we'll take her + in!' The captain saa the trick and demanded to be taken back, but + Jenny felled him with the tiller, and threatened to slay onny of + the others. They were nearly ashore when the captain exclaimed, + 'She's not his; Sancho, the dog, has been left behind!' The crew + were landed, and the boat went back to the ship. The women gat + aboard, and asked Jimmy if he had seen a dog. He said, 'There's + nee dog heor; the ship's wors,' and they say he fand the dog on + the floor and that he put it ower-board. Now, there's a born + convict for ye! An' they tell me, him and his women gat the ship + safely into port, and the folk shooted, 'Bravo, Jimmy Stone!' + They said he was a hard swearer, but a brave, clever fellow, and + aa said when aa hard it, 'Whaat aboot the dog?' The ship was + selled, and Jimmy gat summit—whaat de they caal + it—salvage, aa think. They say he's worth lots o' + money."</p> + + <p>"But whaat did they say aboot the dog?" said Tom.</p> + + <p>"Wey, the captain said the dog was left as a safeguard against + bein' boarded and claimed as a derelict; but Jimmy swore that the + dog wasn't there when he gat aboard, and neebody saa what becam' + on't, and so the matter rests. They often say te him, 'Whe tossed + the dog ower board?' and aa believe he's nearly mordered half a + dozen big men for sayin' sic things."</p> + + <p>"Eh, man," said Tom pensively, "what a grand Christian + gentleman he'll make!"</p> + + <p>Shortly after Jimmy's release from the Old Tower, his youngest + child succumbed to the ravages of a malignant fever. He and his + wife were distracted, as, in spite of their pagan instincts and + habits, their devotion to their offspring was a passion. They + remembered Mr. Turnbull appealing to them to flee from the wrath + to come by amending their ways, lest something terrible befell + themselves or their children, and instead of the recollection of + this warning kindling strong demonstrations of resentment against + the lay preacher now, Jenny implored her husband to run over the + moor and get Mr. Turnbull to come and administer comfort to + them.</p> + + <p>"He'll give us the sacrament, and pray for us at the bedside + were the deed bairn lies."</p> + + <p>Jimmy was dazed at the suggestion. He could not quite bring + himself to give up the idea of some day renewing his former + habits of aiding the smugglers, and of doing a bit of poaching. + He was quite frank in stating to his wife that he feared if + Turnbull came and prayed with them he would get him to join the + chapel folk, and there would be no more poaching or smuggling + after that.</p> + + <p>"And see what a loss it wad be tiv us. But," said he, "to tell + the truth, aa hev been for prayin' mesel ever since the bairn + tuck bad, but then aa thowt it was cowardly to ask help when aa + was in difficulties and nivvor at ony other time. So I didn't dee + 't."</p> + + <p>Jenny interjected that at the risk of being led to join the + Methodists, and throwing over all thought of joining in any more + lawlessness, he must go to the village and ask Mr. Turnbull to + come.</p> + + <p>"I feel somethin' forcin' me to this, Jimmy; so get away and + be quick back."</p> + + <p>And as James felt the same throbbing impulse, off he went, and + within an hour presented his petition to Mr. Turnbull, who + received him in his usual kind way, which caused the redoubtable + ruffian to melt into tears, and volubly to confess all his + murderous intentions towards the man he now believed to be the + only agency on earth that could give him comfort.</p> + + <p>The two men started at once for the bereaved home. The first + part of the journey was tramped in solemn meditation. At last + Jimmy broke silence by asking his companion if he thought God had + taken his child from him as a punishment for his sins. Turnbull + said—</p> + + <p>"Well, James, I believe your heavenly Father has some work for + you to do. He has often warned you of the wrath to come by + confronting you with danger at sea; and only a short time since + you were caught in the act of committing a crime, and narrowly + escaped being banished to a penal settlement, and He mercifully + used a friend as an instrument to save you from this degradation. + But you still maintained the spirit of defiance, and were a law + unto yourself. The Almighty saw that drastic measures would have + to be taken to break down your wilful opposition. Your child was + stricken with illness, and still you went on cursing God and man; + and then in His wondrous compassion for you and hundreds of other + men and women to whom I believe He has planned you shall carry + the message of peace, He has taken your child in order that you + may be saved. He knew that was the only way of bringing you to + see the great plan of salvation, and to save your innocent little + girl from growing up in a heathenish home, where there was no + beauty, no kindness, no good example, no God. I beseech you to + surrender yourself at once. Remember, the Spirit will not always + strive with you, and if you chase it away now it may never + return."</p> + + <p>That night, kneeling by the side of his dead child, Jimmy + implored God to be merciful to him, and professed to have + experienced the great transition from death unto life. Now, + Jimmy, though quite uneducated, had an intellectual head and + great natural gifts, and when he was careful he spoke with + amazing correctness. He commenced to take part in the prayer + meetings at once, and having a good memory, he picked up all the + stock phrases and used them vigorously. Being an apt pupil, he + soon learned to read, and then commenced one of the most + extraordinary religious campaigns that has ever been witnessed in + that part of Great Britain. Hundreds of men and women were led to + change their lives by this rugged, uncultured, but natural + preacher. A certain number of his own class viciously persecuted + him for years, and none more so than his own wife. It seemed as + though Hell had been let loose on him, and yet he went on + undisturbed, steadfastly believing that he was the agent of the + living God to carry the message of truth to the heathen. His old + enemy Turnbull had become his fast friend, from whom he sought + and received much help and many acts of kindness. He owed the + conversion of his wife and many of his persecutors to this + spiritually-minded man, and it was remarkable that nearly all the + worst characters who were "brought in" opened their doors + whenever he wanted to have a prayer meeting or a preaching + service, and the rooms were always packed with people.</p> + + <p>Attracted by the originality of the converted fisherman, a few + young people belonging to the better families in the locality + gathered together to witness what they imagined would be mere + burlesque. There was only standing room behind the kitchen bed + for them, and there was anything but an air of sanctity amongst + that portion of his congregation. Jimmy's pulpit style was + peculiar. He was flashing out eloquent phrases that were not + commonly used in the orthodox pulpit. As he warmed to his work he + broke out in rhyme—"Yes, brothers and sisters, there was + little brother Paal, the very best of aal, laid down his life," + etc. His use of biblical names was quite eccentric, which caused + the undevotional members of his audience to snigger audibly. + Without seeming to heed the irreverence, Jimmy pursued his + impassioned diatribe and smote unbelievers hip and thigh, in + language that was not conventional, or even relevant to the + subject of his discourse. The sniggering had developed into + suppressed laughter, and James suddenly stopped the even flow of + his oratory, brought his giant fist down on the deal table and + sent everything flying. Ladies' dresses were more or less damaged + by candle grease; but the cooler heads prevented an outbreak of + panic by getting the candles relighted and put on to the table. + Then in reverent tones they asked the preacher, who stood + apparently unmoved, to proceed with the service; so Jimmie gave + out the verse of a hymn which he thought would be suitable to the + occasion. (Methodists always did that when the lights went out or + the preacher stuck.)</p> + + <p>In the good old days, when village Methodism was quivering + with spiritual life, and pouring its converts into the cities and + towns of England to teach the simple gospel of the Founder of our + Faith, without any artificial fringes being attached to it, they + were too poor, and perhaps too conscious of the superiority of + the real God-given vocal capacity, to have anything to do with + what many of them believed to be artificial aids to religion. It + was a fine sight to see the leader of the songsters shut his + eyes, clap his hands, and with strong nasal blasts—which + resembled the drone of the immortal instrument that is the terror + of the English and the glory of the Scottish people—"raise + the hymn," while, as the others joined in the singing, the volume + of sound swelled louder and louder, until the whole congregation + were entranced by the power of their own performance.</p> + + <p>I give the words of the verse which Jimmy asked to be sung. + Here they are—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>"Come on, my partners in distress,<br /></span> + <span class="i1">My comrades through the + wilderness,<br /></span> <span class="i3">Who still your + bodies feel;<br /></span> <span class="i1">Awhile forget your + griefs and fears,<br /></span> <span class="i1">And look + beyond this vale of tears<br /></span> <span class="i3">To + that celestial hill."<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p>This was sung with appropriate vigour over and over again. It + is very difficult to stop a real country Methodist when the power + of song is on him, and on occasions such as this they generally + break off gradually, until only one or two irrepressible + enthusiasts are left singing, and these have to be brought to the + consciousness of time and the propriety of things by being pulled + down into their seats. Jimmy wished to proceed with his rebuke to + the persons who had been the cause of the diversion, so he put a + peremptory stop to the vocalists by telling them to "sit doon, + and listen to God's ambassador." He then resumed his address by + stating that when his fist knocked the candles off the table he + was "nearly givin' way to temptation. In fact," said he, "I was + just on the point of usin' profane language to the mockers and + scoffers of the sarvent of the livin' God. I mean them parvarse + lads and lasses aback o' the bed theor."</p> + + <p>"Amen!" interjected several saintly voices.</p> + + <p>"But, hallelujah!" resumed James, "aa felt God was ha'd'en me + back!"</p> + + <p>"Glory!" shouted Adam Jefferson.</p> + + <p>"Yes, ma brethren and sistors. Aa cum amang ye t' seek and t' + save sinners that repenteth; rich or poor, it makes nee + difference to me nor ma Maister, for hasn't He said 'where two or + three are met tegithor in Ma Name, there am I in the midst'?"</p> + + <p>"Bless Him!" cried Nannie Dent, a late accomplice of the + smugglers.</p> + + <p>Jimmy's rebuke to the offenders was delivered with boisterous + earnestness, but the comic phrasing of it created irrepressible + hilarity, and they had to leave the room. The preacher, in his + closing remarks, reminded his hearers that he was once a + black-hearted rascal, drinking, swearing, stealing, poaching, + smuggling, and but for the mercy of God he might have added to + his other crimes that of murder. A shudder went through the + congregation when "murder" was uttered, and their minds were + obviously centred on the derelict vessel and the dog, which Jimmy + was suspected of doing away with.</p> + + <p>"Ah!" whispered Sam Taylor, the butler, "he should never have + ventured on that affair. Folks are varra queer, and whether it is + true or not, they like sensation and scandal."</p> + + <p>As though he had been gifted with prescience, Jimmy + continued—"Aa can feel whaat ye are thinking aboot, but + it's not true. This is the man aa threatened te kill," pointing + at Turnbull. "And now let us bow oor heads in solemn, silent + prayor for a few minutes, and ask forgiveness for oor past and + daily sins. And aa want ye to join with me in asking for pardon + and speedy repentance to be sent tiv a porson that belangs te the + gentry of this district, but whe hes been, and is noo engaged in + trafficking in wickedness. May the Lord bring him to His + footstool of mercy before he is nabbed, as aa was."</p> + + <p>These remarks, with the exhilarating petition, caused an + amount of irreverent speculation as to who was the person alluded + to. The service was brought to a close without any evidences of + spiritual emotion such as had characterized previous meetings, + and the people proceeded in groups to their respective homes + filled with fertile curiosity, and a sinister suspicion as to who + the sinful person was that Jimmy had so fervently prayed for. But + only one person who heard the rugged deliverance fixed her mind + on him that was guilty, and she resolved to keep her thoughts a + secret, for reasons that will be explained hereafter. Meanwhile, + many innocent men were suspected, and gossip ran rampant. Jimmy, + when asked whom he meant, was piously reticent, and merely + answered—</p> + + <p>"That is a matter that concerns God and mysel'! The time may + come when he'll accuse hissel'. Aa'm prayin' mornin', noon, and + night, that the strings of his heart may be broken, and that a + penitent condition of mind may take possession of him, and in the + fulness of a new borth he may cry aloud, 'O Lord, once I was + blind, noo I see!'"</p> + + <p>When Thomas Turnbull and his wife arrived home, they found the + younger members of their family in an excited state of hilarity. + The youngest daughter was mimicking Jimmy perfectly, and had her + brothers and sister in fits of laughter. Their father could not + refrain from joining in the fun, but the mother was quiet and + pensive, and got rather huffed when her husband chided her in his + good-humoured way with being indifferent to the happy + surroundings. Poor woman, she was troubled about Jimmy's prayer, + and thought it irreligious to be joyous in the midst of such dark + mystery.</p> + + <p>The following afternoon, Mrs. Turnbull paid a visit to Mrs. + Clarkson, who listened with eager interest to the account of the + meeting, and when the words of the closing prayer were conveyed + an anxious look came over her countenance, and she made an effort + to change the subject, without, however, preventing Mrs. Turnbull + from detecting her confusion.</p> + + <p>"Let us talk of something else; I do not like," said she, + "conversing about sensational things; it makes me nervous. And if + I were you, I would try to forget what has been said to you about + important personages being involved in lawless traffic. It will + only make you unhappy, and serve no good purpose. If there is + anything of the sort going on, it will be discovered, and those + that are guilty will be brought to justice."</p> + + <p>Mrs. Turnbull did not pursue the subject any farther, but the + sad, pained look of her hostess became fixed in her memory. She + could not shake the conviction from her that Mrs. Clarkson was + haunted by the dread of some one belonging to herself having some + connection with Jimmy's prayer.</p> + + <p>Mrs. Turnbull paid frequent visits to the farm, and one winter + evening she happened to be there when a violent snowstorm made + the ground impassable, so she was prevailed upon to stay until + the following day. The household consisted of Mrs. Clarkson, her + sister, and two nieces, who were very pleased to have the company + of a woman who was so full of information and reminiscence. Her + mother was said to have been the daughter of a Scottish + law-lord's son, who was disinherited because he was thought to + have married beneath his station—that is, instead of + marrying the lady selected by his father from his own class, who + had nothing in common with him, he had chosen and fixed his + affections on a lady outside his rank, who was talented, had high + intellectual and religious qualities, and good looks, but was + financially poor. Mrs. Turnbull had excited the curiosity of the + two young ladies by relating this part of her history, and they + were naturally eager to hear more. With that object in view, they + asked their aunt to allow her to sleep in their room, and the + request was granted. The good lady, however, had said all that + she intended to say about herself, and notwithstanding the + ingenious and persuasive requests of her young friends, she stood + steadfastly to her resolve. She talked to them about the farm and + their aunt and cousins, and her own family, and the religious + work that was being carried on, but never another word about + herself or her ancestry could be drawn from her. Perhaps it was + that she considered it scarcely wise to discuss romance with + young girls. And so they talked themselves out about other + things, and then went to sleep.</p> + + <p>Early in the morning, Mrs. Turnbull was awakened by what she + took to be a door slamming. She got up with the intention of + closing it, and then heard voices talking, sometimes in an + ordinary tone, but for the most part in an excited whisper. She + listened, with the bedroom door ajar, and heard the voice of Mrs. + Clarkson say—</p> + + <p>"If you do not dissociate yourself from these wicked men you + will come to grief. You are supposed to be in Australia. Indeed, + it may be that Mr. Turnbull has his suspicion even now that I am + harbouring an accomplice of the men whose trade is smuggling, and + who try to get rid of those who prevent them carrying it on. I + beseech you to cut yourself adrift from that other man, who, I + believe, has you under his influence, and who, I feel sure, is + associated with this gang of lawbreakers."</p> + + <p>At this stage, Mrs. Turnbull could not restrain the desire to + cough. She did try to subdue it, but Mrs. Clarkson's companion + whispered to her—</p> + + <p>"Whist! I hear some one on the landing."</p> + + <p>"Do not fear," said Mrs. Clarkson; "it is only the wind making + noises through the trees."</p> + + <p>But her companion knew better, so not another word was + spoken.</p> + + <p>The next morning Mrs. Clarkson looked worried, but she was + quite affable with her guest, who acted her part without giving + the slightest suspicion of having overheard the little nocturnal + conversation.</p> + + <p>Immediately after breakfast, Mrs. Turnbull bade farewell to + the family, and was soon in the thick of domestic matters in her + own home. That night's experience at the Dean Farm settled the + destiny of several families. The information unwittingly gleaned + and discreetly used, led to far-reaching consequences to the + district, and to all those involved.</p> + + <p>It was well known that the smugglers had places of concealment + other than the accommodation gratuitously given them by certain + farmers. The secret of the real cave's whereabouts was + successfully kept, but one of those accidents that often come to + disturb the current of human affairs led to an important + discovery.</p> + <hr style='width: 45%;' /> + + <p>Softly the night wind blew over a glassy sea. The sound of the + rippling water on the reef of rocks and on the sandy beach had a + weird, melancholy effect. Then came the dull noise of muffled + oars commingling with the cawing of the gull and hollow surging + of the waters into the Fairy Rocks. There was neither moon nor + stars visible, but in the bay the experienced eye could discern + the mysterious lugger. There she lay, hove to, or anchored below + the Dean House, which could be seen peeping out between two sandy + hills. A dim light—which, to the uninformed, would have + conveyed the impression of a light in a cottage window, but which + was really a signal to the smugglers that the coast was + clear—flickered in a line with the sandy valley; and, in + truth, the quietude of the night betokened all was well. The + landing was successfully made without interruption, and the men + gaily entered on the task of transporting the cargo to its + destination, believing, as they had a right to believe, that a + big haul would be stored without a single hitch in the process. + The accomplices scattered after their work was done, and the + sailors returned to their vessel, no doubt well satisfied with + the night's enterprise. But notwithstanding the many scouts they + sent out, they were quite oblivious of the fact that their + movements had been closely watched. Sail was set, and the + sneaking craft crept out into the illimitable darkness, having + apparently completed its work unseen by unfriendly eyes. There + was not a little talk round the countryside about the landing + that had taken place without any one in authority to check its + progress. Wise, knowing people said it was timidity, and others + attributed it to indifference to the public service; the truth + being, it was neither the one nor the other. It was, in fact, a + carefully-planned scheme to discover exactly where the mysterious + cave was situated; and although in spite of exhaustive search the + entrance to it could not be found, they had got a clue to its + locality. A vigorous policy of exploration was inaugurated, but + after many weeks of toil the operations were abandoned without + the mystery having been penetrated. It was thought that time and + opportunity would solve the problem, but how it was to be solved + no one knew. There was, indeed, great speculation as to what + might happen should another landing be attempted, but month after + month passed without any indication of this, and the little + population had settled down to a dull monotony. Except for a + casual reference to the stirring times, the smugglers and their + emissaries were apparently all but forgotten. The Preventive men + were secretly as much on the alert as when the smugglers were + most active. They purposely adopted an apparent indifference with + the idea of luring the rovers into over-confidence. Each party + took into account the possibility of being betrayed. In all + secretive illegal societies there are suspects. Jimmy Stone + having changed his mode of life, suspicion fell very naturally on + him; but though he sometimes darkly hinted at the identity and + the secrets of his late allies, he was never known to definitely + divulge anything that would incriminate them. The nephew of Mrs. + Clarkson was another marked man, as was also a friend of his. The + former had been very little heard of in those parts since the + night that his aunt implored him to give up his associates. The + last that was really seen of Lawrence and his friend, they were + drinking together in a public-house, and a few days after some of + their torn and blood-stained clothes were found in a lonely + hedged-in lane close by the moor. This dreaded place was called + the "Mugger's Lonnin" by the country-folk, owing to its being a + camping-ground for the gipsies, and from end to end it was + prolific of bramble-berries and other wild fruit. When the + children went during the summer months to gather these they were + always accompanied by a few grown-up people, as it was believed + that many terrible tragedies had happened there. The discovery of + the clothes and the patches of blood right in the middle of the + lonnin was indicative of a foul murder having taken place, and + the bodies dragged along the grass to some place of concealment. + Search parties were formed, bloodhounds were called into + requisition, but no trace of the murdered lads' bodies could be + found, and for many months this supposed terrible crime was + sealed in mystery. A few people were callous enough to say that + they were convinced that no murder had taken place, but these + were very unpopular. The greater part of the small colony liked + sensation, and nursed this one assiduously until an almost + greater came to hand by it leaking out that the two men had been + expeditiously sent to Australia, and that the blood on their + clothes was not their own, but that of a sheep which had been + killed for the purpose of misleading. This exciting revelation + lead to important issues. Were they really alive and in + Australia? Had they been bribed to reveal the secrets of their + former friends, or was it dread of capture that caused them to be + sent out of the country? These were some of the outspoken + conjectures that flowed with ever-increasing imagination. The + real facts never became known, but the tales of these stirring + times have been handed down in more or less hyperbolic form. It + may be fairly assumed that Thomas Turnbull got reliable + information from some source which he was never known to + disclose, and having got it, he hastened to use it judiciously + and to advantage.</p> + + <p>The entrance to the cave was at last found at a spot where he + and his comrades had many times traversed. It was so ingeniously + concealed that they might have searched until the day of doom, + and it could never have been found but for the agency that + conveyed him to the spot. Tradition speaks of it being a long + subterranean passage, running east to west, and opening out close + to a road that was quite accessible to carts. It was honeycombed + with compartments, and so carefully were they constructed that + only the initiated could have discovered their locality. Some of + the cells still contained quantities of contraband, so that the + Board of Customs made a good haul.</p> + + <p>Turnbull frequently rubbed shoulders with men and women who + eloquently declaimed against the smugglers and their allies. He + knew these people were in the inner circle of the traffic. He + realized also that it was not good policy to let them see that he + knew that they were merely acting a part. He might some day have + to make use of them. There was a section who never disguised + their antipathy to him. They saw that through him the day of + smuggling on that part of the coast was well-nigh over—if + not over altogether. It was he who had been the instrument of + emptying the vaults of treasure which they regarded as + legitimately theirs, and closing them to further enterprise. It + was, in fact, the system that he represented that was paralyzing + their honest efforts of contributing to their means of + subsistence! These were only some of the many indictments + proclaimed against him and his colleagues. The aggrieved ones + strolled about with an air of injured virtue, and their ferocious + looks and veiled threats at the intruder as he passed along + betokened the belief in their prescriptive right to plunder the + Revenue. I think it is Macaulay who says that "no man is so + merciless as he who is under a strong self-delusion."</p> + + <p>The seizure of the storehouse gave a staggering blow to the + "fair-traders," but it did not prevent them from making another + desperate attempt to land their wares, and also to have their + revenge by destroying a few of her Majesty's servants. On dark + nights the horn lanterns were seen about the links, the + flare-light flashed across the sea, and the curlew's shrill call + was heard. These signs were now known to the Preventive staff; + but they also had their signs and their means of conveying news, + so that when the low, sneaking black lugger again appeared, they + were ready for the fray.</p> + + <p>There she was, snugly anchored in the sleepy bay. The first + boat-load had left her side. The slow, dull sound of the horses' + hoofs vibrated through the hollows, and the night wind from the + fields of sleep blew softly over the rustling bents, causing a + weird, peaceful lullaby. The boat's bow is run on to the beach, a + dozen or more men jump from her into the water and haul her up as + far as the weight of the cargo will allow. They then commence to + discharge. Again the curlew's call is heard, again the sharp + flare-light is seen; but no aid comes. The cargo is landed at + high-water mark; they realize something is wrong, and hesitate + whether to re-ship or re-embark without it. They are soon + disillusioned. A horse gallops madly from the south. The rider + shouts at the top of his voice, "Run, sailors, run! Treachery!" + and then heads his horse full speed in the direction he came + from, and is soon lost to view. The men push their boat into the + sea, and row with all their might towards the vessel. Bullets + from a score of muskets whiz over their heads; but they are + accustomed to this, and lay their backs into the oars with + increased vigour. Meanwhile, a coble sails almost peacefully + alongside their ill-fated craft. In an instant a crowd of + concealed men rush aboard and call out, "Surrender!" But + smugglers were not given to surrender when merely requested, so a + hand-to-hand fight took place. The butt-end of muskets were + freely used, and to some purpose. There was no heroic effort to + get at the powder magazine, so that they might blow themselves + and everybody else up.</p> + + <p>The lugger was in undisputed possession of the Revenue men + before the boat from the shore reached her. They, too, were + quickly disposed of, after a short, angry, though feeble + resistance. Stringent precautions were taken to prevent any + blowing-up exploits. The whole gang were well secured against + that, and any other hostile outbreaks. This having been done to + the satisfaction of the officer in charge, the anchor was + weighed, a course was shaped towards the south, and the last of + the low, black, romantic luggers, with their gallant crews, + passed away, never more to be seen on this part of the coast.</p> + + <p>Recognition of the deeds done by the dauntless heroes of that + age in the Government service was very scanty. It may be they did + not expect it. In that case they were rarely disappointed. Thomas + Turnbull seems to have got his reward in being allowed to remain + on the station until the time came to retire on a pension. He + went about his routine work with placid regularity, and devoted + what leisure he had to widening his reading, which consisted + mainly of history, theology, and Burns's poems. He was never + known to miss his class-meeting, and travelled eight miles each + way to keep his pulpit appointments on Sundays. He sometimes + entertained his family and the young folk that visited them by + relating his experiences with the smugglers, but his greatest + pleasure was in holding religious meetings in one or other of the + fishers' cottages. In this he was gratuitously aided by Jimmy + Stone, who entered into his work with energy, zeal, and + oftentimes amazing resource. Jimmy had developed a form of + religious mania, insisting on the theory that he was, as a + preacher, a direct descendant of the Apostles. This assumption + severely taxed the Christian virtues of the little society. + Turnbull, who had a keen sense of humour, viewed the new + situation with intense amusement, and always excused the foibles + of his old convert up to the time of leaving the district to end + his own eventful career within easy reach of his family, who were + all grown-up and doing well. Jimmy did not long survive him, but + he lived long enough to see the passing away of that spiritual + wave that had changed his whole life.</p> + + <p>Many years after, an ugly incident broke the spell of monotony + in the village. A hideous-looking creature came to it and + addressed himself to a fisherman. His voice was that of a + drunkard. He was dirty, his eyes were bleared, and the cunning, + shifty look betokened a long life of vicious habits. He wished to + know when Mrs. Clarkson died, where all her relations that lived + round about her were, to whom the estates were sold, and whom the + money they realized went to; what had become of Turnbull and his + family, and how long was it since the smugglers were driven off + the coast? These questions were only meagrely answered, as the + man he inquired of belonged to another generation, and there were + only very few left who knew anything of the period or the people + that he desired information about. The following day the body of + a man, supposed to be a tramp, was found in a barn. He had left + evidence of his identity, and when it was discovered that the + stranger was Stephen Lawrence, Mrs. Clarkson's nephew, the once + flashy young gentleman who controlled her estates, and who had + been sent abroad when grave suspicion rested upon him of being + seriously involved in pecuniary defalcations, it created a fresh + sensation, and revived all the old stories of bygone days. He had + come to die within the shadow of the home in which he was so + indulgently reared, and his remains were buried by those who knew + not of him. It was probably through him and Melbourne that the + secret locality of the cave and other valuable information which + led up to the final conflict and defeat of the smugglers became + known.</p> + + <p>The "Mugger's Lonnin," all blazing with red and yellow flowers + and long silvery grass growing wild, and covering the mysteries + that lie beneath, is still there. The superstitions regarding its + history still exist. The sandhills, capped with the rustling, + silky bents, looking down into the bay, are still there. The + thrilling sea winds come and go, and the music of the shells on + the beach is whispering as before, but the shrill wail of the + curlew is never sounded from knoll to knoll now. The horn lantern + is not seen by the roadsides, nor the quick flashlight that + signalled the coast was clear; and the rattle of the horses' + hoofs on the stones during the mystic night is never now heard. + There is nothing to indicate, in fact, that this lonely, superb + piece of England was once (not so long ago) a great centre of + illicit trading. The smuggler and Revenue man have disappeared, + and the scenes of their successes or failures, daring, comic, and + sometimes tragic, are undisturbed save by nature's sights and + sounds. Man-o'-war sailors (fine fellows though they be), with + ribboned caps, and trousers that flap like sails of a ship + tacking, have replaced the trim, gentlemanlike civilian of old. + Some of the latter are still remembered with affection, and even + veneration, by people who were young when the last of them passed + away.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="Smugglers_of_the_Rock" id= + "Smugglers_of_the_Rock"></a>Smugglers of the Rock</h2> + + <p>Captain S—— was a man of enterprise, and never + lost an opportunity of scheming to supplement the freight of the + vessel he commanded. His common phrase was, "Look for business, + and you'll meet it on the road." He was well known all over the + Mediterranean, and had done much trade with the Spanish ports, so + that he got to know a good deal about the character and methods + of their business. On one occasion, at Gibraltar, a deputation of + traders, as they called themselves, made him a proposition that + was startling in its remunerative dimensions.</p> + + <p>"I presume," said the captain, "this business which you are + good enough to put before me is sound; there is no humbug about + it?"</p> + + <p>"Not one bit, captain. You undertake to do certain work for + which we pay you before starting."</p> + + <p>It was arranged that he should wire from his last port of call + when passing down the Mediterranean. He fixed his mind on the + amount he was to receive, and did not inquire too closely into + the character of the business. He would have been virtuously + indignant if any one had hinted that he was capable of going + beyond the limits of stern rectitude, although he admitted the + undertaking to be extraordinary, otherwise he would not have been + so well paid for it. His knowledge of character told him that he + was going to do business with a squad of rascals who knew no + moral law, and yet the fascination of exciting enterprise held + him in its grip. So it came to pass that he sent his telegram + announcing approximately when he might be expected at Gibraltar, + and asking them to have all in readiness against his arrival. In + the early morning of the eighth day after leaving Malta, the + steamer crept from under the Great Rock into the beautiful bay, + and was promptly boarded by a few gentlemen of effusive manners + who were greatly concerned about the health of Captain + S——. The latter requested them to cease their chatter + and to get to business.</p> + + <p>"Are the craft ready?" said he.</p> + + <p>"Oh yes," replied the Rock-scorpions; "but you will have to + wait until dark before they can be brought from their + moorings."</p> + + <p>This was agreed to. The captain put his vessel alongside the + coal hulk, and by noon the required bunker coal had been shipped, + and through the kindness of the captain of the hulk she was + allowed to remain alongside until darkness set in, on the plea of + repairs being done to defective machinery. She was then slowly + moved towards three feluccas which lay waiting in the bay. The + night was still, and the moon shone bright and made the sea + silvery by its reflection; but a large halo encircled it, and the + seamen knew that foreboded stormy weather. "Telegraph boys" were + coming up from the west very swiftly. There was to be trouble + outside Cape Spartel, and they were anxious to get through the + stream before the gale had developed strength. A boat came + alongside. Two Levantines stepped aboard. The captain + said—</p> + + <p>"So you have come at last. Have you got the money with you? + Let me have no wriggling, or I will have you put over the side + and steam away without your merchandize."</p> + + <p>"No, no, capitan, you must not do that! Come to the charthouse + and you shall be paid at once."</p> + + <p>After three-fourths of the agreed sum had been counted out the + paymaster stuck, and said, "Capitan, you must be satisfied. We + are poor men like yourself."</p> + + <p>In an instant the captain was out of the charthouse <i>with + his money</i>, and went on to the upper bridge and called out to + his officers to see the gentlemen into their boat. They pleaded + to him to come into the charthouse again, and every cent due to + him would be handed over according to agreement.</p> + + <p>"I did not mean what I said to be taken seriously," said the + financial agent.</p> + + <p>"But I did," replied the captain. "And take notice that if you + wriggle again I will make short work of this business."</p> + + <p>The balance of freight was handed over without further demur, + and the craft taken in tow as arranged. It was urged that the + heaviest laden of the three lighters should tow astern of the + others. The engines were set easy ahead. The two scorpions were + asked to get into their boat quickly. They wished the captain + good luck, and gave him instructions to steer over to the African + side of the gut, as the current was easier there. He was warned + in true Levantine eloquence, and with an accent and tone that + indicated anxiety for the success of the project, to look sharply + after the "wolves" when they got off Tarifa, for this is the + narrowest part of the entrance to the Mediterranean. It was clear + that this traffic welcomed no publicity.</p> + + <p>The <i>C——</i> was soon plunging into a strong + westerly swell, though there was as yet but little wind. They had + got Tarifa abeam, when the look-out man reported a small vessel + three points on the starboard bow. In a few more minutes the + "wolves" announced themselves by a few small shot rattled against + the smoke stack. Orders were given to the second officer to go + aft with a hatchet, and when the signal was given he had to snap + the tow-rope of the last felucca. All hands were ordered to lie + low—<i>i.e.</i>, lie under shelter of the bulwarks. The + captain and chief officer took shelter on the port side of the + charthouse. The vessel's course was altered, but being so far + over on the African coast there was not much room to play on. The + firing was still directed at the funnel, though at times it was + erratic. One of the seamen shouted, "I'm hit!" In an instant the + captain blew his whistle, and the tow-line of No. 3 craft was + cut. The steamer's speed increased, though it did not much matter + so far as getting out of the fire zone was concerned, as the + Spanish <i>Costaguardia's</i> attention became fixed on the + abandoned craft.</p> + + <p>"My God!" soliloquized the chief mate, "the Rock-scorpions are + right. They have pounced upon the derelict like wolves. I almost + wish I was there to see the effect when they realize they have + been fooled, and they find that that craft is loaded with stones. + It was just done in the nick of time; they might have compelled + us to heave to."</p> + + <p>"I would never have done that," said the captain. "I knew they + would not risk being defeated in their object when they saw so + excellent a prize thrown at them."</p> + + <p>"They are setting the sail," observed the officer.</p> + + <p>"Yes," responded the captain. "The gentlemen will find one of + their craft anchored in Gibraltar Bay to-morrow morning, and may + be the whole three. I do not like the look of it; both the wind + and sea are making. I hope we may be able to reach to the + westward of Trafalgar Bay before it gets worse."</p> + + <p>Instructions were given to have the wounded seaman brought to + the saloon, and it was found that he was not seriously injured. + After the wound was dressed, orders were given to set the regular + watch. Little progress was made during the night, owing to the + heavy west wind. By six the following morning she was just a + little west of Cape Spartel, and the wind had increased to a + heavy gale. The engines had to be slowed down in order to save + the two little vessels from being dragged under water; indeed, as + it was, their hulls were sometimes buried. The captain saw that + he was in for a tragedy if the craft were kept in tow. He did not + like to slip them, as it meant certain capture, and while he was + thinking out the wisest and best course to pursue, the problem + was solved by the people aboard the feluccas letting go the + tow-line, and the last that was seen of them was that they were + heading towards the Spanish coast with small storm sails set.</p> + + <p>Captain S——'s vessel had a severe passage, and on + arrival in Falmouth he went to an hotel. In the course of the + evening he was relating the incidents of the voyage, as was the + custom with orthodox captains on arrival in port, and of course + he included his experiences with the Rock-scorpions and their + feluccas. Before he had completed the tale, the proprietor + interposed by reading as follows from a shipping + paper:—</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + <p>"Information was conveyed to the Spanish Customs Authority + that a British steamer had run out of Gibraltar Bay with three + feluccas laden with manufactured tobacco destined for Cadiz. + She was to be intercepted at Tarifa by the coastguards, and the + craft with their cargo were to have been seized. When she got + to Tarifa the coastguards fired at her. The third lighter was + slipped, boarded by the officials and their men, and taken + behind the Rock, when it was discovered on removing the hatches + that she was laden with stones. The other two parted their + tow-ropes, and were driven through the Gut and captured. These + were laden with tobacco. The stone-laden craft was obviously + intended as a decoy, and but for the heavy gale that came on, + the other two would have succeeded in reaching their + destination."</p> + </div> + + <p>A few months later, Captain S—— entered Gibraltar + Bay, and was boarded by the chief commissioner of the last + enterprise, accompanied by a friend, who was introduced as being + engaged in "our" trade.</p> + + <p>"Ah," said the former in genuine Rock-scorpion dialect, "The + last was a great disaster; but it has never been said that you + did not do all that was possible to carry out your contract + properly. If there had been any appearance of not doing so, my + friend and I would not have said that Captain S—— is + the very man to carry out our new affair, which is doubly better + than the other."</p> + + <p>"Well, shut up about that," said the captain. "Come to the + point. What is it you wish me to do?"</p> + + <p>"Ah! capitan, but for the knowledge we have of your ability, + and the affection my friends and myself have for you, we would + have hesitated to show you this token of our much esteem."</p> + + <p>"Shut up!" interjected the sailor. "I don't want a display of + pretty nothings. I want business."</p> + + <p>"Oh! capitan, why do you say such things when we are so + anxious to put something your way. I tell you there are thousands + of men that would be glad to have your chance. The job we have is + this: three feluccas are lying up in the harbour laden with + tobacco. Tonight you must lie off the town without anchoring, and + they will be brought alongside. You must take the cargo aboard, + and proceed off Amonti Pomoron. A pilot and interpreter will go + with you, and you must not go near the land until darkness comes + on, when craft showing signals which the pilot understands will + be there to meet you and have men to tranship the cargo into + lighters. You will have £400 for doing this—half in + cash before leaving, and the other half on arrival at Amonti. The + transaction will be quite straight."</p> + + <p>"It seems to me so uncommonly like a huge smuggling affair, + that I cannot entertain it," replied S——.</p> + + <p>"No, no! my dear capitan; here you are mistaken. We would not + ask such a thing of you. How can it be smuggling? The cargo is + put aboard in neutral waters; you take it off the coast of Spain + and deliver it as arranged. You get your money, and know nothing + more about it. How can that be smuggling?"</p> + + <p>"Well," said the captain, "it has nothing to do with me where + the stuff comes from, or where it is going to. If you will give + me five hundred pounds, all cash, before leaving here, I will + agree to take it."</p> + + <p>The Rock-scorpion gasped—</p> + + <p>"What, five hundred pounds! Capitan, now do be reasonable. I + tell you no other man would get the half of what you are + offered."</p> + + <p>"Very well, then," replied the captain, "it is off. Give it to + the person who will do it for half."</p> + + <p>"Certainly not; that is not what I mean," said the + commissioner. "How can I face my friends with such news after all + I have said to them about you? They will form a bad opinion of + both you and myself."</p> + + <p>"Oh! d—— both you and your friends. Get over the + side, or I'll help you."</p> + + <p>"Well, Capitan S——, I have never seen a man in + such a temper before."</p> + + <p>"Oh, go to——!"</p> + + <p>"Oh no, no, capitan; don't say that. I cannot tell my friends + of this."</p> + + <p>"I wouldn't take your stuff for a thousand pounds now," said + the captain.</p> + + <p>"Forgive me, my best friend. I did not mean to be offensive; + you have misunderstood my meaning. I will give you five hundred + pounds, though I know I will have to pay one hundred out of my + own purse. It is very hard."</p> + + <p>The captain hesitated, but was overcome by the thought of + making so large a clean profit without involving any material + loss of time. In less than an hour after darkness came on the + cargo was being put aboard with amazing facility. The first + lighter was nearly discharged, when the captain asked the agent + to pay the freight. This gentleman, with many greasy apologies, + informed him that he had only half of the money with him. He + could not get his friends to agree to pay all before starting, + "but they will agree to pay half here and the other half as soon + as the lighters come to you at Amonti." "Very well, then; I won't + take another bale in, and will steam away at once."</p> + + <p>"But," said the cunning Rock-scorpion, "you have a lighter of + goods aboard. You are very dreadful for talking about running + away with it."</p> + + <p>"You make me sick," said the captain, with a killing look of + scorn.</p> + + <p>"Capitan, you say queer things to your best friends. Now, I + tell you what I will do: I will on my own responsibility give you + in cash two-thirds now, and the other third I pledge myself will + be paid at Amonti. It would be a scandal to all concerned to + allow it to drop at the present time."</p> + + <p>"Scandal be d——d!" replied the commander. "You're + a fine lot to talk about scandal—you who would rob Jesus + Christ of his shoe-strings."</p> + + <p>"Capitan, you do me wrong; I would never do the things you + say."</p> + + <p>"Stump up the dross like a man, then, and don't stand whining + there like a sucking turkey craving for pity," retorted Captain + S——. A look of injured piety came over the old + rascal's face, who was playing a game of Levantine jugglery, + subtle and crafty.</p> + + <p>"Ah," said he, "I am so sorry. Indeed, I cannot express my + grief that you should have changed in so short a time from the + kind, generous capitan of old times long ago to the very cruel, + disobliging person of this minute, who calls me names and refuses + to reciprocate kindness for kindness. I think my friends will say + that I tell lies, which they would not think of me, when I tell + them that you have become morose and disobliging. They will stare + and say that my judgment has been deceived. But to show my trust + in you, nevertheless, I will, as I have said, give you two-thirds + cash, and the other third you will be paid at your destination. + No other man in Gibraltar would do the same; but we are old + friends who have done business together before—not + profitable, but still it was business, very hard business. Come, + now, capitan, do be reasonable, and do not look at me as though + you would like to strike my face with your fist."</p> + + <p>The captain had been standing in a reflective mood during the + Rock-scorpion's harangue, obviously reviewing the whole position + and the policy that should be adopted. He was dubious as to the + wisdom of accepting the terms offered; but seeing that the risk + to him was less than it was to them, he spontaneously + replied—</p> + + <p>"Agreed! But I warn <i>you</i>, and you must intimate the + warning to your friends, if there is any attempt at deceiving me, + or any reluctance shown at the other end to pay the balance of + freight, I will steam off with the merchandise and the men you + propose sending with me, and I don't care to say what will become + of them."</p> + + <p>"Shake hands," said the wily agent; "and I give you my word of + honour, which everybody trusts but you since you came this time, + that there will be no trouble made. Now come to the charthouse + and take over the cash."</p> + + <p>This formality was speedily accomplished, though not without a + further attempt to reduce the cash payment on the plea that it + would endanger his professional reputation in the eyes of his + commercial friends.</p> + + <p>"I care nothing for your reputation," murmured the candid + sailor. "What I want is two-thirds freight, so stump it all up, + or I will have it taken from you and then hoist you into your + boat."</p> + + <p>Whereupon the agent became afflicted with grief at his dear + friend's threatened cruelty.</p> + + <p>"Really, my best friend, I must not give way here, but I will + shed tears when I get to my silent home, and speak with myself of + the change that has come to your mind."</p> + + <p>"Don't you bother about shedding tears; you see that your + friends play the game," said the inexorable captain. "I will + carry out my part; but, by heavens! if your people don't carry + out theirs, you shall all pay dearly for it."</p> + + <p>"You are too excited on this occasion, my dear capitan, and + for this I am sorry, as I like to see you as usual. I tell you if + they do not play the fair way, I will be responsible and be very + vexed."</p> + + <p>"Shut up, you blatherskite; the cargo is all aboard. Get into + your boat quick, and remember what I have said to you when you + can overcome the effects of your wriggling and dodging. Your + cargo can only be delivered on one condition. Keep in mind what + it is. Begone, and never let me see your evil countenance + again."</p> + + <p>Thus spoke the enterprising commander, who had begun to + realize that he was having dealings with a gang whom he would + have to fight in order to get his own. The engines were put at + full speed, and kept at that until she was fifty miles north-west + of Cape Spartel, when they were slowed so that she might not + arrive before the appointed time. As the vessel trailed sinuously + over the quiet sea, the captain's thoughts were centred on + material things and the reception he was likely to have on + meeting the men his mind's eye pictured as cut-throat ruffians. + He had several conferences with the interpreter, whose look and + speech he regarded as a revelation of villainy. He was tall and + slim, with ricketty legs, dark shifty eyes, a low receding + forehead, and a mouth and chin that indicated the animal. The + captain felt instinctively the approach of trouble, and frankly + told the wretch, who he knew was deceiving him, that every bale + of tobacco would be held until after the freight was paid over in + gold sovereigns; and with an air of ostentatious authority he + gave instructions to have all the muskets and revolvers loaded + and ready in case they should be required. The hideous scoundrel + fixed his eye on the captain, and with ironic accent intimated he + could not help being filled with concern when he heard the orders + given to prepare the firearms.</p> + + <p>"Capitan, we are not pirates; we are respectable men carrying + on a respectable trade. You need not prepare anything; we are + honest tradesmen."</p> + + <p>The captain laughed heartily at this comic assurance of + fidelity, and felt convinced that a deep impression had been + made, as the interpreter shortly after was seen vigorously + conversing with his two compatriots. The one had been introduced + as the representative of the owner of the cargo, and the other + the pilot, whose business it was to direct the captain to that + part of the coast where the craft was awaiting the vessel's + arrival. The treacherous dusk was casting its shadows over them, + and had brought with it a weird sound of the moaning wind. The + crew stood in little knots, talking earnestly to each other. + Obviously they conversed of the night's work, and all the grave + possibilities that lay in front of them. For the most part they + wore an anxious look on their faces, but there was one there + whose eye was full of sparkling fun, and whose face beamed with a + self-satisfied expectation of exhilarating dangers. The captain + called him to the bridge, and gave him some specific orders as to + how he was to act when certain signals were given. The chaste and + simple motto of "the blow first and jaw afterwards" guided him, + and he was only profane when discipline demanded it. His + superstitious tendencies were in an ordinary way an anxiety to + him, but on the night in question the only signs he gave of being + affected in this way was by the half coherent remark to the + captain that he did not like to hear the shrill wail of the wind + through the rigging; "it seems to be speaking to us of some + trouble near at hand." Suddenly the interpreter called out, "I + see the feluccas." In a moment all thought of the wail of the + wind had disappeared, and this fine athletic seaman was + commanding his men like a hero. He had been told by his captain + that there would more than likely be rough work to do, and he + prepared for it with a skill and vigour that left no doubt as to + how his instructions would be carried out. "Give the signal at + the proper time," said he, "and leave the rest to me." A + shipwrecked crew was being taken home in the steamer, and these, + together with her own crew, made the number look formidable, and + although they were never requested to give assistance, they + offered it in case of need. Undoubtedly the addition to the + ordinary crew had a moral effect upon the Spaniards.</p> + + <p>The craft came alongside, and her crew jumped aboard and + commenced to handle the bales. They were peremptorily stopped by + the captain giving instructions that not a single bale was to be + allowed to pass into the lighters until the freight was paid and + he had given orders. Soon there was a carnival of foes. The + captain called to the interpreter to bring the man with the money + to the saloon. The interpreter came but not the man. The former + said the money was coming on the second lighter, but the one + alongside must be loaded and sent away first.</p> + + <p>"No, no!" interposed the captain; "no money, no bales." He + would wait until the second lighter came, which could easily be + placed alongside astern of the first one. In a short time number + two came, and was moored as directed. A large number of men + jumped aboard from both craft. The captain again called out to + bring the man with the money, and again no one turned up but the + interpreter. This time he was defiant. He put his back against + the saloon side, folded his arms and began—</p> + + <p>"Capitan, you see the number of people aboard your vessel. + They can take her from you, if they so wish it. I tell you + frankly we have no money; but, by God! we must and shall have the + tobacco."</p> + + <p>The captain had been reared amidst a race of men who had + imbued him with the importance of hitting decisively and with + promptness, when confronted with situations which demanded + physical action. In an instant he had hold of the scoundrel, who, + he was convinced now, was the leader of a plot to take the cargo + by force. Under peremptory compulsion, the Levantine was rushed + on deck, informed that he had miscalculated with whom he had to + deal, and that any one who attempted to carry out his threat + would be fired upon.</p> + + <p>"I give you fair warning there shall be no half measures, and + I command you to inform your friends what I have said; and also + state to them that as soon as I have been paid my freight, they + will not only be allowed to have the cargo, but I will instruct + my crew to assist in the transhipment."</p> + + <p>It never will be known now what this plant of grace intimated + precisely to his colleagues, but the general impression was at + the time that the captain's message had not been conveyed + verbatim. Soon the babble of tongues charged the air and gave an + impression of Bedlam. The captain had resolved upon a course of + action which was strenuous. He had given certain orders to the + chief engineer, and was standing on the lower bridge reviewing + the situation, when the second officer came up to him and said in + a whisper—</p> + + <p>"The Spaniards are all armed to the teeth, sir."</p> + + <p>"All right," said the captain, "they will soon be disarmed. + Meanwhile, as a precaution, put our men on their guard. This + business must be carried through vigorously, and with dash."</p> + + <p>At this juncture the interpreter, apparently with the + intention of breaking the deadlock, attempted to come on the + bridge, and was warned if he put his foot on the ladder he (the + captain) would jump on top of him. He did so, and the next moment + he was flattened on the deck. The Spaniards, in great excitement, + surrounded the two. At last, one of the shipwrecked men spoke to + them in Spanish, and the master asked him if he could really + speak Spanish. He replied in the affirmative.</p> + + <p>"Then," said the captain, "translate to these men that I do + not wish to hold the cargo, but that my agreement was for the + freight to be paid immediately the craft came alongside."</p> + + <p>This pronouncement seemed to make an impression, but they + still coveted and cavilled for the goods. They endeavoured to + persuade the master of the steamer, who had gone on to the bridge + again, to anchor, and the money would be brought off in the + morning. He prevaricated with them, and at the same time told the + chief engineer secretly to put the engines easy ahead. She was + brought head on to the sea, and the wind having risen, a nasty + swell came with it, which caused the lighters to jump and put + jerky strains on their moorings. A few of their crew jumped + aboard, and were trying to pass additional ropes around the + rigging of the steamer when the captain blew his whistle. In an + instant the tow-rope of the forward lighter was cut; then it was + that the Spaniards realized what was happening. They remonstrated + with the captain; they shouted to each other excitedly; those + that had not got aboard the feluccas flew along the deck and + jumped, one after the other, on to their vessel as she swung + round. Another shrill whistle, and the last rope of lighter No. 2 + was snapped. Captain S—— called out to the + interpreter, who was pleading piteously to allow them to have + only some of the cargo, to jump at once if he did not wish to + lose his passage, and to be taken away with the steamer. He + quickly realized his true position, and sprang over the stern. It + was supposed that he was picked up by one of the craft. They then + commenced to fire wildly from the feluccas, but little harm was + done, and in a brief time the steamer had travelled far outside + the range of their guns, and was heading towards Cape St. + Vincent, with the whole of the contraband aboard of a value of + something like £5000. The question of how it was to be + disposed of was a problem not easily solved. The first thought + was to take it to Lisbon. This idea having broken down, the next + thought was one of the Channel Islands (Jersey or Guernsey). This + also, for specific reasons, gave way. It was then decided to take + it to the port of discharge of the ordinary cargo; but after + calculating all the trouble, the payment of duty, time lost, and + possible legal technicalities, the captain resolved that the best + and cleanest way of disposing of it was to jettison the whole of + it. This decision brought him into sharp conflict with his chief + officer, who entirely disagreed with such a course.</p> + + <p>"Is it for this," he said, "that we risked being shot and + having the steamer seized and confiscated? The tobacco belongs to + us by right of conquest, as well as by moral right, and it will + be an abomination to throw it overboard. Even if we make only a + thousand pounds out of it, it is always something; but to put it + into the sea would be sinful beyond description. I cannot bring + myself to be a party to such a thing."</p> + + <p>The decision of the captain was irrevocable, in spite of the + persuasive eloquence of a deputation of the crew and engineers. + So, after passing the Burlings, orders were given to cut the + bales, save the packing, and shovel the tobacco overboard. This + very nearly caused open revolt, but the captain made a few + tactful statements which had good effect. He presented a case + that could not be controverted, and they yielded to the + inevitable. The jettisoning commenced with bad grace, and a + continual growl was kept up until the captain himself was + overcome by the sight of the beautiful tobacco being thrown away. + He called a halt, after persuading himself that a new idea might + be presented to the mind as time went on, which would show how a + profit could be made without risking any vital interest; but this + only endured for a couple of days. No really sound idea came, and + so the work of destruction was resumed until only half a dozen + bales were left, and it was resolved to hold these whatever + happened. The mate was a sailor of the old school, and clung to + the grog and tobacco traditions of the eighteenth century. He + might have forgiven the purveyors of defective food, but if bad + grog and tobacco were supplied there was no forgiveness for that, + here or hereafter! He believed in the crew being served with grog + whenever they were called upon to do extra work, such as + shortening sail or setting it, and although he never allowed + smoking when on duty, or expectoration on the quarter-deck, a + skilful seaman was all the more popular with him if he chewed. + His opinion was that they did better work, and more of it, when + they rolled a quid about in their mouths. If his attention was + called to a small boy who was practising the habit, a + pride-of-race smile would come into his face, and his laughing + eyes indicated the joy it was giving him. Then he would say, + "Thank God, the race is not becoming extinct. I have always hope + of a youngster turning out satisfactorily if he works well and + chews well." As a matter of fact, his conviction was that a boy + or man who adopted the practice did so instinctively because they + were born sailors, and were true types of British manhood. + Indeed, he regarded manhood as strictly confined to his own + class, though on many occasions I have seen volcanic evidences of + shattered faith. It was not so much the money value of the + tobacco, but the <i>racial affection he had for it</i> that + caused him to feel indignant at the suggestion of it being thrown + to the waves.</p> + + <p>The second day subsequent to this conflict, it was the first + mate's afternoon watch below. He had partaken of his midday meal, + and went to the bridge to have a smoke. As he looked down at the + bales of goods, he said to the second mate—</p> + + <p>"However the thought of destroying that beautiful stuff can + have entered the mind of man I cannot fathom. I think I have got + him persuaded to leave well alone. It must be nothing short of + stark lunacy."</p> + + <p>And the two men were agreed that had their captain <i>been as + short of it as they</i> had been one time and another he would + not talk such foolishness. The chief mate intimated that he was + going to have a nap, but that his mind was torn with presentiment + which he could not speak about calmly. At four o'clock when he + came on deck he was made aware of what had taken place during his + watch below, whereupon he lapsed into a kind of inarticulate + stupor, and could not speak the unutterable. He placed his right + hand on his brow, and then on his left breast, and stood gazing + at the long Atlantic rollers, which had the appearance of an + uneven reef of rocks. The stage of stupor and grief was + superseded by that of resigned indignation. He plaintively called + out—</p> + + <p>"Well, I'll—be—teetotally—d——d! + Miles of sea to be paved with that beautiful tobacco! Retribution + will come to somebody; and, by thunder! it should come with a + clattering vengeance. I will never forget the sight as long as I + have breath."</p> + + <p>The captain came up to him, and seeing that his mind was + centred on what he regarded as not only a calamity but a crime, + he was so much amused at his ludicrously pathetic appearance that + he laughingly repeated—</p> + + <p>"Oh, for the touch of a vanished hand, and the sound of a + voice that is still."</p> + + <p>The inappropriate words were merely used as a piece of chaff, + but Mr. S—— was not in a chaffing mood, so he + retorted that he did not see where the humour came in, and there + was nothing to laugh at, and so on. He then walked on to the + bridge, and he and the captain were not on friendly speaking + terms any more during the voyage.</p> + + <p>At midnight on the sixth day after parting company from the + Spaniards, the vessel was hove to to take a pilot aboard. Captain + S—— took him aside as soon as he boarded, and asked + him in an undertone if he ever did anything in the contraband + line. He held up his hands as though he were horrified at the + suggestion, and exclaimed—</p> + + <p>"Not for the world, captain!"</p> + + <p>"Very well," replied the captain; "you go below, and I will + join you in a minute or two, after giving orders to the steward + to make tea for us."</p> + + <p>As a matter of fact, he remained behind to give orders to the + mate to throw overboard the remaining six bales, which was a + further trial to the grief-stricken officer; and having done this + the captain joined the pilot, and entered into conversation with + him. The two men were not long in discovering that they each + belonged to the brotherhood of Freemasons. This put them on easy + terms at once, and encouraged the pilot to inquire into the + meaning of the words spoken to him on boarding.</p> + + <p>"I do not quite know how I stand in relation to that," said + the captain. "Indeed, I am perplexed as to the plan I ought to + adopt. So many difficulties confront me as the scheme of + development goes on; but so far as I have been able to work out + the problem, I think my attitude must be straightforward, and + that I should make a full voluntary statement to the authorities. + Meanwhile, if you pledge me your Masonic honour to keep it a + secret until I have made it public, I will tell you the whole + story."</p> + + <p>The undertaking was readily given, and long before the whole + story was told, the pilot's Christian virtues had broken down. At + frequent intervals while the narrative was being told he + interjected, "Oh! why didn't you tell me?" His mind was + transfixed. Then the processes of it became confused. The vision + of wealth and the reckless squandering of some of it took + possession of him, and with uncontrolled zeal he called + out—</p> + + <p>"My God! what a story! O captain, why didn't you tell me what + it was at once, and not waste time? Let us get to work without + delay. I will undertake to land what you have got on an island + and share the proceeds with you."</p> + + <p>"Too late, too late, my friend. You have thrown away an + opportunity which may never come to you again," replied the + master, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Transactions of + this kind are done spontaneously and with vigour—they are + not to be dreamed about."</p> + + <p>"I admit my error, captain; but, oh! how was I to know? Surely + you do not mean to tell me that the balance of the tobacco has + been thrown overboard since I came here?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, it is all gone. We do not hesitate when we face the + inevitable, no matter what the sacrifice may be."</p> + + <p>"Well, I'm blowed!" soliloquized the pilot. "It will take me + some time to get over this little bit of history."</p> + + <p>"I daresay," said the captain; "but it is time you took + charge—she is now within your jurisdiction. What do you say + to going on the bridge? You will find the chief officer there, + with whom you may condole, if it be safe for a stranger to speak + of so delicate a subject to him. You will, perhaps, find him + stupefied with grief and shame at the unpatriotic conduct of his + commander, and I daresay his language will impress you with the + venerable traditions cherished by his class when things are + supposed to have gone wrong."</p> + + <p>The pilot greeted the chief officer cordially, but did not + receive a very polite response to his attempts to draw him into + conversation about his recent experiences, and was cut short in a + sailorly fashion by being told if he wanted any information about + experiences, as he called them, to go and ask "that + —— fool of a skipper about it."</p> + + <p>"I have had a little conversation with him," replied the + pilot; "and it does seem to me extraordinary—and if I were + not here I might almost say an outrage—that no other course + could be found than utter sacrifice."</p> + + <p>"Oh, don't talk to me!" exclaimed the vivacious mate, in a + flood of passion. "You call it extraordinary and an outrage! Is + that a proper name for such wickedness? You ask me what I think + of it? I tell you I cannot think. You talk about outrage! I say, + sir, it is joining outrage to injustice, and I cannot believe + that any other than a frozen-souled fool would have done it. + There is not a glimmering of common-sense in it. The wonder is + that he didn't take it back to the scoundrels, for pity's + sake!"</p> + + <p>This outburst of withering scorn encouraged the pilot to ask + what the sailors thought of it.</p> + + <p>"Go and ask them, if you want to hear something you've never + heard before."</p> + + <p>The captain, who was in the charthouse, could not help hearing + these interesting opinions of himself, nor could he help enjoying + the rugged humour of them. His mate had his peculiarities, but he + never doubted his loyalty to himself, and he was sure that on + reflection he would come to see the wisdom of disentanglement. He + went on to the bridge as though all was serene, asked a few + questions of the pilot, and settled down until the vessel arrived + at her discharging port.</p> + + <p>On landing, a message-boy told him there was a telegram at the + office for him. He eagerly asked if he knew where it was from. + The boy replied, "Gibraltar." He requested the messenger to get + it for him, and found it was from the agent who shipped the + tobacco, the purport of it being to offer him £500 to bring + it back, and intimating that a letter was on the way. When this + came to hand, it explained exhaustively the reason the freight + was not paid as agreed, and boldly accused the port authorities + and officials of having organized a plot in order to accomplish + their own evil ends. This precious document was signed by the + writer, and, needless to say, was not replied to. As a necessary + protection to himself, the master had a declaration signed by the + whole of the crew, stating that they had no tobacco concealed or + in their possession other than that shown to the Custom-house + officers.</p> + + <p>As is usual after a vessel arrives in a home port, and is + properly moored and decks cleared up, the crew go aft, draw a + portion of their wages, and then go ashore. They had a fine tale + to relate, and it may be taken for granted that no incident + connected therewith lost any of its flavour in the process of + narration. It would appear that the sailors got drunk and + "peached" in a most grotesque way. They declared that although + much of the contraband had been disposed of, this was only done + as a blind, and that there were tons beneath the iron ore and in + the peaks and bunkers, and all over the vessel. The story spread, + and grew as it was passed along, until it became the most + colossal smuggling enterprise ever known in the country. The + captain came on board at noon on the day following the arrival, + and found a large number of Custom-house officers on board. Some + were in the holds digging vigorously at the ore with picks and + shovels. Their coats were off, and their shirt sleeves doubled + up. Others were on deck ready for action, but the chief mate + prevented them going into the forepeak, which caused both + suspicion and irritation. The captain gave them permission. Two + went forth full of hope and confidence that they were on the + point of reaping their reward. They had no sooner got down than + indescribable cries for God to help them were heard. A rush was + made to see what had happened. The lights were out, and nothing + was visible. They groped their way to the peak ladder, and were + nearly dead with fright when they reached the deck. When they had + sufficiently recovered, they said that there was something in the + peak alive, which kept butting up against them. They were sure it + wasn't a man, and that it must be something evil. An Irish sailor + stood close by laughing and jeering at them, and in genuine + brogue he charged them with being haunted by their own "evil + deeds."</p> + + <p>"You had no business there," said he, "and to prove to you + that I am right I'll swear divil a thing is there in the peak but + cargo gear and other stores. I'll go down myself and face the + evil one you talk about."</p> + + <p>And down he went, but the fright of the officers was feeble to + the Irishman's. He shrieked and flew on deck shouting, "Be God, + you're right, he's there!"</p> + + <p>The chief mate suspected what it was, but was not keen on + going down himself or ordering any one else to do so, so the + anchor light was lowered down and shone upon the captain's pet + goat. It had been long aboard for the purpose of supplying milk + to the captain and his wife. The peak hatch had been off, and + Nannie, accustomed to go wherever she pleased, strayed into the + darkness and tumbled down. The incident stopped all work for a + time, and created a lot of good-humoured chaff. The Irishman was + especially droll, and endeavoured to carry it off by swearing he + knew it was the goat, but he wanted some other fellow to have a + go at it. "But no fear," said he; "every one of them was dying + with funk."</p> + + <p>After a time the captain thought it right to disillusion the + officer in charge, and going up to him asked the meaning of the + raid.</p> + + <p>"Well," replied the officer, "we have information that there + is a large quantity of tobacco aboard, and that some of it is in + the forepeak, but most of it is about a couple of feet below the + iron ore."</p> + + <p>The captain replied, "We had a lot of it a few days since, but + there is not a leaf aboard now that I know of. Every particle has + been thrown overboard. Let me reassure you on this point."</p> + + <p>"But," said the officer, "what about the packing? My men have + come across a large quantity."</p> + + <p>"That is very true," said the commander; "the packing is the + only thing we saved. Now get your men ashore, there's a good + fellow. You are only working them to death for no earthly + reason."</p> + + <p>"But the sailors say the tobacco was emptied out of the + packing and covered over with ore."</p> + + <p>"Well, if you believe the sailors and you don't believe me, go + on digging. I can only repeat, the search is futile."</p> + + <p>"Very well," replied the disconcerted official, "I shall + withdraw all my men but two, who must remain to watch and make + sure of there being no concealment. Not that I disbelieve you. It + is merely a formal precaution which I hope you will think nothing + of."</p> + + <p>The whole affair had been reported to the Collector of + Customs, and the master was informed that all things considered, + the best thing had been done in ridding himself of an awkward + encumbrance. In a few days an emissary of the Gibraltar syndicate + had an interview with the captain, and then disappeared. It was + said that he was strongly advised to disappear, lest he should be + detained by legal authority.</p> + + <p>The owner received the freight paid in advance with obvious + pleasure, like a good, Christian gentleman; but the intelligence + of how it was earned and the disastrous conclusion of the + undertaking was listened to with studied gravity. A sermon on the + danger of little sins such as covetousness and the growing love + of money was impressively preached. The owner was convinced that + if ever the gentlemen involved in this little transaction got the + opportunity they would take the master's life, so in the goodness + of his heart he determined that the vessel should not call there + for coal until the spirit of vengeance had had ample time to cool + down.</p> + + <p>More than twelve months had elapsed since these affairs + occurred, when the owner was offered a charter from the Black + Sea, but one of the unalterable conditions was that the vessel + should call at Gibraltar for orders. The captain strongly urged + his owner not to lose so good a charter because of his anxiety + for him, but he was obdurate until the captain said—</p> + + <p>"Then I shall have to resign my command. I cannot go on like + this any longer."</p> + + <p>"If you make this the alternative, then I must give way; but + the responsibility is yours alone," was the reply.</p> + + <p>The charter was signed, and on a fine summer day two months + after, the <i>C——</i> let go her anchor in Gibraltar + Harbour to await her orders. A tall, fine-looking man came aboard + to solicit business of a legitimate character. He spoke English + with fluency and an almost correct accent. The captain knew he + had some business connection with the syndicate, but did not give + him any reason to suppose he had this knowledge. He was cognisant + of the characteristics of these people, and determined that his + safety was in assuming an injured attitude, and making a slashing + attack on the blackguards who had done him so much harm. + Excepting for a slight humorous twist in the corner of his mouth, + Mr. ---- received the onslaught with perfect equanimity. The + captain asked if he knew the rascal P——.</p> + + <p>"Yes," said he, "I know him. He is a bad lot, and I advise you + never to trust him again. But if you wish me to, I will convey to + him what you say; and I think you would be perfectly justified in + carrying out your intention." (The intention was to horsewhip him + publicly.)</p> + + <p>The following morning the captain landed with his wife and + family, and boldly walked past the resorts of the men who he had + reason to believe were on his track. He kept his hand on the + revolver which was in his trouser-pocket, and the sound of every + foot behind him seemed to be a message of warning. This ordeal + went on for four days, and never a sign of the dreaded assassins + was seen. On the afternoon of the fifth day he was walking down + towards the boat-landing to go on board, when his eye came in + contact with the interpreter and the whole gang that were + concerned in the tobacco enterprise. There was a look of murder + on their villainous faces, which the captain said would haunt him + to his dying day. He spontaneously and without thought said to + his wife, who walked beside him—</p> + + <p>"I see the smugglers. Don't look!"</p> + + <p>But it came so suddenly upon her that she could not restrain + the temptation of seeing them, and the impression of their + malignant looks had a lasting effect on her. When they reached + the boat, the gentleman who had boarded her on arrival was there. + He drew the captain aside, and whispered that he was being + shadowed, and urged that a double watch be kept at the entrance + to the cabin. As a matter of policy the captain assumed an air of + defiance. He promised a sanguinary reception for them if they + attempted to come near his vessel, and he believes to this day + that this alone was the means of preventing an attack.</p> + + <p>Next morning orders were brought off, and no time was lost in + weighing anchor and clearing out, and he has never visited the + place since.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="A_Pasha_before_Plevna" id= + "A_Pasha_before_Plevna"></a>A Pasha before Plevna</h2> + + <p>The Eastern Question was ablaze. Mr. Gladstone had published + his "bag and baggage" pamphlet, and made his Blackheath speech in + September 1876. Both are memorable for the strong feelings they + generated for and against the object of his attack. Benjamin + Disraeli had become the Earl of Beaconsfield, and had made his + bellicose and Judaical speech at the Lord Mayor's Banquet. The + fleet had been ordered to Besika Bay, and the metropolitan Press + was busy backing Turkish saintliness for all it was worth. The + Black Sea ports were crowded with steamers, and a great rush was + made to get them loaded before hostilities broke out. In a few + days there were but two vessels left in —— Harbour. + The last cart-loads of grain in bags were being shipped. The + vessel was held by a slip-rope at bow and stern, and as soon as + she was loaded they let go, and the pilot took her to the outer + harbour and anchored. The captain went to the town to clear his + ship and sign bills of lading, and great exertions were made by + his agents and himself to have this smartly done so that he could + sail before darkness set in. After his business was done, he came + to the landing and was about to get into his boat when a + gentleman stepped up to him, and in an undertone said—</p> + + <p>"Come to my office; I have something important to communicate + to you. Don't, for God's sake, open your lips here. The very + stones feel as if they were spying at me."</p> + + <p>The captain hesitated, but his friend whispered—</p> + + <p>"You must come; it is urgent, and it will be made worth your + while."</p> + + <p>Whereupon the cautious commander fell like a slaughtered lamb. + They were soon alone within the four walls of a + sumptuously-furnished private office.</p> + + <p>"What's the game?" asked the impatient captain, uneasily.</p> + + <p>"This is it," said his friend, coming close up to him and + speaking in a low voice: "I have a secret job for you."</p> + + <p>"Is there danger attached to it?" asked the captain.</p> + + <p>"Yes, a good deal," replied his friend; "and I have chosen you + to do it, because I know you will carry it out successfully if + you'll take the risk."</p> + + <p>"That's all very well," responded the captain, "but I don't + care to overburden myself with danger and risk of confiscation, + without I'm handsomely recompensed for it."</p> + + <p>"Hush!" said his friend, nervously; "I think I hear voices. If + we are overheard by any one, we may be betrayed and pounced upon + at any moment."</p> + + <p>After listening, he was reassured, and intimated that the + worthy skipper would be well rewarded.</p> + + <p>"That entirely alters the question," said the captain. "How + much am I to have, and what is it you wish me to do?"</p> + + <p>"You are to have two hundred and fifty pounds if you succeed + in getting a distinguished Turkish pasha and his suite from here, + and land them at Scutari."</p> + + <p>"What!" exclaimed the commander. "Do you expect me to run the + gauntlet with a Turkish pasha for two hundred and fifty pounds? + Why, his head is worth thousands, to say nothing about the danger + I run of having my ship confiscated, and myself sent to Siberia. + Do not let us waste time. I will risk it for a thousand pounds, + and put my state-room at his disposal."</p> + + <p>The agent demurred, but the captain was for some time + obdurate. However, seven hundred and fifty for the owners with + two hundred for the captain was, after keen negotiation, agreed + upon. It was further arranged that the steamer was not to sail + until after midnight, so that the risk of stoppage would be + lessened, and in rowing off as soon as it came dark, the oars + were to be muffled.</p> + + <p>"Leave these matters to me," said the captain. "How many + passengers are there?"</p> + + <p>"Six," said the agent. "They are in hiding. I will undertake + to bring them aboard, with their baggage, in good time. Extreme + care must be used in getting them away, as we may be watched. I + have had to use 'palm oil' liberally, but even that may not + prevent their betrayal and arrest."</p> + + <p>"Well, then," said the shrewd commander, "under these + circumstances I must have my freight before the risk actually + begins."</p> + + <p>It took some time for the agent to make up his mind to part + with the money in advance, but the captain intimated that unless + it was paid at once he would throw the business up. This promptly + settled the matter, and a pledge was given by the enterprising + captain to relax no effort or dash—"Combined with caution," + said the agent—to fulfil his important mission. At 10 p.m., + he was rowed alongside the steamer without having been + interrupted or spoken to from the guardship or the sentries at + the forts. After the gig was hoisted to the davits, the chief + officer and chief engineer were asked to go to the saloon, where + specific instructions were given as to the mode of procedure. The + anchor was to be hove short at once very quietly. All lights had + to be put out or blinded, and a full head of steam up at the hour + of sailing. The officers were made aware of the job that had been + undertaken, and relished the excitement of it. At 11.30 the + passengers, with a large amount of baggage, came alongside and + were taken aboard; and as a double precaution, the distinguished + pasha and his attendants went down the forepeak until the vessel + got outside. Their goods were put into the upper side-bunkers, + and a wooden bulkhead put up to obscure them from view in case + the vessel was boarded before getting clear. At midnight the + anchor was weighed, and the steamer slipped out into the Black + Sea. Every ounce of steam was used to make speed, and she was + soon into safety so far as distance could help her.</p> + + <p>The passengers, composed of the pasha, his priest, cook, + interpreter, and servant, were then brought from their + hiding-place and taken to the captain's private room. The vessel + by this time was enveloped in a dense black fog. The first blast + of the steam whistle startled the party, and the panic-stricken + interpreter rushed on to the bridge. In a confusion of languages + he implored the captain to say whether there was danger, and + begged him to come to his master and his priest and reassure them + that the whistle was being blown to let passing vessels know of + their whereabouts and the course they were steering.</p> + + <p>"Ah," said he, "my master is a brave, clever soldier; but like + most soldiers, he does not know anything about the sea, and was + in consequence uneasy when he heard the shrill sound of the + whistle. Indeed, it made him change colour; he thought it might + be a Russian privateer demanding you to stop. And the priest did + not wait one minute; he went on to his knees and bowed his head + in prayer, and the pasha ordered me to come to you quick. You + must not think that I was nervous, captain; I was very excited + only."</p> + + <p>"Very well," replied the captain, smiling. "You may call it + excitement, but I should call it white funk, the way you + conducted yourself on my bridge. Why, you spoke every language in + the universe!"</p> + + <p>"Ah, that was not funk, captain; that was what you call + confusion, caused by anxiety for that brave soldier in your + cabin, and his spiritual adviser. Besides, captain, how can you + speak to one of your own countrymen in this fashion, and accuse + him of talking so many tongues! I am a Maltese, and have + interpreted for many years for my good friend, Osman Pasha."</p> + + <p>"What!" cried the captain. "Is this the Turkish patriot, Osman + Pasha?"</p> + + <p>"Now, captain, <i>you</i> are excited; but I do not say that + you speak many languages. Keep cool, and I will tell you. It is + not Osman, but it is very near him, being his lieutenant or + aide-de-camp."</p> + + <p>"Is it Suleiman?"</p> + + <p>"No, it is not."</p> + + <p>"Then who the devil is it? By Jupiter! I believe it <i>is</i> + Osman."</p> + + <p>"I dare not tell you his name; he has been reconnoitring, and + has had narrow escapes."</p> + + <p>"That's not what I want to know. Tell me straight + away—is it Osman Pasha, or is it not?"</p> + + <p>"Captain," said the wily interpreter, "this is a secret + mission. I cannot tell secrets that may get us all into trouble; + but I will inform you that you will hear of this warrior during + the next few months. I must ask you to come and see him. He + cannot speak one word of English. Bring your chart, as he is sure + to ask you to point out to him exactly our position."</p> + + <p>The captain followed the interpreter into the presence of a + majestic-looking person, who saluted him with kindly dignity. His + face wore a thoughtful appearance; his eyes were penetrating, and + under a massive forehead there rested well-developed eyebrows, + betokening keen observation. His chin and nose were strong, and + altogether his general looks, if not handsome, were comely. He + gave the commander a real, big-hearted grip of the hand, which + settled the question of friendship for him at once. Sailors + detest a "grisly shake of the flipper." Likes and dislikes are + invariably fixed by this test. The pasha was exceedingly cordial; + asked, through his interpreter, all sorts of questions about the + British Government, British statesmen, admirals, and generals, + and the Army and Navy; but, above all, he was anxious to hear + whether the British people were for or against Turkey. He was + aware that Disraeli was with his nation, and regretted the + attitude of Gladstone. He said poor Turkey had many enemies, and + when the captain told him that he thought the bulk of the British + people were in favour of Disraeli's policy, he held out his hand + again in token of appreciation. The captain spoke very frankly + about the Bulgarian atrocities, and the bad policy of the Turkish + Government with her subject races. The pasha admitted that + reforms ought to be given, but held that the Balkan insurrections + were encouraged by Russia in order to ultimately get hold of + Constantinople.</p> + + <p>"My Government," said he, "is a better Government than that of + Russia. We do not treat our people worse than she does hers. Are + there no atrocities committed in Russia proper, in Siberia, in + Poland? Why does Mr. Gladstone not demand that Russia shall give + reforms to her subject races? Is it because she is big, and near + to India, and calls herself a Christian nation? We are + Mohammedans; and our religion teaches honesty, cleanness, + sobriety, devotion to our God and his prophet Mahomet, and we + adhere to it. Does the Russian adhere to his religion, which I + admit, if carried out, is as good as ours? I think our + consistency is superior to theirs, and the extent of our cruelty + no worse, though I do not justify it. But do you think that the + Servians, Armenians, Herzegovinians, Montenegrins, and Bulgarians + are saints? Do you think that the Turkish people and Governors + have not been provoked to retaliation? There may have been + excesses, but no one who knows the different races will say that + the Turks are all bad, or that the subject races are all + good."</p> + + <p>He then requested to be shown the position of the steamer on + the chart, asked if there was any danger of collision if the fog + continued, and hoped she was steaming full speed, as he must get + to Constantinople without delay. The captain informed him that so + long as he heard the whistle going the fog was still on, and it + might become necessary to ease down as she drew towards the + regular track of vessels; and when the danger of collision was + explained to him, he agreed that it was necessary to guard + against it, but asked through his interpreter that he should be + shown the chart every four hours, which was agreed. The + interpreter then intimated that the priest would hold a service + previous to retiring to rest, and during the passage they would + be held before and after every meal. The food, cooking utensils, + and cook were provided by themselves. They would not eat the food + of Christians, or use their utensils for the purpose of preparing + it. In fact, what with the weird, shrill wail of their "yahing" + prayers, the intolerable smell of their cooking, the smoke from + their "hubblebubbles," and a perpetual run of messages coming + from the pasha (while he was awake) to the officer in charge, + they became somewhat of a nuisance before the first twenty-four + hours had expired. The officers could not get their proper rest, + which caused them to feel justified in becoming profane, and + wishing the Turkish windpipes would snap.</p> + + <p>The fog lifted, as it generally does, a little before noon, on + the day after sailing, and an accurate latitude was got; but + during the afternoon it shut down blacker than ever. The engines + had to be slowed, and the whistle was constantly going. The + pasha's anxiety to get to his destination was giving him constant + worry, and he became more and more troublesome. The interpreter + explained that the Sultan was waiting to consult his master about + the plan of campaign, and other military matters, and that the + delay was making the pasha impatient; but in spite of annoying + pressure, the captain refused to depart from the wise precaution + of going slow while the fog lasted. At midnight it cleared up a + little, and the engines were put at full speed until 8 a.m. the + following morning, when they ran into a bank of fog again. The + speed was slackened to dead slow, and as she was nearing the + Bosphorus land the lead was kept going; but, owing to the great + depth of water, sounding is little guide towards keeping vessels + clear of the rocks of that steep and iron-bound coast. Currents + run with rapid irregularity, and in no part of the world is + navigation more treacherous than there. According to the + reckoning, the vessel was within four miles of the entrance to + the Bosphorus, but no prudent navigator would have risked going + farther until he could see his way; so orders were given to stop + her. This brought more urgent messages from the pasha. As the day + wore on and the mist still continued, all hope of getting into + the Bosphorus had disappeared. The pasha sent for the captain, + and said he must be at Constantinople that evening.</p> + + <p>"Well," said the captain to the interpreter, "tell your master + that if the Sultan and all his concubines were to ask me to go + ahead I would have to refuse."</p> + + <p>Then he proceeded to point out the dangers on the chart. This + did not appeal to the pasha's military understanding. What he + wanted was to be landed somewhere, and he did not regard running + the vessel ashore with any disastrous consequences to himself + until he was assured that the rocks were so steep that even in a + calm the vessel might sink in deep water and everybody be + drowned.</p> + + <p>"Anyhow," said the captain, "I'm not going to try it on; so + you must inform your master of my definite decision. He cannot be + more anxious than I am. I've scarcely closed my eyes since we + left, and if this continues I must face another night of it."</p> + + <p>He then went on to the bridge, and had only been there about + half an hour when his persistent passenger approached him + beseechingly, stating that the pasha would give a hundred pounds + if he was landed that night.</p> + + <p>"I would not attempt such a thing for twenty hundred," said + the captain.</p> + + <p>"Will nothing tempt you, then, to run a risk?" asked the + interpreter.</p> + + <p>"Nothing but the clearing away of the fog," replied the + commander.</p> + + <p>He then commenced to walk the bridge, and pondered over the + experience he was having, wrestling with himself as to the amount + of risk he should run. He called the second officer to him, and + gave him orders to go aloft to the foretopgallant mast-head and + see if he could make anything out. The officer was in the act of + jumping into the rigging when a Turkish schooner sailed close + alongside and was soon out of sight. The captain knew then that + he was in the vicinity of the entrance, and set the engines easy + ahead. The second mate, after being at the mast-head about ten + minutes, shouted—</p> + + <p>"I see over the top of the fog a lighthouse or tower on the + port bow. I can see no land."</p> + + <p>When he was asked if he could see anything on the starboard + bow, his answer came in the negative. The captain, fearing lest + he might be steering into the false Bosphorus, which is a + treacherous deep bight that has been the death-trap of many a + ship's crew, gave orders to stop her while he ran aloft to verify + the officer's report and scan over the mist for some landmark to + guide him in navigating in the right direction. He had only been + a few minutes at the mast-head when he discerned the white + lighthouse on the starboard bow. There was no doubt now that + these were the Bosphorus lighthouses, and the vessel was heading + right for the centre. The captain asked if they could see + anything from the deck. The chief mate replied that he could + scarcely see the forecastle head, so dense was the fog. The + master shouted that he would navigate the steamer from the + topgallant-yard, and gave instructions to go slow ahead, and to + keep a vigilant look-out for passing vessels. Half an hour's + steaming brought them abreast of the lighthouses, when suddenly + they glided into beautiful, clear weather. The scene was + phenomenal. Not a speck of fog was to be seen ahead of the + vessel, while astern there stood a great black pall, as though + one had drawn a curtain across the harbour entrance.</p> + + <p>After the papers had been landed at Kavak, the pasha and + interpreter came to the bridge and asked for a few minutes' talk + with the captain, who was in excellent temper at having cut + through the fog and saved daylight through the narrow waters. The + pasha was dressed gorgeously, and many decorations adorned his + uniform. He shook the proud commander warmly by the hand, and + through his interpreter gratefully thanked him for carrying + himself and his suite safely to their destination. He did not + undervalue the great danger of having them aboard in the event of + being chased and captured, nor did he under-estimate the risk + that had been run in steaming into dangerous waters during a + dense fog; and in order that the captain might be assured of his + grateful appreciation, he begged to hand him two hundred Turkish + pounds for himself. After suitably offering his thanks for so + generous a gift, the captain again asked the interpreter the name + of the distinguished general he had had the honour of carrying as + a passenger, and was again told that such questions could not be + answered.</p> + + <p>Before the sun had sunk beneath the horizon, they had reached + Scutari; and in order that the passengers might be disembarked + comfortably, the anchor was dropped. Caiques came alongside for + them and for their baggage. The captain went to the gangway to + see the pasha safely into the boat, and to say his <i>adieux</i> + to him. After he had got safely seated in the caique, and the + interpreter was about to follow, the commander held out his hand + to him and said—</p> + + <p>"Before bidding good-bye, may I again venture to ask if I have + had the honour of conveying Osman Pasha to Constantinople, or + whom I have conveyed?"</p> + + <p>The interpreter, with an air of injured pride, drew himself up + to his full height, and said—</p> + + <p>"Captain, I have told you not to ask such things. + Good-day."</p> + + <p>But that was how one of the heroes of Plevna made his first + English ally by sea.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="A_Russian_Port_in_the_Sixties" id= + "A_Russian_Port_in_the_Sixties"></a>A Russian Port in the + 'Sixties</h2> + + <p>My first visit to Russia was at the age of thirteen. I was + serving aboard a smart brig that had just come from the Guano + Islands in the Indian Ocean. The captain and officers belonged to + the "swell" type of seaman of that period. The former has just + passed away at the age of eighty-four. He was in his younger days + a terror to those who served under him, and a despot who knew no + pity. In an ordinary way he was most careful not to lower the + dignity of his chief officer in the eyes of the crew, but + wherever his self-interest was concerned he did not stick at + trivialities. I have a vivid recollection of a very picturesque + passage of words being exchanged between him and his first mate. + The officer had been commanded to go ashore in the longboat at 5 + a.m. on the morning after arrival for the labourers who were + required to assist the sailors to discharge the cargo. The + infuriated mate asked his commander if he took him for a + "procurator" of Russian serfs, and reminded him that his + certificate of competency was a qualification for certain duties + which he was willing to perform; but as this did not come within + the scope of them, he would see him to blazes before he would + stoop to the level of becoming the engager of a drove of Russian + convicts.</p> + + <p>"What is it coming to," said he, "that a chief mate should be + requested to take charge of a boat-load of fellows who wouldn't + be fit to live in our country? The boatswain is the proper man to + do this kind of work, and if you cannot trust him to select the + lousie rascals, then go yourself!"</p> + + <p>These harsh words affected the captain so much that he became + inarticulate with passion; but when he had somewhat recovered, + the splendour of his jerky vocabulary could be heard far beyond + the precincts of the cabin. He declared that his authority had + never been outraged in such a fashion before, and with the air of + an autocrat ordered the mate to his berth until the morrow, when + he would have to appear before the British Consul.</p> + + <p>The officer's pride was injured, his temper was up, and he + began to suitably libel everybody. Her Majesty's representative + was the object of much vituperation, and a rather brilliant + harangue was brought to a close by the officer stating that he + would go and see the blooming Consul, and say some straight + things to him. With a final flourish he called out at the top of + his voice, disdainfully—</p> + + <p>"Who the h—— is he?"</p> + + <p>The next morning at ten o'clock the captain gave orders to row + him ashore. The mate wore a humbler appearance than on the + previous day: meditation had mellowed him. He stepped into the + boat beside his commander, but was told with icy dignity that the + boy would take him ashore in the cook's lurky. No greater insult + could have been offered to an officer. The Consul at that time + was Walter Maynard, a charming man whom I knew well years + afterwards. Although I only heard odds and ends of what + transpired, I feel sure the advice given was in the mate's + interests, and made him see his objection from another point of + view. He did not take kindly to bringing the labourers off, but + he sullenly commenced from that day to do it.</p> + + <p>Coal cargoes were at that time jumped out of the hold with + four ropes bent on to one called a runner, which was rove through + a coal gin fastened on to the end of a derrick composed of two + studdingsail booms lashed together, and steps were rigged with + studdingsail yards and oars. The arrangement had the appearance + of a gate, and was fixed at an angle. Four men gave one sharp + pull with the whip ropes, and then jumped from the step on to the + deck. The men in the hold changed places with the whips every two + hours. It was really an exciting thing to witness the whipping + out of coal cargoes. It may be seen even now in some ports of the + United Kingdom, but the winch has largely taken the place of this + athletic process. Most captains supplied rum or vodka liberally, + with a view to expediting dispatch, and did not scruple to log + and fine those seamen who acquired a craving for alcohol, and + misconducted themselves in consequence when they got liberty to + go ashore. Nobody was more severe on the men who committed a + breach of discipline than those who, for their own profit, had + taught them to drink.</p> + + <p>The poor, wretched Russians who were employed aboard English + and other vessels were treated with a cruelty that was hideous. + Before the emancipation of the serfs by the Emperor Alexander II. + in 1861, it was not an uncommon occurrence for captains and + officers and seamen to maltreat them, knock them on the head, and + then pass their bodies over the side of the vessel into the Mole. + One of the first things I remember hearing in a Russian port was + a savage mate swearing at some labourers and threatening to throw + them overboard. It is no exaggeration to say that almost every + day dead bodies came to the surface and were taken to the "Bran" + Wharf or to the mortuary, with never a word of inquiry as to how + they came by their end, though it was well known that there had + been foul play. It is true they were awful thieves, very dirty, + very lazy, and very provoking, and it was because the officers + were unable to get redress that they took the law into their own + hands. It is incredible that such a condition of things was + allowed to exist.</p> + + <p>A stock phrase even to this day of predatory Russians is, + "Knet crawlim, tackem"—<i>i.e.</i>, "I have not stolen, I + have only taken." They have a pronounced conviction that there is + a difference between stealing and taking. Tradition has it that a + humorous seaman ages ago conveyed this form of distinction to + them, and it has stuck to them ever since. Another peculiarity of + the race is that they wear the same large grey coat in the summer + as they do in the winter; they are taught to believe that what + keeps out cold keeps out heat. When they take drink they never + stop until they are dead drunk, then they lie anywhere about the + streets and quays. The police, who are not much better, use them + very cruelly. During the Russo-Turkish war hundreds of the common + soldiers, who are similar to the common labourer, were found + lying on the battle-field, presumably dead, when it was found + they were only dead drunk. I was told by a doctor, who went right + through the campaign, that it was customary to fill the + "soldads," as they are called, previous to a battle, with vodka. + The lower order of Russians must be hardy, or they could never + stand the extremes of cold and heat, and the terrible food they + have to eat. They are not long-lived. I cannot recall ever having + seen a very old Russian labourer.</p> + + <p>The emancipation of the serfs was a great grievance to the old + seamen, who looked back to the days when they could with impunity + chastise or finish a serf without a feeling of reproach. After + the emancipation it became a terror to have them aboard ship. + Many a mate has been heavily fined and locked up in a + pestilential cell for merely shoving a fellow who was caught in + the act of stealing, or found skulking, or deliberately refusing + to work properly. Labourers, in fact, became a herd of + blackmailers, and were encouraged in it by some agency or other, + who shared the plunder. One old captain, with an expression of + sadness on his face, told me, on my first visit to Cronstadt + since I was a boy, that everything had changed for the worse.</p> + + <p>"At one time," said he, "you never got up of a morning without + seeing a few dead Russians floating about. You could chuck them + overboard if you liked, and nobody interfered. Many a time I've + put one over the side. But now you dare not whisper, much less + touch them."</p> + + <p>The general opinion amongst English seamen, from the master + downwards, was that a great injustice had been done to us by the + Decree of Liberation.</p> + + <p>On one occasion I lay alongside a Yankee ship which was + loading flax. Work had ceased for breakfast. I saw the chief + officer on the poop, said "Good morning" to him, and asked him + how the loading was going on.</p> + + <p>"Well," said he, "it goes not so bad, but we've had an + accident this morning which stopped us for nearly an hour. There + were three or four bales of flax slung in the hatchway; the + slings slipped, and the bales fell right on a dozen + Russians."</p> + + <p>"That is very serious," I said. "Did it kill them?"</p> + + <p>"No," drawled he, with a slow smile; "it didn't exactly kill + them, but I guess it has flattened them out some."</p> + + <p>The "Bran" Wharf was then a large pontoon, with dwelling + accommodation for Custom-house officers and harbour officials. It + was moored just at the entrance to the dock or mole, and was in + charge of an official who regulated the berthing of vessels. This + man was originally a boatswain aboard a Russian warship. He was + illiterate, but very clever, so much so that great power was put + into his hands; indeed, he became quite as powerful in his way as + his Imperial Majesty himself. Every conceivable complaint and + petty dispute was taken to him, and it was soon found that it + could be settled in a way that did not involve a fine or + imprisonment. In fact, there were occasions when a favourite + English captain or mate asked this official's aid in getting the + Russians to work properly. He would, if agreeably disposed, come + aboard, spit, stamp, and swear at the men in a most picturesque + way, and if he had had a glass or two of grog, or wanted one, and + the captain or mate made a very bad report, he would lash the + skulkers with a piece of rope. When he was finished there was no + more need for complaint. This notorious person was called Tom the + Boatswain. He drew very fine distinctions as to whom he favoured + with his countenance and his chastening rod. For obvious reasons, + he loathed a Swede and a Norwegian. In truth, he told me himself + that Englishmen were "dobra" (good), and that Norwegians and + Swedes were "knet dobra." He spoke a peculiar kind of English, + with a fascinating accent, and when he went his rounds in the + early morning, rowed by two uniformed sailors, studied respect + was paid to him. His invitations to breakfast, or to have a glass + of brandy (which he preferred to whisky), indicated the esteem, + fear, or amount of favours inspired by him. He in turn + endeavoured to pay a hurried visit to each of his guests, + ostensibly to see that their vessels were properly berthed, and + the men working properly, but really to test the generosity of + the captains, who seldom let him go without a "douceur," which + was sometimes satisfactory. He was accustomed, when asked to have + refreshment, to request that his two men should have a nip also. + One morning he visited a favourite captain who had arranged with + his mate to act liberally towards the men. His stay in the cabin + was prolonged, and when he came on deck and called for the boat, + his devoted henchmen did not come forth. He looked over the + quarter-deck, and was thrown into frenzy by seeing them both + lying speechless, their bodies in the bottom, and their legs + sticking up on the seats of the boat. He got into her, kicked the + two occupants freely without producing from them any appreciable + symptoms of life, and then finally rowed himself back to the + "Bran" Wharf. The two culprits were compulsory teetotalers after + that.</p> + + <p>Their master went on accumulating roubles, which, under + Russian law, Tom could not invest in his own name, and perhaps he + had personal reasons for secrecy. He did not allow the amount of + his wealth to be known to gentlemen who might have relieved him + of the anxiety of watching over it. But, alas! there came a + period of great trial to Tom. That portion of the "Bran" Wharf + where the roubles were concealed took fire. The occupants had to + fly for their lives, and soon the whole fabric was burnt to the + water's edge. Another pontoon was erected in its place, and Tom + put in command; but before he had time to replace the fortune he + had lost, he was superseded by a naval officer, and his roubles + were taken from him. I believe his dismissal was brought about by + one of the countrymen to whom he had such a strong aversion + making a complaint to the Governor about his partiality to + Englishmen. Great sympathy was secretly extended to poor Tom by + his English friends, but the loss of his position and his wealth + broke his heart, and he only survived the blow for a few + weeks.</p> + + <p>In addition to controlling the berthing of vessels, and + keeping the harbour free from confusion, it was Tom's duty to see + that no fires or lights were allowed either by day or night, and, + as these rigid rules were frequently broken, his "hush money" + very largely contributed to his already affluent income. Nor did + his removal affect the acquisitiveness of his successor, who + loyally followed in his footsteps. As soon as a sailing-vessel + arrived in the Roads, the galley fire had to be put out before + she was allowed to come into the Mole. All cooking was done + ashore at a cookhouse that was loathsomely dirty. A heavy charge + was made for the use of the place, and also for the hire of the + cook's lurky, a flat-bottomed kind of boat constructed of rough + planks. These boats were invariably so leaky that on the passage + to and from the shore they became half-foil of water, and the + food was frequently spoiled in consequence. But, even if all went + right, the crews often had to partake of badly cooked, cold + rations. Many a meal was lost altogether, and once or twice a + poor cook who could not swim was drowned by the boat filling and + capsizing. The frail craft of this kind were of curious shape, + and only a person who had the knack could row them. No more + comical sport could be witnessed than the lurky race which was + held every season. Many of the cooks never acquired the art of + rowing straight, and whenever they put a spurt on the lurky would + run amuck in consequence of being flat-bottomed and having no + keel. Then the carnival of collisions, capsizing of boats, and + rescuing of their occupants began. Some disdained assistance, and + heroically tried to right their erratic "dug-outs." It would be + impossible to draw a true picture of these screamingly funny + incidents, but be it remembered they were all sailor-cooks who + took part in the sport, and the riotous joy they derived + therefrom was always a pleasant memory, and kept them for days in + good temper for carrying out the pilgrimage to and from the + cookhouse.</p> + + <p>The popular English idea is that there are only two classes in + Russia—viz., the upper and lower; but this is quite a + mistake. There has always been a thrifty shopkeeping and artisan + class, which may be called their middle lower class. Then there + is a class that comes between them and the common labourer. + Nearly all the shopkeepers that carry on business at Cronstadt, + Riga, and other Northern Russian ports during the summer have + their real homes in Moscow, and mostly all speak a little + English. There are also the boatmen, who are a well-behaved, + well-dressed lot of men, whose homes are in Archangel. They, as + well as the tradesmen, come every spring, and leave when the port + closes in the autumn. In the sailing-ship days each of the + greengrocers—as they were called, though they sold all + kinds of stores besides—had their connection. Every + afternoon, between four and six, batches of captains were to be + found seated in a greengrocer's shop having a glass of tea with a + piece of lemon in it. It was then they spun their yarns in detail + about their passages, their owners, their mates, their crews, and + their loading and discharging. If their vessels were unchartered + they discussed that too, but whenever they got authority from + their owners to charter on the best possible terms they became + reticent and sly with each other. To exchange views as to the + rate that should be accepted would have been regarded as a + decided token of business incapacity. Supposing two captains had + their vessels unchartered, each would give instructions to be + called early in the morning, that they might go in the first boat + to St. Petersburg, and neither would know what the other + intended. When they met aboard the passenger boat they would lie + to each other grotesquely about what was taking them to town. If + they were unsuccessful in fixing, they rarely disclosed what had + been offered; and this would go on for days, until they had to + fix; then they would draw closer to each other, and relate in the + most minute fashion the history of all the negotiations, and how + cleverly they had gained this or that advantage over the + charterers; whereas, in truth, their agents or brokers had great + trouble in getting some of them to understand the precise nature + of the business that was being negotiated. The following is an + instance.</p> + + <p>Mr. James Young, of South Shields, whose many vessels were + distinguished by having a frying-pan at the foretopgallant or + royal mast-head, had a brig at Cronstadt which had been waiting + unloaded for some days. Her master was one of the old illiterate + class. His peace of mind was much disturbed at Mr. Young's + indifference. At last he got a telegram asking him to wire the + best freights offering. He proceeded to St. Petersburg, bounced + into Mr. Charles Maynard's office, and introduced himself as Mark + Gaze, one of Jimmy Young's skippers.</p> + + <p>"Well," said Mr. Maynard, in his polite way, "and what can I + do for you, Captain Gaze?"</p> + + <p>"Dee for me, sorr? Wire the aad villain that she's been lyin' + a week discharged."</p> + + <p>"Yes," said the broker, writing down something very different. + "And what else?"</p> + + <p>"Tell him," said Mark, "te fetch the aad keel back te the Gut, + and let hor lie and rot wheor he can see hor!"</p> + + <p>"Very good," said Maynard, still waiting; "and what else?"</p> + + <p>"Whaat else? Oh, tell him to gan to h——, and say + Mark Gaze says see. Ask him whaat the blazes he means be runnin' + the risk of gettin' hor frozzen in. Say aa'll seun be at Shields + owerland, if he dizzen't mind whaat he's aboot."</p> + + <p>"Well, now," said the agent, "I think we have got to the + bottom of things. We'll send this telegram off; but before it + goes, would you like me to read it to you?"</p> + + <p>"For God's sake send the d—— thing away!" said + Mark. "And tell him te come and tyek the aad beast hyem hissel; + or, if he likes, aa'll run hor on te Hogland for him."</p> + + <p>"Well, you do seem to understand your owner and speak plainly + to him. I should think he knows he has got an excellent master + who looks after his interest."</p> + + <p>"Interest! What diz he knaa aboot interest? He knaas mair + aboot the West Docks. Understand him, d'ye say? If aa divvent, + thor's neebody in his employ diz. Aa've been forty-five years wiv + him and his fethor tegithor. Aa sarved me time wiv him. He + dorsent say a word, or aa'd tell him to take his ship to + h—— wiv him."</p> + + <p>"That is really capital," said the much amused agent. "Now, + what do you say, captain, if we have some light refreshment and a + cigar?"</p> + + <p>"Ay, that's what aa caal business. But aa nivvor tyek leet + refreshment. Ma drink is brandy or whisky neat," said Captain + Gaze, his face beaming with good-nature.</p> + + <p>They proceeded to a restaurant, and when they got nicely + settled down with their drinks and smokes, the skipper + remarked—</p> + + <p>"Aa wonder what Jimmie waad say if he could see Mark Gaze + sittin' in a hotel hevvin' his whisky and smokin' a cigar?"</p> + + <p>"I should think," said Mr. Maynard, "he would raise your + wages, or give you command of a larger ship." And then there was + hearty laughter.</p> + + <p>Captain Gaze had a profound dislike to Russians, and more than + once narrowly escaped severe punishment for showing it. I have + often heard him swearing frightfully at the men passing deals + from the lighters into the bow ports of his vessel, and declaring + that God Almighty must have had little on hand when he put them + on earth. Certainly he would have considered it an act of gross + injustice if, having killed or drowned any of them, he had been + punished for it.</p> + + <p>Mark did not know anything about history that was written in + books. He only knew that which had occurred in his own time, and + the crude bits he had heard talked of amongst his own class. He, + and those who were his shipmates and contemporaries during the + Russian War, believed that a great act of cowardice and bad + treatment had been committed in not allowing Charlie Napier to + blow the forts down and take possession of Cronstadt.<a name= + "FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" + class="fnanchor">[2]</a> They knew nothing of the circumstances + that led to the withdrawal of the fleet, but their inherent + belief was that a dirty trick had been served on Charlie, and + Russians, irrespective of class, were told whenever an + opportunity occurred, that they should never neglect to thank + Heaven that the British Government was so generous as to refrain + from blowing them into space.</p> + + <p>At Cronstadt, after the introduction of steam, it became a + custom for stevedores' runners, and representatives and vendors + of other commodities, to have their boats outside the Mole at + three and four o'clock in the morning during the summer. The + captain of each vessel, as soon as she was slowed down or + anchored, was canvassed vigorously by each of the competitors. + One morning, the representative of Deal Yard No. 6, who was an + ex-English captain, came into sharp conflict with a Russian + competitor. The latter rudely interrupted the ex-captain while he + was complimenting a friend who had just arrived on having made a + smart passage. All captains like to be told they have made a + smart passage, but the ardent advocate of Deal Yard No. 6 kept + welcoming his friend at great length, obviously to prevent the + other runners from getting a word at the new arrival. There arose + a revolt against him, headed by a person who was always supposed + to be a Russian, but who spoke English more correctly than his + English competitor. The ex-captain was somewhat corpulent. He was + short, and had a plump, good-natured face which suggested that he + was not a bigoted teetotaler; he had a suit of clothes on that + did not convey the idea of a West-end tailor; his dialect was + broad Yorkshire, and his conversational capacity interminable. + The representative of No. 10 Deal Yard undertook to stop his flow + of rhetoric by calling out, "Stop it, old baggy breeches! Give + other people a chance!" But he paid no heed, and did not even + break the thread of his talk until the captain of the steamer + began to walk towards the companion-way, when he stopped short + and said, "Well, I suppose I'm to book you for No. 6?" and then + there was a clamour. The whole of the runners wished to get their + word in before the captain definitely promised, but they were too + late. No. 6 had got it; but instead of accepting his success + modestly, he was so elated at having taken away an order from + another yard, that he stood up in his boat and congratulated + himself on being an Englishman.</p> + + <p>"No use you fellows coming off here when I'm awake; and, you + bet, I'm always awake when there's any Muscovite backstairs + gentlemen about."</p> + + <p>As the boats were being rowed into the Mole again, some one + asked who had got the ship. The Russian competitor, who was angry + at the work being taken from his master, called out, "Bags has + got her, the drunken old sneak!"</p> + + <p>Bags lost no time in letting fly an oar at him, the yoke and + rudder quickly following. His vengeance was let loose, and he + poured forth a stream of quarter-deck language at the top of his + voice. His phrases were dazzling in ingenuity, and amid much + laughter and applause he urged his hearers to keep at a distance + from the fellow who had dared to insult an English + shipmaster.</p> + + <p>"Or you will get some passengers that will keep you busy. + They—<i>he</i>—calls them <i>peoches</i>, but we + English call them <i>lice</i>!"</p> + + <p>This sally caused immense amusement, not so much for what was + said as for his dramatic style of saying it. His antagonist + retorted that he had been turned out of England for bad language + and bad behaviour, and he would have him turned out of Russia + also. This nearly choked the old mariner with rage. He roared + out—</p> + + <p>"Did I, an English shipmaster, ever think that I would come to + this, to be insulted by a Russian serf? I will let the Government + know that an Englishman has been insulted. I will lay the + iniquities of this Russian system of rascality before Benjamin + Disraeli. I knows him; and if he is the man I takes him for, he + won't stand any nonsense when it comes to insulting English + subjects. He has brought the Indian troops from India for that + purpose, and when the honour of England is at stake he will send + the fleet into the Baltic, and neither your ships nor your forts + will prevent his orders to blow Cronstadt down about your + blooming ears being carried out. I know where your torpedoes and + mines are, and Disraeli has confidence in me showing them the + road to victory. The British Lion never draws back!"</p> + + <p>The Russian deal-yard man, to whom this harangue was + particularly directed, went to the Governor on landing, and + stated what the rough, weather-beaten old sailor had been saying. + The Governor communicated with the authorities at St. Petersburg, + and an order came to have the old Englishman banished from + Cronstadt and Russia for ever within twenty-four hours. The poor + creature had made a home for himself in Cronstadt, his wife and + four children being with him. The blow was so sharp and + unexpected, it stupefied him. His first thought was his family, + but there was little or no time for thought or preparation. He + had either to be got away or concealed. A liberal distribution of + roubles at the instigation of many sympathizers made it possible + for him to be put aboard an English steamer, and a week after his + banishment was supposed to have taken effect he sailed from + Cronstadt, a ruined and broken-hearted man. The old sailor's + grief for the harm his wayward conduct had done to his wife and + family was quite pathetic, and so far as kindness could appease + the mental anguish he was having to endure it was ungrudgingly + extended to him, and when he left Cronstadt he left behind him a + host of sympathizers who regarded the punishment as odious.</p> + + <p>The fact of any public official listening to a miscreant who + told the story of a stevedores' row, to which he himself had been + a party, and seriously believing that the threats, however + extravagant and bellicose, of a verbose old sailor could be a + national danger, is, on the face of it, so ludicrous that the + English reader may easily doubt the accuracy of such an incident; + and yet it is true.</p> + <hr style='width: 45%;' /> + + <p>In other days I used occasionally to meet members of the + Russian revolutionary party at my brother's home in London. They + were all men and women of education and refinement. The first + time I met them the late Robert Louis Stevenson (who generally + used the window as a means of exit instead of the door), William + Henley, George Collins (editor of the <i>Schoolmaster</i>), and, + I think, Mr. Wright (author of <i>the Journeyman Engineer</i>) + were there. The talk was very brilliant. My brother, who was a + charming conversationalist, kept his visitors fascinated with + anecdotes about Carlyle and John Ruskin, whom he knew well. They + spoke, too, about the unsigned articles which they were each + contributing to a paper called the <i>London</i>, and their + criticism of each other's work was very lively. But to me the + most touching incident of the afternoon was the story told by one + of the revolutionary party about Sophie Peroffsky, who mounted + the scaffold with four of her friends, kissed and encouraged them + with cheering words until the time came that they should be + executed. He related also a touching and detailed story of little + Marie Soubitine, who refused to purchase her own safety by + uttering a word to betray her friends, and was kept lingering in + an underground dungeon for three years, at the end of which she + was sent off to Siberia, and died on the road. No amount of + torture could make her betray her friends. They spoke of + Antonoff, who was subjected to the thumbscrew, had red-hot wires + thrust under his nails, and when his torturers gave him a little + respite he would scratch on his plate cipher signals to his + comrades.</p> + + <p>The account of the cause and origin of the revolutionary + movement and its subsequent history, which sparkled with heroic + deeds, was told in a quiet, unostentatious manner. I had just + come from Russia. I had been much in that country, and thought I + knew a great deal about it and the sinister system of government + that breeds revolutionaries; but the tales of cruel, senseless + despotism told by these people made me shudder with horror. I had + been accustomed to abhor and look upon Nihilists as a scoundrelly + gang of lawless butchers, but I found them the most cultured of + patriots, loving their country, though detesting the barbarous + system of government which had driven them and thousands of their + compatriots from the land and friends they loved, and from the + estates they owned, into resigned and determined agitation for + popular government and the amelioration of their people. The + upholders of this despotic system of government are now engaged + in a life-and-death struggle, and all civilized nations are + looking forward to the time when, for the first time in its + history, Right and not Might shall prevail in Russia. It has been + said, "Happy is the nation that has no history." Russia knows + this to her cost, for her history is being made every day, with + all the horrible accompaniments of massacres, injustice, and + tyranny. Only it should be remembered that the fight must be + between tyranny and liberty, and that the Russian peasant must + work out his own salvation. This may be—nay, must + be—the work of years, but England's sympathy will be with + the workers for freedom. English feeling on the matter was well + expressed by the statesman who had the courage to say publicly, + "Long live the Duma!" and every Englishman will in his heart of + hearts applaud any efforts made to secure constitutional + government.</p> + + <div class="footnotes"> + <h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Napier was + a great favourite with his sailors, notwithstanding his + apparent harshness to them at times. Whenever he wanted a + dash made on a strong position, he inspired them with a fury + of enthusiasm by giving the word of command incisively, and + then adding as an addendum, "Now, off you go, you damned + rascals, and exterminate them." This was a form of + endearment, and they knew it.</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="Dutchyquot_and_his_Chief" id= + "Dutchyquot_and_his_Chief"></a>"Dutchy" and his Chief</h2> + + <p>A handsome barque lay at the quay of a South Wales port, ready + to sail, and waiting only for the flood tide. Her name was the + <i>Pacific</i>, and she was commanded by a person of laborious + dignity. His officers were selected to meet the tastes and + ambitions of their captain, whose name was John Kickem. I have + said before it was customary in those days for crowds of people + to congregate on the quays or dock sides to watch the departure + of vessels. Some came out of curiosity, but many were the + relatives and friends of different members of the crew who wished + to say their <i>adieux</i>, and to listen to the sombre singing + of the chanties as the men mastheaded the topsail yards, or + catted and fished the anchors. These vessels were known as + copper-ore-men. They were usually manned with picked able seamen + and three apprentices. In this instance they were all fine + specimens of English manhood. It was no ordinary sight to witness + the display of bunting as it stretched from royal truck to rail, + and the grotesque love-making of the seafarers as they hugged and + kissed their wives and sweethearts over and over again with + amazing rapidity. One of the favourite songs which they delighted + to sing on such auspicious occasions was rendered with touching + pathos—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>"Sing good-bye to Sal, and good-bye to + Sue;<br /></span> <span class="i2">Away Rio!<br /></span> + <span>And you that are list'ning, good-bye to + you;<br /></span> <span>For we're bound to Rio + Grande!<br /></span> <span class="i2">And away Rio, aye + Rio!<br /></span> <span>Sing fare ye well, my bonny young + girl,<br /></span> <span>We're bound to Rio + Grande."<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p>It didn't matter, of course, where they were bound to, this + ditty was the farewell song; and it always had the desired effect + of melting the bystanders, especially the females, though Jack + himself showed no really soft emotion. Not that they were not + sentimental, but theirs seemed always to be a frolicsome + sentimentality.</p> + + <p>The eldest apprentice of the <i>Pacific</i> was in his + eighteenth year. He was a fine, broad-shouldered, fair-haired, + medium-sized youth. He had been dividing his attentions amongst a + number of girl admirers, and was told to come aboard to unmoor + and give the tug the tow-rope. While these orders were being + carried out the lad caught sight of a young girl who had just + arrived in a great state of excitement. She was dressed in + dazzling finery, and carrying something in a basket. The boy + sprang on to the dock wall, and created much merriment with his + elephantine caresses. They shouted to him from the vessel to jump + aboard or he would lose his passage. He made a running spring for + the main rigging as she was being towed from her berth. A wild + cheer went up from the crowd when they saw the smart thing that + had been done, and that he was safe. The devoted female who had + caused him to dare so much, in the luxuriance of grief, shouted + to him—</p> + + <p>"Good-bye, Jim! You've always been a rare good pal to a girl. + Take care of yourself; and mind, no sweethearts at every port!" + The latter communication was made almost inarticulate with + sobbing. Her last words were, "Don't forget, Jim!" To which he + replied, "You bet, I won't!"</p> + + <p>Soon the attractive craft, and her equally attractive crew + were lost sight of amidst the haze of the gathering night. A + quiet, easterly air was fitfully blowing in the Channel, and when + full sail was set, the pilot and tug left. All night she trailed + sinuously over the peaceful sea, and as the cold dawn was + breaking she slid past the south end of Lundy Island with a + freshening breeze at her stern. In a few days the north-east + trade winds which blow gently over the bosom of the ocean were + reached, and every stitch of canvas was hung up. The sailors had + got over their monotony, and began to entertain themselves during + the dog-watches from six to eight. The imperious commander was + never happy himself, and was angry at the sight of mirth in + anybody. He forthwith commenced a system that was well calculated + to breed revolt, and which did ultimately do so. Orders were + given that there were to be no afternoon watches below, and all + hands were to be kept at work until 6 p.m. In addition to this + petty tyranny, the crew were put on their bare whack of + everything, including water; and so the dreary days and nights + passed on until Cape Horn was reached. They had long realized + that the burden of their song should be "Good-day, bad day, God + send Sunday." The weather was stormy off the Horn, and nearly a + month was spent in fruitless attempts to get round. The spirit + had been knocked out of the officers and crew by senseless + bullying and wicked persecution. They had no heart left to put + into their work, otherwise the vessel would have got past this + boisterous region in half the time. At last she arrived at + Iquique, and, like all ill-conditioned creatures who have been + born wrong and have polecat natures, the captain blamed the + hapless officers and crew for the long passage, and in order to + punish the poor innocent fellows, he refused to them both money + and liberty to go ashore. Treatment of such a character could + only have one ending—and that was mutiny, if not murder; + and yet this senseless fellow, in defiance of all human law, kept + on goading them to it. He was warned by a catspaw (whom even + despised bullies can have in their pay) that the forecastle was a + hotbed of murderous intent, and that for his own safety he should + give the men liberty to go ashore, and advance them what money + they required.</p> + + <p>"Let them revolt!" said he. "I will soon have them where they + deserve to be, the rascals. Let them, if they dare, disturb me in + my cabin, and I'll riddle them with lead. If they want to go + ashore, let them go without liberty; but if they do, their wages + will be forfeited, and I will have them put in prison."</p> + + <p>A policy of this kind was the more remarkable, as even if the + men were driven to desertion it was impossible to fill their + places at anything like the same wages, or with the same + material. The available hands were either not sailors at all, or + if they were, they belonged to the criminal class that feared + neither God nor man, and knew no law or pity except that which + was unto themselves. On the other hand, this vessel was manned + with the cream of British seamen, who would have dared anything + for their captain and owners had they been treated as was their + right. He had run the length of human forbearance. The crew + struck. They demanded to see the British Consul, and submit their + grievances to him. Sometimes this authority is but a poor + tribunal to appeal to when real discrimination is to be + determined. On this occasion the seamen were fortunate in getting + a sympathetic verdict, and the captain got what he + deserved—a good trouncing for his treatment of them. They + were willing to sign off the articles, and he was plainly told + that they must either be paid their wages in full, or he + undertake to carry out the conditions of engagement in a proper + manner. "And I must warn you," said the irate official of the + British Government, "if you drive these men out of your ship, you + may expect no assistance from me in collecting another crew. The + men are right, and you are wrong."</p> + + <p>The captain was in a state of sullen passion at the turn + things had taken against him. He said that he would decide the + following day whether the proper course for him to take, now that + his authority had been broken, was to pay the men off or not. On + the morrow he intimated his decision to pay them off. Poor + creature, it would have been well for him and all connected with + this doomed vessel had he swallowed his pride and resolved to + behave in a rational way to his crew. The places of respectable + men were filled with human reptiles of various + nationalities—criminals, every one of them. He must have + persuaded himself that his despotism would have fuller play with + these foreigners, whose savage vengeance was destined to shock + the whole civilized world with their awful butchery. The + apprentices and officers did not take kindly to the changed + condition of things. They instinctively felt that they were to + become associated with a gang of -, and hoped that something + would transpire to prevent this happening. An opportunity was + given the oldest apprentice in an unexpected way. The captain had + ordered his gig to be ashore to take him aboard at a certain time + at night. The boat was there before the captain, and as he was so + long in coming the boat's crew went for a walk ashore. The great + man came down and had to wait a few minutes for his men. This + caused him to become abusive, which the oldest apprentice, James + Leigh, resented by using some longshore adjectives. The master + seized the foothold of the stroke oar and threw it at the lad, + and when they got aboard the captain again attempted to strike + him, but the lad let fly, and did considerable damage in a rough + and tumble way to the bully, who was now like a wild beast. James + was ultimately overpowered and got a bad beating. He thereupon + determined to run away, and he laid his plans accordingly. In a + few days he was far away from the sea in a safe, hospitable + hiding-place, with some friends who knew his family at home, and + the <i>Pacific</i> had sailed long before he reached the coast + again.</p> + + <p>After a few months' travelling about, picking up jobs here and + there, he was brought in contact with a rich old Spaniard who + owned a leaky old barque which was employed in the coasting + trade. The captain of her was a Dutchman who spoke English very + imperfectly, and what he did know was spoken with a nasal Yankee + twang. It was a habit, as well as being thought an accomplishment + in those days, as it is in these, to affect American dialect and + adopt their slang and mannerisms in order to convey an impression + of importance. Even a brief visit to the country, or a single + passage in a Yankee ship was sufficient to turn a hitherto humble + fellow into an insufferable imitator. It was obvious the skipper + had been a good deal on the Spanish Main, as he spoke their + language with a fluency that left no doubt as to what he had been + doing for many years. He was discovered at a time when the owner + was in much need of some one to take charge of his vessel, as she + did not attract the highest order of captain. The Dutchman had no + Board of Trade master or mate certificate; he was merely a + sailor. James Leigh was discovered in pretty much the same way as + the captain, and the owner took a strong liking to him at the + outset. He was good to look at, and gifted with a bright + intelligence which made him attractive, besides having the + advantage of knowing something about navigation. The chief mate's + berth was offered to him and accepted. Furthermore, it was + suggested that he should visit and stay at the owner's house, + whenever the vessel was in port and his services were not + required aboard, and seeing that he was not yet eighteen, he felt + flattered at the distinction that had been thrust upon him. + Perhaps he accepted the invitation all the more readily as he was + informed by his employer that he had two daughters that would + like to make his acquaintance.</p> + + <p>The first voyage was to Coronel and back with coal to Iquique. + Mr. Leigh, as he was now addressed by everybody, on the ship or + ashore, had intimated to his commander that he liked his berth + for the prospects that might open up to him, but he didn't relish + the thought of having to pump so continuously; whereupon Captain + Vandertallen winked hard at him, and strongly urged that it + should be put up with, and to keep his eye on the girls who were + to inherit their father's fortune.</p> + + <p>"I tink," said he, "I vill marry de one and you vill have de + other."</p> + + <p>"I don't know about that," retorted James Leigh. "You see I've + a girl at home, and somehow I thinks a lot about her. But a bit + of money makes a difference; I must think it over."</p> + + <p>Quarterdeck etiquette was not observed between the two men. + The captain addressed his first officer as Jim, and Jim addressed + his captain as "Dutchy." This familiarity was arrived at soon + after they came together, owing to a strong difference of opinion + on some point of seamanship which had to do with the way a + topgallant sail ought to be taken in without running any risk of + splitting it. The quarrel was furious. Jim had called his + commander "a blithering, fat-headed Dutchman, not fit to have + charge of a dung barge, much less a square-rigged ship. Captain + Kickem of the <i>Pacific</i> would not have carried you as + ballast."</p> + + <p>Vandertallen was almost inarticulate. He frothed + out—</p> + + <p>"Yes, an' you he vould not carry at all; you too much chick. + Remember I the captain, and I vill discharge you at first + port."</p> + + <p>"Oh, you go to h——!"</p> + + <p>"No, I vill not go to h——. I'll just stay here, + and you can go to ----. You jist a boy."</p> + + <p>"All right, Dutchy," replied the refractory mate; "you'll want + me before I want you."</p> + + <p>And this was a correct prediction, as, a few days later, + Dutchy lost himself, and was obliged to come to his mate and ask + the true position of the vessel.</p> + + <p>"I am not captain," said he. "Do it yourself; you are a very + clever fellow."</p> + + <p>"No, no," said Vandertallen; "you know better dan me. Let us + be friends, Jim. I call you Jim; you call me Dutchy, or vat you + like."</p> + + <p>"All right, then," said James Leigh. "If that is to be the + way, I'll tell you where you are, and if you had run in the same + direction other four hours you would have been ashore on the + Island of Mocha."</p> + + <p>"Vair is dat?" said Vandertallen, nervously.</p> + + <p>"For Heaven's sake don't ask such silly questions," said the + mate. "You are miles out of your reckoning."</p> + + <p>"Vell, I'm d——!" said the amazed skipper. "Den you + must do de reckonin' now, Jim."</p> + + <p>"That's all very well, Dutchy, but if I have to do the + navigation I am entitled to share the pay."</p> + + <p>"Vary vell," replied his captain, "dat agree."</p> + + <p>So henceforth they were co-partners in everything—wages, + perquisites, and position; and they never again got out of their + reckoning. It was obvious James was first favourite with the + crew, and after the first voyage the veteran owner showed his + marked approval. Jim was allowed to do just as he pleased. The + daughters were charmed with him, and frequently visited the + vessel with their father when the officers could not get + conveniently to their home. A strong and growing attachment was + quite apparent so far as the girls were concerned. There seemed + to be a preference with both of them for the first mate, who, in + turn, fixed his affections on the youngest. His comrade was not + quite satisfied with being so frequently ignored, so remonstrated + with Jim to stick to one, and he would stick to the other; but + the ladies having to be taken into account, it did not work at + all smoothly, as each desired to have Mr. Leigh, and before it + was settled the sisters had a violent tiff, which brought about + the climax and made it possible for negotiations to be carried on + in favour of a settlement. The father selected the elder girl for + Vandertallen, and the younger was fixed on Leigh, who threw + himself into the vortex of flirtation with youthful ardour. He + thought at one time of marrying and settling down in Chili, and + undoubtedly the owner and daughter gave encouragement to this + idea.</p> + + <p>But letters began to arrive from home, which had an unsettling + effect on him. He was afraid to give his confidence to the + captain lest he might break faith with him, but in truth his mind + and heart were centred on a picturesque spot on the side of a + Welsh hill, and in that little home there was one who longed to + have him back. Indeed, she had written to say that if he did not + come soon to her she would come to him. These communications + revived all the old feelings of affection in his breast, and he + resolved to tear himself away from the environment which had + gripped him like a vice. The old Spaniard kept hinting marriage + to him each time he paid a visit to the superb villa, but he + refused to be drawn into anything definite. As he said—</p> + + <p>"The place is getting too hot for me. I must face it sooner or + later if I am not to permanently settle in Chili. Once married it + is all over with me. I will have loads of money, but am I sure it + will bring happiness? I think I must say that I lean towards a + daughter of my native land, who may not have wealth, but who has + all the attributes that appeal to me. In a few days I must + decide."</p> + + <p>These were some of the thoughts occupying Jim's mind as the + leaky old ark lounged her way along the coast. The captain, on + the other hand, talked freely to his mate as to his own thoughts, + prompted no doubt by close companionship and the idea of becoming + brothers-in-law. He told Leigh that both of them would be very + wealthy some day, but Jim kept his counsel. He had resolved that + if the subject was mentioned by the Spaniard again he would make + himself scarce.</p> + + <p>On their arrival at Iquique, Leigh received more letters from + home. He went to the owner's house, and in the course of the + evening the old gentleman asked him right out to marry his + daughter. Mr. Leigh was confused, and said he would like to save + a little more money.</p> + + <p>"Never mind the money. You will have plenty of that," said the + father.</p> + + <p>It was duly arranged that the wedding should take place at the + end of the next trip, and on the strength of that there was much + rejoicing at the villa, in which James Leigh heartily joined. He + was pressed to stay all night with the happy family, but he said + that he could not do so, owing to pressing official duties; so he + bade his usual <i>adieux</i>, and slipped out into the balmy + night and made his way aboard the vessel. He packed his + belongings in a bag, woke the captain, who was asleep in his + berth, shook hands with him, and said—</p> + + <p>"Good-bye, Dutchy. <i>You</i> can do what you blessed well + like, but I am off."</p> + + <p>And before the captain had recovered from his sleepy amazement + his mate had slipped over the side into a boat. That was the last + Dutchy ever saw of his prospective brother-in-law.</p> + + <p>James Leigh stowed himself away aboard a Yankee full-rigged + packet-ship which had to sail the following morning, and when the + coast was clear he made his appearance. He was subjected for a + time to that brutal treatment which at one time disgraced the + American mercantile marine,<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id= + "FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class= + "fnanchor">[3]</a> but being a smart young fellow who could do + the work of a competent seaman, and handle his "dukes" with + aptitude, the officers began to show partiality towards him, and + before many days he became quite a favourite with them and with + the captain. To his surprise, when the vessel had been at + Philadelphia a few days, he was asked to qualify for the second + officer's berth. He received the compliment with modest reserve, + but his inward pride gave him trouble to control. This was a + position of no mean order even to men far beyond <i>his</i> + years, but the thought of serving as an officer under the magic + Stars and Stripes was more fascinating than any pride he had in + the size of the vessel. A life of slash and dash was just the + kind of experience that appealed to a full-blooded rip like Jim + Leigh, so that he needed no persuading to take the offer, and + adapt himself with fervour to the new conditions, which invested + him with the knuckle-duster, the belaying pin, and the + six-shooter. The <i>Betty Sharp</i> was chartered for London + instead of the Far East, as was expected, and twenty days after + passing Cape Henry she entered the Thames; but even in that short + time the sprightly officer had made quite a name for himself, by + his methods of training and taming a heterogeneous team of packet + rats.</p> + + <p>As the vessel was being hauled into the Millwall Docks, + spectators were attracted by the disfigured condition of many of + the crew. A gentleman came aboard to solicit business, and after + a few preliminary remarks he said—</p> + + <p>"Pardon me, captain, but I cannot help noticing that some of + your sailors look as though there had been fighting. Did they + mutiny?"</p> + + <p>"Well, no; it was not exactly mutiny, but it was getting near + to it."</p> + + <p>"It must have been an anxious time for you, sir," continued + the visitor.</p> + + <p>"Well, no; I guess I was not anxious at all, for my officers + went about their rough work with some muscular vigour. The + war-paint was soon put on and the rebellion squashed out of them. + The chief officer, understand, is an old hand at the game; and + that there young fellow, the second officer, takes to the + business kindly. So we'll get along right away."</p> + + <p>When the vessel was moored and the decks cleared up, the + second officer and the boatswain asked the captain's permission + to go ashore for the evening. This was granted, with a strong + admonition to keep straight and return aboard sober. The + boatswain was a short, thick-set man, with no education, but a + sailor all over in his habits, manner, and conversation, and was + just the kind of person to have as a companion if there was any + trouble about. The two sailors were like schoolboys on a holiday. + They were well received by their friends, male and female. In the + West of London both were objects of interest, and told their + tales with unfailing exaggeration. The boatswain was especially + attractive, owing to his rugged personality and his unaffected + manner. His sanguinary tales of American packet-ship life were + much canvassed for, and being a good story-teller, he embellished + them with incidents that gave them a fine finishing touch. He was + asked by some young ladies if he had ever done any courting.</p> + + <p>"Oh yes," said he; "I have mixed a lot of that up with other + things. The very last time I was stranded in Chili I got on + courting a girl whose mother kept a bit of an hotel, and I was + getting on famously, when one day the old lady told me I wasn't + to come about her house after her daughter; but I kept on going + in a sort of secret way, and one night I was sitting in what you + would call the kitchen, and the old girl sneaked in with a great + big stick. I saw the fury in her eye. She made a go for me. I + couldn't get out, so I bobbed under a four-legged wooden table, + picked it up on my shoulders, and tried to protect my legs as + much as I could. The girl screamed, and rushed to open the door, + and then called out for me to run. I didn't need any telling. I + rushed out, the old witch laying on the table with all her might + until I got out of her reach. And that is the way I am here, + because I shipped at once aboard the <i>Betty Sharp</i>, for fear + I might be copped and put in choky by the old fiend."</p> + + <p>"Have you heard from your sweetheart since?" asked one of the + ladies.</p> + + <p>"No," said Jack the boatswain; "nor I don't want to. I'll soon + get another where they knows how to treat genuine + sweetheartin'."</p> + + <p>Jim Leigh at this point said—</p> + + <p>"Now then 'Shortlegs,' we must be going. I've heard that yarn + fifty times."</p> + + <p>"Yes, <i>you</i> have; but these here ladies haven't."</p> + + <p>"Quite right," said the ladies. "And we would like you to + continue telling some more of your love experiences on the + Spanish Main."</p> + + <p>Jack, however, said—</p> + + <p>"Well, not to-night. Jim wants to get away. I'll come some + other time."</p> + + <p>The two sailors then left and made their way back to the + docks, and as they approached the East End a fog which had been + hanging over became so dense that they could not see where they + were, and after groping about for a couple of hours they ran + against a house which had a light in the window. Jim rapped at + the door, and a man presented himself. He was only partially + clad. His voice and dialect left no doubt as to the locality they + were in.</p> + + <p>"Wot yer doin' of 'ere this time o' night? 'Ave yer come to + rob some o' these yere 'ouses, or wot's yer gime?"</p> + + <p>Mr. Leigh was a talkative person, and hastened to explain + where they were going, and that they could not find their way. + The man asked the two officers in, and presented them to a woman + who sat by the fire with a shawl over her shoulders. She was + young, and seemed to be of the gipsy type; tall, handsome + features, jet black hair, sparkling eyes and eyebrows; and when + she asked them to be seated, her voice and accent gave the + impression of a lady. She chatted quite freely to the sailors + about their profession and the countries they had visited, which + led them to suppose that the lady was a great traveller. She, + however, told them that her knowledge was derived from books. + Shortlegs was mute. While the others talked he was closely + scrutinizing the surroundings. Their host was a tall, well-set + man, with shifty, evil-looking eyes that were kept busy, as was + his tongue. After they had been in the house some time, he asked + them if they wished to stay all night.</p> + + <p>"We don't want ter press yer, but if yer like we've got a + comfortable room. But ye'll both 'ave to sleep in one bed."</p> + + <p>"We don't mind that," said James Leigh. "Show us where it + is."</p> + + <p>They bade the lady good morning, as it was 2 a.m., and they + were escorted upstairs to a moderately-furnished room with an + iron bed, wooden washstand, wardrobe, two chairs, and canvased + floor.</p> + + <p>"Well, do you think it'll do?" asked the host.</p> + + <p>"Yes," replied James, in a jaunty way. "We've slept in many a + worse place than this, Shorty, haven't we? See that we're called + at six in the morning, gov'nor."</p> + + <p>"That's all right," said the shifty-eyed host; "we're early + birds, we are, in this 'ere 'ouse. We goes to bed early too. + Wot'll ye 'ave for breakfast?"</p> + + <p>"Never mind breakfast; we'll get that when we get aboard," + replied Leigh. "Good-night; it's very good of you to put us + up."</p> + + <p>The host remarked that he was pleased to do a kindness to + anybody, but especially to sailors, and then he slid out of the + room. Shortlegs watched him downstairs, then closed the door. + When he looked round his second officer was half undressed. He + whispered to him not to undress, and that if he knew as much + about bugs as he did he would need no telling.</p> + + <p>"Oh! d—— the bugs and everything else. I'm in for + a good nap."</p> + + <p>"Well," said Shortlegs, "you may do as you like, but I'm + a-going to keep my clothes on."</p> + + <p>Jim, however, did not heed his companion's advice; he + undressed, jumped into bed, and was soon asleep. Shortlegs sat + smoking his pipe for a while, then rose and commenced a survey of + the room. He looked under the bed, into a cupboard, behind the + curtains, and then sat down and pondered over their strange + experience. At last he pulled his boots and coat off, and was + preparing to get into bed, when it occurred to him that he had + not examined the wardrobe; so he jumped up, opened the door, + stood gazing at the inside, closed the door, went to the bed, + shook his mate into consciousness, and speaking in a loud + whisper, he said—</p> + + <p>"Jim, for God's sake get up!"</p> + + <p>"What for?" said Jim.</p> + + <p>"Because there's a dead 'un in the wardrobe," replied + Shortlegs.</p> + + <p>"A what?" asked Mr. Leigh.</p> + + <p>"A corpse," responded his companion.</p> + + <p>"Go on, don't talk such rot!"</p> + + <p>"Very well, look for yourself," said the boatswain, who again + opened the door, and exposed the dead body to view. James Leigh + turned pallid and almost inarticulate. He could only touch his + friend on the shoulder, and utter—</p> + + <p>"My God, where are we? What shall we do with the corpse?"</p> + + <p>Visions of being had up for murder had seized him. But he was + quickly pulled up by his more discreet shipmate, who told him to + cease speaking, allow the dead 'un to remain where he was, keep + their boots off, open the window quietly, see how far it was to + drop or to lower themselves down with the bedclothes. This being + done, they found the plan of escape impracticable without being + "nabbed," so they took the bold resolve of going out as they had + come in, with their boots on. Before they had got half-way down + the stairs they heard suppressed conversation. It was evident + they were detected.</p> + + <p>"Use your knuckle-duster, Jim, if necessary, and charge them + with murder," whispered Shortlegs.</p> + + <p>"You leave that to me, Shorty; I'm going to get out of + this."</p> + + <p>When they reached the bottom of the stairs, the room door, + which was ajar, opened, and the man who showed them upstairs + stood before them. He was in his sleeping clothes. They requested + him to open the outer door and let them out, as they did not + desire to remain any longer in the house. He asked why they were + leaving comfortable lodgings on such a night. Jim being the + spokesman, said they didn't like sleeping with corpses, and + raising his voice with nervous courage, declared that if the door + was not immediately opened he would stand a good chance of being + put in the wardrobe where the other poor devil was. The wretched + bully, shivering with passion and sudden fear, made a grab at + Jim, and in an instant he was lying on the floor, and the two + sailors opened the door and stepped out into the cold fog.</p> + + <p>"My God, what an experience!" said Shorty. "What a lucky thing + I looked in the wardrobe. We might have been given up to the + police as the murderers; and that lady, as we thought, what a + demon she must be to be connected with such."</p> + + <p>"My dear fellow," said the second mate, "don't say anything + wrong against the lady. How do we know but she is a prisoner, or + in some way beholden to the rascal. What a strange thing she + never appeared. I wonder if she was there. She must have been, as + we heard voices."</p> + + <p>"That's right enough," said the boatswain; "but was it her + voice?"</p> + + <p>"I never thought of that, Shorty. What d'ye say if we go back + and try and learn more about this mysterious affair?"</p> + + <p>"Not me," said Shorty; "I've had enough of this kind of + experience."</p> + + <p>"But," remonstrated the officer, "suppose the lady is in + captivity?"</p> + + <p>"Never mind that, boss. I don't care if there were twenty + blessed women in captivity. I'm not going back, because I thinks + the lady is in the swim."</p> + + <p>"Nonsense, Shorts. She is an educated woman!"</p> + + <p>"Yes; and I've heard, boss, of educated women doin' funny + things. How d'ye know but it's her husband that's in the + wardrobe, gov'nor? No, no; I knows some of these 'ere ladies, and + I'm not a-going to mix myself up with them. And if you takes my + advice you'll stick to me and get aboard as soon as we can. And + keep this 'ere affair mum, or we may have a visit from some of + her Majesty's detectives."</p> + + <p>"Well," ejaculated James Leigh, "it is a mystery, and must + remain such so far as we are concerned. But I am tempted to tell + the police, as I feel certain that woman cannot be there of her + own free will."</p> + + <p>"Woman be d——d, boss! How do you know, as I said + before, that she's not at the bottom of it? You never knew an + affair like this that a woman had not her hand in it; and if you + are going to give information, don't introduce your humble + servant, who has his own ideas of this 'ere person."</p> + + <p>The young fellows had talked on ever since they left the tomb + of the dead, unheeding the direction in which they were going. + When the fog cleared they found themselves amidst the East End + slums, environed by all that was villainous. They were not long + in winding their way aboard the <i>Betty Sharp</i>. The night's + exploits made a deep impression on James Leigh; it caused him to + review the Bohemian career he had lived ever since he ran away + from the <i>Pacific</i> in Chili. He resolved to pay a visit to + his home in Wales, as he was so near, and in spite of strong + protestations on the part of the captain he resigned his post. + There was great rejoicing in the little village when he + unexpectedly made his appearance. The news of the mutiny aboard + the <i>Pacific</i>, and the tragic end of the captain, officers, + and part of the crew preceded him. His family had blamed him for + leaving at Iquique. They now said he had been guided by a strange + but merciful Providence to his old home. He told the eager + listeners of the family circle many tales of daring adventure as + they sat in the cosy room by the fire, but whenever the gruesome + figure of the dead man in the wardrobe crossed his mind he became + reticent and pensive. These lapses did not go unnoticed, and he + was often pressed for the cause of so sudden a change from mirth + to sullen silence.</p> + + <p>"I will tell you what it is," said he; "a corpse is the + cause."</p> + + <p>And then he told them all about it. James Leigh's change of + life, manner, and habits dated from the dreaded night when he saw + with his own eyes the ghastly figure of what he believed to be a + murdered man. From being a roving, reckless, devil-may-care + sailor, he settled into a steady, ambitious, capable man. He + married a Welsh girl after his own heart, and forgot all about + the daughter of the old Spaniard, who, if subsequent accounts + were correct, pined for his return to Chili. Mrs. Leigh resented + any allusion to the Spanish maiden. She always reminded her + husband that people should marry their own countrywomen, and that + instead of thinking of her he should be using his mind in + attaining that knowledge that would enable him to reach the + height of his profession. He was not long in satisfying the + lady's ambition and his own. In less than five years from leaving + the Yankee ship he was in command of a smart, up-to-date English + steamer, trading between Mozambique and Zanzibar, trafficking in + slaves and other merchandise. He made heaps of money for his + owners, and was gifted with an aptitude for never neglecting + himself in matters of finance. In due course the trade collapsed, + and he was ordered to bring his vessel home. By this time his + savings from several sources had accumulated to a decent little + fortune, and with it he resolved to start business on his own + account. He sought the aid of a few friends, and was enabled to + purchase a small steamer. It was while he was on a visit to this + much-boasted-of craft that he came across Shorty at a fair + outside Cardiff. The rugged ex-boatswain had a machine for trying + strength, and asked him to have a go. Captain Leigh recognized + his old shipmate by a defect in his speech, and made himself + known. Shorty was filled with delight, and would have given him + the whole show. He rushed off, called out to a lady who was + attending to the machine, and brought her to be introduced.</p> + + <p>"This is my bit o' cracklen, Jim. She's a good 'un, she is. + Now, don't ye be a-fallin' in love with her, James, as you used + to with the other girls out in Chili, ancetera, ancetera. Don't + ye reckonize her? Don't ye remember that fine hotel we landed in, + and the wardrobe and one or two other incidents?"</p> + + <p>"I do," said Captain James Leigh; "but surely this is + not?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, it is," said the proud husband. "It's she, isn't it, + chubby?"</p> + + <p>The lady merely nodded her head and smiled.</p> + + <p>"Then what have you been doing, Shorty, all these years?"</p> + + <p>"This," said he, pointing to the show. "I never got over the + 'orror of that night, so I made my mind up not to go a rovin' + agen; and this 'ere girl, that I thought so badly of, 'as helped + me to make a livin' ever since I came across her. Very queer, you + was right; she was sort o' confined to the 'ouse, but had nothin' + to do with the corpse. She didn't know of it until I told + her."</p> + + <p>"My God! don't talk of it, Shorts. I cannot bear to think of + it even now. But how did you pick her up?"</p> + + <p>"At the docks," said John Shorts. "She came to look for us, + and I took on with her and got married."</p> + + <p>"You must have had a strong belief in her."</p> + + <p>"Yes; and so would you if you knew her as I do. I'd trust my + money, and my life, and everything with her. D'ye see that waggon + of mats and baskets? That's her department; started on her own + 'ook. My word, she's a daisy."</p> + + <p>"Well, Shorty, I'm delighted to see you. And now I must be + going. You seem quite happy."</p> + + <p>"Happy," said the boatswain, "that's not a name for it. It's + 'eaven on earth this 'ere thing," looking and pointing at his + wife. Breaking off quickly, he said, "'Ave ye ever heard from + Chili, Jim?"</p> + + <p>"Oh yes," said he; "I had a letter only the other day from + Dutchy. The old owner died, and left all his money to his two + daughters and Dutchy, who married the eldest."</p> + + <p>"That's a bit thick, isn't it, Jim—for that fat Dutchman + to go wandering about the Spanish Main doin' all sorts of things, + and then fall on his feet like this?"</p> + + <p>"Well," said Jim, "you have fallen on your feet, so you say; + and I'm sure I have."</p> + + <p>"That's right," said Shorts. "I wasn't thinken' that the wife + was standin' by."</p> + + <p>The lady quietly smiled, shook hands with her husband's late + chum, and walked off towards her caravan. Captain Leigh + endeavoured to draw Shorty to tell him about his wife, but the + old sailor evaded all his questions.</p> + + <p>"Well," said Leigh, "this has been a joyful meeting to me, and + if we never met again, God bless you!"</p> + + <p>"The same to you, Jim," said Shorts. "Good-bye, old chap."</p> + + <p>The two men never did meet again. James Leigh is now a + prosperous merchant, and may be seen any day in a smart-cut + "frocker" and silk hat, having his lunch at a bar, surrounded + with kindred spirits, telling his wonderful tales—some + truthful, others well padded, but all interesting.</p> + + <div class="footnotes"> + <h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> It may be + said in passing that America at that period, and for some + years later, supplied Great Britain and other nations with + the finest and fastest ships afloat, large and small. The + Americans have always had a reputation of doing things on a + large scale. Unmistakably their vessels were bad to beat. + Their crews were well paid and well fed. They had the best + cooks and stewards in the world; but the inadequacy of their + manning, and the cruel treatment of the poor wretches who + composed the crew, was a national disgrace. An American + vessel with a mediocre crew aboard was nothing short of a + hell afloat, and even with an average lot of men it was + little better, unless they had the courage and the capacity + to straighten the officers out, which was sometimes done with + salutary effect.</p> + </div> + </div> + +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LOOKING SEAWARD AGAIN***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 15222-h.txt or 15222-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/5/2/2/15222">https://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/2/2/15222</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Looking Seaward Again + +Author: Walter Runciman + +Release Date: March 1, 2005 [eBook #15222] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LOOKING SEAWARD AGAIN*** + + +E-text prepared by Steven Gibbs and the Project Gutenberg Online +Distributed Proofreading Team + + + +LOOKING SEAWARD AGAIN + +by + +Sir WALTER RUNCIMAN, Bart., + +Author of _The Shellback's Progress_, _Windjammers and Sea Tramps_, etc. + +London: Walter Scott Publishing Co. Ltd. + +1907. + + + + + + + +TO +MY WIFE +THESE FRAGMENTS +ARE AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED. + + + + +PREFACE. + + +The following tales have been told to some few men and women by the +fireside. The stories themselves only claim to be unvarnished matters +of fact; and I may repeat here what I said in a previous volume, that +my object has not been to strain after literary effect or style. My +too early desertion of home-life to graduate in the harsh and +whimsical discipline of sailing-vessels in the days when they had +still some years to live and "carry on" ere steam took the wind out of +their sails, precluded such studies as are natural to the embryo man +of letters. But the circumstances that told against mere study did not +prevent my preserving many memories of my sojourns ashore and voyages +in distant seas. I mention this fact, not as an apology, but as an +explanation which I hope may commend itself to the amiable reader. + +WALTER RUNCIMAN. + +_3rd December_ 1907. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + +THROUGH TORPEDOES AND ICE +FAIR TRADE AND FOUL PLAY +SMUGGLERS OF THE ROCK +A PASHA BEFORE PLEVNA +A RUSSIAN PORT IN THE 'SIXTIES +"DUTCHY" AND HIS CHIEF + + + + +Through Torpedoes and Ice + + +"Osman the Victorious," as Skobeleff called the matchless Turkish +pasha, had kept the Russian hordes at bay for one hundred and +forty-two days. Never in the annals of warfare had the world beheld +such unexpected military genius, combined with stubborn endurance, as +was shown during the siege of Plevna. On December 10th, 1877, Osman +came out and made a desperate struggle to break through the Russian +lines; but after four hours' hard fighting the Turks sent up the white +flag, and boisterous cheering swelled over the snow-clad land when it +became known that the greatest Turkish general of modern times had +surrendered. His little army of Bashi-Bazouks had annihilated more +than one Siberian battalion. The Russian loss was forty thousand, and +the Turkish thirty thousand. Had Suleiman and the other Turkish +generals shown the same stubborn spirit as Osman, the Russian army +would never have been permitted to cross the Balkans, much less reach +Constantinople.[1] But after the fall of Plevna the resistance of the +Turkish army was feeble, and the Muscovites were not long in pitching +their camp at San Stefano. Indeed, a rumour got abroad one night that +the Russians were in the suburbs of Constantinople. This roused the +indignation of the English jingoes to such a pitch that the great +Jewish Premier, with the dash that characterized his career, gave +peremptory orders for the British fleet to proceed, with or without +leave, through the Dardanelles, and if any resistance was shown to +silence the forts. Russia protested and threatened, and Turkey winked +a stern objection, but Lord Beaconsfield was firm, and suitable +arrangements were arrived at between the Powers. + +Bismarck offered his services as mediator, and suggested that a +European Congress should be held at Berlin to discuss the contents of +the Treaty of San Stefano. This was agreed to, and Lord Beaconsfield, +accompanied by Lord Salisbury, were the British representatives at the +Congress. The Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary drove a hard +and favourable bargain for Turkey and for Britain. Turkey, it is +needless to say, got the worst of it; but, considering her crushing +defeat, came well out of the settlement. Cyprus was ceded to the +British, to be used as a naval station, and subsequent experience has +proved the wisdom of this acquisition. Lord Beaconsfield proclaimed to +a tumultuous crowd on the occasion of his return to London that he had +brought back "peace with honour." This was the acme of the great +Jew's fame. It looked as though he could have done anything he liked +with the British people, so that it is no wonder that the old man lost +his balance when such homage was paid him by that section of the +public which was smitten with his picturesque and audacious +personality. + +Naturally, his policy impregnated Russia with a strong anti-British +feeling, and it was said that her activity in running up earthworks +and apparently impregnable fortifications was in anticipation of +Disraeli declaring war and ordering the fleet to bombard the Crimean +ports; hence, too, in addition to the strong fortifications, torpedo +mines were laid for miles along the seaboard, and every possible means +and opportunity were taken to make it widely known that the Black Sea +was one deadly mine-field. The Press on all sides was, as usual, +brimful of reports of the most alarmist nature--these, of course, for +the most part extravagant and inaccurate rumours. Nor did the Russian +Press minimize accounts of the terrible devastation that was wrought +on unarmed trespassers who came within the zone of terror. I read +twice of my own rapid and complete destruction. There is no doubt that +mines were laid, though both their capacity for destruction and the +number of them was very much exaggerated. + +From the end of ---- outer breakwater to beyond the ---- there was a +line of mines which left between the land and them a channel less than +half a mile wide. A gunboat with torpedo pilots aboard was moored at +the south end, and vessels prior to the war and during the armistice +were compelled to take a pilot in and out; but no vessel was allowed +to pass in or out from sunset to sunrise. A gunboat was also stationed +outside the inner breakwater. A large fleet of steamers had been +attracted by the high freights, inflated by the war fever that +permeated Europe at that time, and also because the season was far +advanced, and merchants were anxious to get their stuff shipped in +case hostilities broke out. The heavy snowstorms had made the roads +almost impassable, but in spite of great difficulties the loading was +carried on; slowly, it is true, but with dogged perseverance. The +frost had become keen, and large floes of ice were rushed down the +reaches by the swift current. Booms were moored outside the vessels to +protect them, but these were constantly being carried away, and not a +little damage was done. A consultation amongst the captains was held +as to the advisability of leaving with what cargoes they had aboard, +but only two decided to start on the following morning. Some of the +others said they could force their way through six inches of ice, and +would risk waiting to receive their whole cargo. Accordingly, as soon +as it was daylight one of the captains who had made all arrangements +to leave gave orders to unmoor. The other had changed his mind, and +fell in with the views of the majority. The captain of the +_Claverhouse_, however, got underweigh, but before getting very far +his engineer reported that the hot-well cover had broken in two. It +was temporarily repaired, and she got along famously until they came +to a bend in the river where there was much packed ice. For two hours +manoeuvring continued without any appreciable result. At last the big +mass began to move, and a navigable channel was opened, which enabled +the vessel to make slow though risky progress through a field of +moving ice. + +The anchorage at ---- was reached before darkness set in, and a vessel +which had left four days previously was observed to be ashore, with +the ice drifting up against her port side, forcing her farther on to +the bank. Signals were hoisted offering assistance, but before the +reply could be made a blinding snowstorm came on, which lasted all +through the night. The next morning, at daylight, signals were again +made by the _Claverhouse_ to the stranded vessel asking if they would +accept assistance. The reply came, "I want lighters." The crew were +jettisoning the cargo of wheat on to the ice as it flowed past, but +the more they lightened the farther the vessel was forced on to the +bank by the rushing current. The master of the _Claverhouse_, +observing the critical position, sent a boat away with a small line. +A communication was effected, but not without great difficulty. The +master of the _Aureola_ was worn out with anxiety and want of rest, +for his vessel had been ashore for forty-eight hours. He very wisely +accepted the assistance which had opportunely come to him. A tow-rope +was attached to the small line, and by this means a thick tow-line was +got aboard, and she was dragged off the bank; then orders were +unaccountably given to cut the tow-rope. This very nearly resulted in +a more serious disaster, as the engineers in the confusion kept the +engines going astern, and the rope drifting with the current, became +entangled round the propeller. If the anchor and chains had not held +the great strain that was put on them, she would have gone ashore +again in a worse position, and inevitably have broken her back. As it +was, the propeller was cleared in about a couple of hours. The captain +of the _Aureola_ was not well acquainted with the locality, and +arranged that he should follow the other steamer to----. Suitable +plans and signals were settled, and both vessels weighed anchor and +proceeded as fast through the ice as was compatible with safety. Once +out of the narrows and clear of the obstruction, the engines were put +at full speed and kept going until they were forced to slow down on +account of the snow squalls, which obscured everything. The sea had +become rough, and the utmost resources of the commanders were taxed in +their efforts to navigate the coast and yet keep together. They groped +their way until ---- town lights were visible. It was then seen that +the gunboat anchored at the south end of the mine-field was signalling +to them to stop; but still they went slowly on, feeling their way by +the lead, while those aboard the gunboat began to fire rockets with +exciting rapidity. Regardless of the warning, the two steamers kept on +their way until they got to the anchorage, when the warship was hidden +from view. + +It was past midnight; and although the crews of both vessels had gone +through a severe ordeal of physical endurance, they were each anxious +to hear what the other had to say about the events of the last +forty-eight hours, which were beset with peril, and had culminated by +boldly running into the anchorage over the mines in defiance of the +regulations--to say nothing of the danger of being blown up, or the +mysterious prospect of Siberia! The captain of the _Aureola_ was +greatly perturbed, and he promptly ordered his gig to be manned to +take him to the _Claverhouse_. On getting aboard, he reproached his +friend for leading him into what might prove a serious scrape. The two +men talked long of the exciting doings of the day and the policy that +should be adopted on the morrow, when they would be confronted with +officials that were not over well-disposed to British subjects. They +fully realized that the case would have to be managed with great +astuteness, so they bethought themselves of one of the cleverest and +most popular men in----, and sent a message to him asking his help. +His name need not be mentioned; he is long since dead, and it is +sufficient to say that he was an educated Maltese, and held a kind of +magnetic influence over the harbour authorities. The Admiral was an +amiable man in an ordinary way, and susceptible to the temptations +that beset officials in these places; but the _Claverhouse's_ offence +was no common one, nor could it be approached in an ordinary way of +speech. + +On going ashore, the captains were ushered into the presence of the +infuriated official who was to decide their destiny. He fumed and +foamed savagely, and whenever an attempt was made to speak his +paroxysms became inhuman. Their Maltese friend had come to their aid, +and was waiting patiently for the storm to subside, so that he could +explain how it happened that the regulations came to be broken. Things +looked black until Mr. C---- began to speak in Russian. It took him +some time to get the great man pacified, and as soon as that was +accomplished he said to the master of the _Claverhouse_--"You know +that you could be sent to Siberia or less. How am I to explain it? Why +did you not keep at sea all night? There is only one thing that will +save you." + +"Well, then," responded the captain of the _Claverhouse_, "let that +one thing be arranged; but let me also state the cause of our breaking +the law. We could have kept the sea quite well had we known exactly +where we were, but we could see nothing, and had to navigate by taking +soundings, and as soon as we got into seven fathoms the water became +smooth, and, fearing we might run aground, the anchor was let go. As +for the rockets that were fired by the gunboat, we had passed the line +of torpedoes before our attention was attracted by the firing. The +Admiral himself could not have avoided it. Surely he cannot think we +deliberately ran into the anchorage?" + +"That is just what he does think," said Mr. C----. "What am I to do?" + +"Settle on the best terms," said the captain. + +At this point two officers took the captains to another room, and they +were locked in. An hour afterwards Mr. C---- came to them and said-- + +"I have managed to get him quietened down. You have had a narrow +squeak. It took me a long time to get him to speak of liberating you, +and now I am requested to bring you to him so that you may be severely +reprimanded. He talked of gaol, and sending you out of the country for +ever, and inflicting a heavy fine; but that stage has passed, so come +with me." + +When they were ushered into the Admiral's presence he frowned severely +at them. Russian officers and high officials always expect you to +tremble when they administer a rebuke. Needless to say, the reception +was harsh. There was a good deal of long stride, prancing from one end +of the room to the other, vehement talk in Russian, and wild +gesticulation. The Maltese told the somewhat callous captains that the +Admiral declared the next Englishman that attempted such a thing, if +he were not blown up, would have to be shot. An example must be made. +The genial intermediary interjected with apparent sternness-- + +"Captains, you must apologize for the crime you have committed, and be +thankful that you are going to be dealt leniently with. The Admiral +is right: you deserved to be blown up with your ship. But apologize +suitably, and leave the rest to me." + +All but the last sentence was interpreted to the gallant official. An +apology was made, and silently accepted; but the real penalty was not +disclosed to the captains until afterwards, and then it was kept +secret by them and by the two contracting parties. The two commanders, +when being congratulated on their release, said they did not know what +all the fuss was about. They had done no harm to anybody, and if +hostilities were resumed they hoped the Turks would wipe the Russians +off the field, and so on. + +Three stirring months passed before the _Claverhouse_ returned to +----. When she arrived at the gunboat guarding the torpedo channel, +she took a pilot, and proceeded into the harbour in a law-abiding +manner, while her captain, audibly and inaudibly, declaimed against a +Government whose barbarous notions led them to impose restrictions +that caused expense and interrupted the normal process of navigation. +"What right have these beastly Russians to hamper British shipping +like this?" + +When the captain landed he was met by several friends, who cheerfully +inquired if he had found another new channel into the port. He +jokingly retorted-- + +"No; but I might have to find a new one out." + +He was solemnly advised not to attempt it. The Admiral, whom he +occasionally met, was unusually cordial, and this attitude of courtesy +was ungrudgingly reciprocated. One evening the captain wished to visit +a friend of his, whose vessel lay at the forts. The sentry asked him +to retire. He refused to move, and commenced to harangue the soldier +in a language he supposed to be Russian. There must have been +something wrong about it, for after a few words of conversation the +sentry rushed at him with the bayonet fixed, and but for the swiftness +of his heels there might have been a tragedy. He immediately called at +the Admiral's office, informed him of what had occurred, and +requested that he should be escorted where he desired to go. An +officer was sent with him, and when they got to the sentry the officer +spoke to the man in a heated tone, and then slapped him on the face +with the flat of his hand. The captain asked why he had struck the +sentry. The officer replied-- + +"Because he told me you had used some Russian language to him that +caused him to believe you were a suspicious character. I told him he +was a fool, and that you were a friend of mine and of the Admiral. You +will have no more trouble." + +A _douceur_ was slipped into the willing hand, and on the return +journey another was given to the poor sentry, who showed a meekness +and gratitude that was nearly pathetic. + +On the following day there was a sensational rumour that the armistice +would be raised and hostilities between the two belligerents resumed. +At the forts and at the military quarters of the city there was much +activity. The troops were being reviewed by one of the Grand Dukes, +and there were evidences of conscription everywhere. Aboard the +warships the flutter was quite noticeable, and the frequent +communications between them and the shore augured trouble. Merchants, +agents, and captains displayed unusual energy to complete their +engagements. A strongly-worded order was handed to the captains of the +few vessels still remaining in port that, on penalty of being sunk by +the warships or blown up by torpedoes, no vessel was to go out of the +port after sundown at 6 p.m. + +On the second day after this instruction was given the loading of the +_Claverhouse's_ cargo was completed. A gentleman sent a note +requesting the captain to see him, and not to remove the staging +between his vessel and the quay, as it would be required to carry out +an important shipment which would be of great benefit to himself and +all concerned. Negotiations were opened, and were briefly as +follows:--This estimable Briton had been approached by a person of +great astuteness and easy integrity, who was neither an Englishman nor +a Turk, to engage at all costs a steamer to take bullocks on deck to +a certain unnamed destination. The freight would be paid before the +cattle were shipped, but the vessel would have to sail that night, and +a large sum would be paid for running that risk. + +"State your price," said the genial agent; "anything within reason +will be paid." + +The captain was as eager to do a deal as his new acquaintance, though +he pleaded the almost impossible task of running out of the port +without being observed, and if observed the inevitable consequence of +being sunk, probably with all on board. The agent, having in mind his +own considerable interest, played discreetly on the vanity of the +commander, and laughed at the notion of an astute person like him +allowing himself to be trapped; appealed to his nationality, and the +glory of having run out of a port that was severely blockaded. The +captain cut this flow of greasy oratory short by stating that for the +moment he was thinking of the amount of hard cash he was going to get, +and not of the glory. + +"I know what I will have to do, and I think I know how it will have +to be done; but first let us fix the amount I am to have for doing it. +My price is L----. Do you agree?" + +"Yes," said the agent; "though it's a bit stiff. But the animals must +go forward." + +The captain did not expect so sudden a confirmation, and remarked, "I +fancy I have not put sufficient value on the services I am to carry +out; but I have given my word, and will keep it." + +In due course the money was handed over in British gold. The cattle +were taken aboard, and just as the sun was setting the moorings were +cast off, and the vessel proceeded to the outer harbour and anchored. +The chief mate was instructed to put as little chain as possible out, +and the engineer was told to have a good head of steam at a certain +hour. Meanwhile, the captain proceeded to the city to clear his ship, +and at the stated hour he was stealthily rowed alongside. The pawls of +the windlass were muffled, and the anchor was hove noiselessly up by +hand; the engines were set easy ahead, and as soon as she was on her +course the telegraph rang "full speed." She had not proceeded far +before a shot was fired from the inner gunboat, which landed alongside +the starboard quarter. The chief officer called from the forecastle +head-- + +"They are firing at us--hadn't you better stop?" + +"Stop, be d----d! Do you want to be hung or sent to the Siberian +mines?" + +The next shot fell short of the stern. They now came thick and heavy, +but the _Claverhouse_ by this time was racing away, and was quickly +out of range. The most critical time arrived when she was rushed +headlong over the line of torpedoes; and as soon as the outer gunboat +was opened clear of the breakwater, she, too, commenced to fire. Once +the line of mines was safely passed, the course was set to hug the +land. The firing from the torpedo gunboat was wildly inaccurate, never +a shot coming within fathoms of their target, and soon the little +steamer was far beyond the reach of the Tsar's guns. + +Her captain had no faith in the report industriously circulated that +the Crimean coast and the Black Sea were impenetrably mined, so he +proceeded gaily on his voyage, shaking hands with himself for having +succeeded in running the gauntlet without a single man being hurt, or +the breaking of a rope-yarn. The crew were boisterously proud of the +night's exploit. They knew that no pecuniary benefit would be derived +by them, and were content to believe that they had been parties to a +dashing piece of devil-may-care work. The average British sailor of +that period loved to be in a scrape, and revelled in the sport of +doing any daring act to get out of it. It never occurred to the +captain that his crew might jib at the thought of undertaking so +perilous a course. He had been reared in the courage of the class to +which he belonged, and his confidence in the loyalty of his men was +not shaken by the thoughtless interjection of the chief officer, who, +in a shameful moment asked him to turn back after the first shot was +fired. He had no time to think of that senseless advice when it was +given, but it may be taken for granted the cautious mate did not add +to his popularity with the crew. He had commanded large sailing +vessels in the Australian passenger trade, and this was his first +voyage in steam. The new life, with all its varied sensationalisms, +was a mystery to him, and this little incident did not increase his +belief in the wisdom of his change from sail to steam. He explained +that the thought of what he regarded as inevitable disaster caused him +to spontaneously call out that they were firing. + +"Besides," he continued, "I don't like the business; so I'll resign my +position and go back to sailing vessels again, on the completion of +the voyage." + +The captain reminded him of the fine spirit of enterprise that +prevailed amongst the crew; only in a lesser degree, perhaps, than +that which caused Nelson under different circumstances to say of his +sailors, "They really mind shot no more than peas." + +"Nelson may have said that, and our crew may have a fine spirit of +wholesale daring, but I don't like to be mixed up with either the +enterprise or the shot," retorted the reflective officer; and I +daresay if the captain were asked for an opinion now he would be +disposed to take the mate's view. + +The thought of being pursued kept up a quiet excitement. The vessel +was pressed through the water at her maximum speed and arrived at her +first destination without any mishap to herself or the deck cargo, +which was landed expeditiously. She then continued on her voyage. On +arrival at the discharging port, a letter was received from the owners +complimenting the captain on the success of an undertaking which would +contribute so considerably to the profits of the voyage, and at the +same time calling his attention to a newspaper cutting. An official +telegram to the English Press stated that "_A British steamer, name +unknown, in attempting to run out of ---- harbour over the torpedo +lines, was warned and fired upon by a Russian warship which was +guarding the harbour. The steamer refused to stop. She was shelled, +and in crossing the mine zone the vessel, with her crew, was blown to +atoms!_" This was a sensational piece of news to read of one's self. + +Two years elapsed before the captain again steamed into ---- harbour. +He expected to meet his old friend the Admiral, and a few other +Russian gentlemen in whom his interest was centred; but they had +either gone to their rest or had been removed. It seemed as though the +incident that caused so much commotion at the time had passed out of +recollection. Indeed, there seemed quite a new order of things. New +officials were there. The gunboats were removed from their familiar +stations. The torpedoes that had been the dread of navigators had been +lifted, and it was commonly reported that many of them were loaded +with sand. No signs were visible of there having been war defences +that were meant to be regarded as impregnable--and it is not to be +denied the earthworks justified that opinion. There were whisperings +that when those in high places discovered what some of the mines were +charged with, the persons responsible for the laying of the mines +were seized; and tradition has it that an impromptu scaffold had been +erected outside the town, and every one of the suspects hanged without +trial--and merely on the suspicion that they knew of, even if they had +not contributed to, the treacherous act. In the light of the horrors +that are occurring in Russia at the present time, it is not improbable +that there was treachery; and that when it was discovered, suspicion +centred on certain persons, who were, in accordance with Muscovite +autocracy, dispatched without ceremony, guilty or not guilty. + +"Ah!" said Mr. C---- to the captain, who had just finished describing +his last departure from ---- Harbour, "you may thank your stars that +the torpedoes were loaded with sand or some other rubbish, or you +wouldn't have been here this day. The officers were in a great fury at +the wires not operating when you were running out, and the +men--submarines, I think, they are called--who were behind the +earthworks were knocked about badly. They came to my place to get to +know the name of the vessel, but I bamboozled them, and gave them +cigars and vodka, and they weren't long in forgetting about what had +happened. I think there is no doubt about your being the cause of +having the mines raised, as, to my certain knowledge, they tried to +explode them the day after you left the port, and very few of them +went off. Things were kept a bit quiet, but I can always get to know +what is going on, and if the gunboats had been properly handled that +night it would have been all up with you." + +"But," said the captain, "what on earth is the use of talking that +way! They were not properly handled, and here I am. And what I want to +know is this: do you think there will be any more about it, now the +war is over, and old Pumper Nichol [the Admiral] and his friends are +not here?" + +"I don't know," said his friend. "You never can tell what these sly +rascals are thinking or doing; but I will know as soon as there are +any indications. If I had been you, I wouldn't have come out here so +soon; or, at least, have first made sure that all danger was over. But +never mind; we'll soon smuggle you off, if we can get the slightest +hint. 'Palm oil squares the yards,' as the old sailors used to say, +and nobody has had more experience of that than I." + +"Does G----d and old J----b know about the affair?" + +"I think they are bound to, though they may have forgotten. Anyhow, +they are absolutely loyal, and may be depended upon if their aid is +called into requisition. Do you know they had to clear out of the +country with their families, and nearly every English family had to do +the same?" + +"Well, Patrovish C----," said the captain, "they may seize the +steamer, but they will never be allowed to seize me, even should it be +legal to do so, now the war is at an end." + +"What do they care about what is legal," said Patrovish. "If it suits +their purpose, and those in authority learn what took place, there +will be no scruples about doing anything. My advice is to keep quiet +and cool-headed, and I feel almost certain you won't be interfered +with. But there comes Yaunie. Hear what he says." + +This gentleman was a Greek pilot, who had previously been a boatswain +aboard a Greek sailing-vessel. He saw an excellent opening at the +beginning of the steamship era to add to his income, so commenced a +business which flourished so well that his riches were the envy of a +large residential public, to say nothing of the seafaring itinerants +who swarmed in and out of the port. He spoke English with a Levantine +accent. Physically, he was a fine-looking, well-built man, who +commanded attention and respect from everybody. He was on excellent +terms with the port authorities, and with sea captains, and deemed it +part of a well thought-out policy to share with popular shrewdness a +portion of his takings. His benevolence was more partially shown +towards the officials than to those from whom he derived his income; +but because of his geniality, and--mostly, I should say--on account of +his generosity, he was well liked by both sections of people. He was +quite uneducated, and, like most clever men who have this misfortune, +he had great natural gifts. His memory was prodigious, and he invested +his savings with the judgment of an expert, keeping mental accounts +with startling accuracy; but, notwithstanding this, his memory never +retained anything he conceived it to be policy to forget. When asked +his opinion as to whether there was any likelihood of anything more +being heard of the captain's running out of the harbour and over the +torpedoes, he suggestively put his finger to his mouth, and said-- + +"I can know nothing, but I tink it is over." And shrugging his broad +shoulders, he 'cutely remarked, "Some dead, some maybe Siberia, +and"--with a significant smile he lowered his voice to a +whisper--"some, maybe, 'fraid to say anything because for many reason. +Yes, I tink finis; but if not, den you trust me to help. I knows these +people, and some of dem knows me." + +Yaunie was taken fully into the confidence of the captain and +Patrovish, and when he took his leave they felt sure that to have him +as a friend was of great value in the event of the affair being +resurrected. The captain had renewed many old friendships, and spent +his evenings in the hospitable homes of an English colony whose +kindness is unequalled anywhere. Unlike most English families who +settle in foreign countries, they retained a great many of their +national customs in food, and also in their mode of life generally. Of +course the extremes of climate have to be considered, but all their +homes preserve their British atmosphere. + +The _Claverhouse_ had nearly completed loading, and the kindly +emissaries of her captain had reported nothing of a disturbing +character, until one morning a steamer came in and was moored +alongside the _Claverhouse_. Yaunie was the pilot, and after +completing his work he went aboard the _Claverhouse_ and asked to see +the captain. + +"He is not astir yet," said the steward. + +"I must speak with him at once," said Yaunie. + +The captain, overhearing the conversation, called out, "All right, +come to my room." + +"Well, Yaunie, what news this morning?" asked the captain. + +"Ah, it is very bad news," replied Yaunie. "That fool Farquarson," +pointing to where the other steamer lay, "speaks all the time about +what happened when you went from the port without permission. He say +that he was aboard the gunboat asking for a torpedo channel-pilot, and +that he could not get one because they were firing at you all the +time. They asked him the name of the steamer, but he told some other. +I say to him he was wrong, but he say no; and he will jabb, as you +call it." + +"Well, Yaunie, what's to be done? What is the remedy?" + +"What's to be done--I don' know what you call the other. I say, get +the steamer loaded quick and away. I don' tink trouble, but O Chresto! +his tong go like steam-winch, and you much better Black Sea dan here." + +"Very excellent advice, Yaunie. Now let us go on deck." + +A sudden inspiration came to the captain, which caused him to +exclaim-- + +"Yaunie, I'll ask him to eat with us. This is our English mode of +settling obstacles, and making and retaining friendships. Don't you +think it a good suggestion?" + +"Do anything you like. Give him the Sacrament, but keep him quiet. He +is very dangerous now." + +The captain of the other steamer was on deck, and as soon as he got +his eye on them he bellowed out in terms of unjustifiable +familiarity-- + +"Hallo, old fellow, how are ye? So they've not sent ye to the silver +mines yet?" + +"No," smartly retorted the captain, with some warmth, "they've not, or +I wouldn't have been here. But they d--d soon will if you don't keep +your mouth shut!" + +Without heeding what was said to him, the distinguished commander of +the new-comer slapped his thigh vigorously with his right hand, and +laughed out-- + +"By Joshua, you were in a tight corner, and will never be nearer +being popped! [sunk]. They were furious at me, and would have blown +all England up because I said I didn't know who it was." + +"Oh," said the _Claverhouse's_ commander, "that is old history. Come +aboard and have breakfast with me." + +"All right," said Farquarson, "I'll have a wash up, and then come. But +what a darned funny thing not to blow you up with the mines. I just +said to my mate, they are a lot of lazy beasts, or there's something +wrong with the wires. But the mate said, 'No; he's taken them +unawares.' 'Unawares be d----d!' said I; 'he's not taken these gunboat +chaps unawares, for I couldn't get them to stop firing.'" + +"He's off again!" interjected Yaunie. + +"All right, all right!" replied the impatient captain to his voluble +compatriot. "Come to breakfast as quick as you can, there's a good +fellow." + +Farquarson got to the companion-way--_i.e._ the entrance to the +cabin--and was about to make some further remarks when the captain of +the _Claverhouse_ said to Yaunie, "Let's go below, for God's sake! As +long as he sees us he'll keep on." + +When they got into the cabin, the burly pilot was almost inarticulate. +All he could say was-- + +"My goodness, what a tong! He must be dangerous to his owners. I have +never see such a tong." + +In due course the irrepressible person appeared, and was received with +professional cordiality. He had no sooner taken his seat at the table +than he became convulsed with laughter, slapped his hand on the table, +and shouted-- + +"By Cocker, I'll never forget it! The rage of them Russians, and the +way they blazed away their shot, and it never going within miles of +where you were! Miles, mind you!" + +Yaunie and his friend looked at each other in savage despair, as he +persisted in reeling off quantities of disconnected incoherencies. But +relief to his perturbed friends came when the steward placed the +breakfast on the table. He stopped the flow of narration, and +exclaimed-- + +"Ah! that's what I like--dry hash and a bit of ham with an egg or two. +I was just saying to my mate--who's as big a born fool as ever drank +whisky--there's not a better meal made at sea than dry hash." + +By this time his mouth was full, and it was difficult to know what he +wished to convey. His eating was quite as boundless as his talk, +though he could not do both at once. Having finished a good sound +plate of hash, he passed his plate along for some ham and eggs, and +asked his host if he did not observe what a good appetite he had +compared with what he used to have. + +"Yes," said the captain, in blissful ignorance of what he was saying. +"Your appetite was never very good. I'm glad to see you making such a +good breakfast." + +"Well, you know," replied the guest, "the worst of me is, I appear to +be unsociable when I'm eating, as I cannot both eat and talk." + +"Go on eating, then," said the host. + +"Yes, go on eatin'," responded Yaunie. "You had a long passage, and +must be hungry." + +"Quite right," replied the guest, with his mouth full. "I'm glad you +don't think me uncivil, but as I say, I like my breakfast better than +most meals, and I can only do one thing at a time. My wife always says +I must have been born either eating or talking." + +He laughed heartily at this little domestic joke, and proceeded with +the putting in of the "bunker coals," as he called it. The captain of +the _Claverhouse_ and the pilot had purposely lingered over their meal +to keep him company. He observed this, and effusively asked them not +to mind him a bit, and to leave the table if they wanted to. After +expressing a few unreal excuses for their apparent rudeness, they were +prevailed upon to go into the state-room, where the captain solemnly +conveyed to Yaunie that he never thought he would live to have imposed +upon him such humiliation. + +"I hope the brute will have an apoplectic fit!" said he. + +Yaunie did not quite understand all that was said, but knew it meant +some form of obliquy, and replied, "Yes, and I hope so too." + +As soon as Farquarson had finished eating, he straightway came to the +state-room and assured his host that he never remembered enjoying a +breakfast so much. + +"Let's have a cigar," said he, "to soothe my nerves a bit." + +This was given him. He lit up, and was proceeding to discuss the +merits of good feeding with great volubility when his harangue was +snapped by a request from his host to "cut it," as he wished to have a +yarn with him about a matter which was of great importance to himself. +"In short, I wish you to be most careful not to attract attention to +me by any friendly comment about that affair of two years ago. No one +who is in office now would appear to have any suspicion of what took +place; or if they do, it is obvious they are not desirous of opening +the question up again. But should it be brought prominently before +them, they will have to do something, and it may make it very awkward +for me. Now, what I want you to do for me is this: never mention the +incident again. I am sure you would not intentionally do anything that +would jeopardize my safety, and I feel that I have only to ask and you +will give me your word not to do it." + +Farquarson jumped to his feet, gripped the hand of the captain in a +sailorly fashion, and said-- + +"On my Masonic honour, I swear never to breathe again what you have +warned me against, and I'm glad you told me. I might innocently have +got you into a nasty mess. It never struck me when I was bawling out +to you that there was danger. But between ourselves, it was a bit +thick your dashing out of the 'impregnable port,' as they called it, +and expectin' to get off scot-free, I have often spun long twisters +about it, and you can bet it was always made attractive." + +"I feel sure you would do that, Farquarson, as you were always a good +story-teller." + +This encouraging flattery switched his mind with eager interest on to +a subject quite irrelevant to the one which had engaged their +attention so long. + +"Yes," said he, with a self-satisfied smile, "that's true. But talking +about yarns, you remember when I was with Milburn's, running to +Hamburg? The old gentleman asked me to take a few overmen a trip. They +belonged to some mine he was interested in. By the time we got +outside, and got the decks cleared up, it was dark, and the watch was +set. The look-out man went on to the topgallant forecastle, and I was +walking from side to side of the bridge when one of the miners came +running up, and in great excitement he said-- + +"'Captain, for God's sake gan doon to the cabin and pacify them! +They're playin' nap, and they've faalen oot amang theirselves, and +there's fair almighty hell gannin' on. Aa's sure if ye divvent get +them pacified ther'll be morder!' + +"'My good man,' I said,'I cannot leave the bridge.' + +"'Ye canna' leave the bridge! What for, then?' + +"'Because,' I said, 'I must keep a look-out and see that that man on +the forecastle-head does the same. If he were to see me leave the +bridge, the chances are he would get careless and sit down and go to +sleep, and we might run into something, and probably sink ourselves or +somebody else and lose a lot of lives.' + +"By this time I heard loud voices and awful oaths coming from the +after-end of the ship, so says I, 'This must be put a stop to, but I +cannot leave here without somebody takin' my place. You must take it, +and walk across and across as I am doing, so that that fellow on the +look-out will think it's me.' + +"'Aa'm not pertikler what aa dee, mister, if ye ony get thor +differences settled before ye come up. Aa nivor heerd sic swearin'.' + +"'Very well,' said I; 'you do what I've told you to do. Walk steadily +to and fro, and I'll go and see what can be done.' + +"When I got down below they were still wrangling, but I soon made +peace with them, and they asked me to have a hand with them. I had a +look on deck. It was a fine moonlight night, and nothing seemed to be +in the way, so I began to play, and forgot all about the fellow on the +bridge, and everything else for that matter, until I heard four bells +go. This reminded me, so I stopped short, went on to the poop, and the +other fellows came up with me. I was chaffing them about their row, +and I heard the look-out man call out, 'A red light on the port bow, +sir!' I saw we were going a long way clear, so took no notice; but the +miner on the bridge increased his pace. In less than a minute the +look-out man called out again, 'A red light on the port bow,' and got +no answer. I thought to myself, 'What's going to be the upshot of +this?' when the man called out again, sharply this time, 'A red light +on the port bow!' The miner quite excitedly shouted at the top of his +voice, 'Blaw the b----y thing oot, then, and let's hear ne mair aboot +it!'" + +At this conclusion the two captains laughed heartily, and so did +Yaunie. Then all at once Farquarson began as suddenly as he had left +off-- + +"Now, let us make up our minds never to broach running the gauntlet +again in Russian waters, for they're devils to listen, and you never +know where they are. Why, I've seen them at the time of the war +crawlin' and sneakin' about all over, lying on the sofa in the +billiard-rooms, and come and ask you to play in good English. +Sometimes the impudent villains would come and barefacedly sit down at +the same table where you were having a meal, and begin speakin' and +get you to say something disrespectful about Russia and their Tzar, +and lots of poor fellows were asked to leave the country for it. Talk +about despotism and bribery! Well, I've seen some of their goings on. +What did they do when the poor Turks that were taken prisoners when +Plevna fell marched into Reval? A few of us cheered them, and the +Russians got quite annoyed about it, and hustled us about as though we +were common thieves, and threatened to run us into their filthy gaol. +My word, how things have altered since the days when you could kill a +Russian and nobody cared a brass button! But now--well, there's no +word to express it." + +"Ah! they're a cruel, merciless lot," interjected Captain S--; "but I +think you are getting excited, Farquarson, so you better cease talking +about them." + +"It is time I was getting up to the city. They are rattling it into +her. She'll be loaded in a jiffy, and I've much to do." + +"Very well," said the bluff skipper, "get away. And it's understood +that mum's the word; but mind you're not through the wood yet. What do +you say, Yaunie?" + +"I say you no speak so loud or so much. It is better not." + +"Very well, old skin-the-goat," said Farquarson playfully; "I suppose +I am a bit noisy." + +He then jumped aboard his vessel, and invited the trusty pilot to +follow him so that they might work out a scheme that would thwart any +possibility of a raid being made on the _Claverhouse_. He prided +himself on being fertile in strategy, and certainly his notions were +not those of an ordinary person. His confidences were given to Yaunie +without any reserve. First, he suggested inveigling the raiders from +S----'s vessel to his own, getting them down below and filling them +full of champagne or whisky, whichever they preferred; and in the +event of their remaining on board his friend's ship, they were to be +made drunk there, and that being accomplished, the vessel was to be +unmoored and taken to sea with them aboard, and they were to be landed +or cast adrift in an open boat. The recital of these dare-devil +propositions caused Yaunie's face to wear a careworn look, and when +asked what he thought of it he said-- + +"Well, I try to tink, bit it is impossible. You speak what cannot +happen. If you do what you say, how can you come back here? No, no; +that must not be. I have better plan. No trouble, no get drunk, no run +off with officers, no put him in boat; but leave it me: I settle +everyting, suppose trouble come." + +"Agreed again, old cockaloram. I'm only saying what I'd do. As I said +before, you can do as you like, but I prefer giving these fellows +'what cheer!' I says again, what business have they to interfere with +Englishmen carryin' on their business in their own way? I say they had +no right to put a blockade on, and England should see that her +subjects are duly protected." + +This eloquent pronouncement of patriotism, with comic gesture added, +excited the fiery dissent of the critical Levantine. + +"Yes!" he retorted; "you tink everyting foreign should be for English. +You swagger off with other people's country and say, 'This mine.' You +like old J----b and G----d; they speak all the time same as you. +English, English, everyting English! an' I say what for you stay? I +Greek, an' I stay because Russia better for me." + +This was said partly in jest and partly in good-natured earnestness, +for Yaunie was a student of English characteristics. Farquarson +explained that he would have to go to the Custom-house, and then to +see his agents. Yaunie, with a significant look and gesture, warned +him not to speak too much to port officers, bade him good-morning, +said he would call back again in the afternoon, jumped on to the stage +and went ashore. + +It was late in the afternoon before Captain S---- got down to the +docks. His steamer was loaded and ready for sea. At the quay, close to +the stern of the vessel, Mrs. C----, with her daughter, was seated in +a drosky. She explained that they had come to say good-bye, and to +convey a message from Patrovish that he, Yaunie, and some officers +were aboard Captain Farquarson's vessel. "He commissioned me to say +that you were to slip out of the harbour quietly to avoid trouble, as +he had reason to believe that there was something going on, and you +might be stopped. Meanwhile, they are doing some entertaining for your +benefit, so I will not detain you longer. Good-bye, and we hope to see +you again soon." + +The captain made haste aboard, and gave instructions to cast off the +moorings. The _Claverhouse_ glided quietly out of the harbour, and in +less than an hour she was steaming fall speed towards the Bosphorus. +The two captains did not meet again for several months, and when they +did, Farquarson gave a vivid account of the development and ultimate +success of what he termed the plot to extricate S---- from the +possibility of being detained or heavily fined. + +"I assure you," said he, "they were on the scent. They asked if I was +the man who was on the gunboat when the English steamer ran over the +mines. I swore by all that was holy that I didn't know what they were +talking about. Then Yaunie and Patrovish asked them in Russian to have +some refreshment aboard my ship, and they kicked up a devil of a row +when they found you had gone without saying good-bye. Yaunie swore it +was to cheat the pilotage, and Patrovish said he couldn't have +believed it of you. I said you always were a bowdikite, and that you +were putting on 'side.' The Russians were very jolly. They had a +thimbleful or two of whisky, which made them talk a lot. We had a good +laugh after they went away, and Patrovish said it was a good job you +were gone, because they would have been sure to have caused trouble. +Yaunie wasn't sure, but I was on C----'s side, for, I said, why did +they mention the gunboat to me, if they didn't mean anything?" + +"Whatever their intentions were," rejoined Captain S----, "the +precautions you took to checkmate were successful, and I am much +obliged for the trouble you took after you realized the danger. I must +always be grateful to you for that; and the next time you go out +there, thank my two friends for their important share in it, and say +to Patrovish that his own and his wife's wish to see me soon back is +much appreciated, but my present plans are such that I will not be +able to visit Russia for a long time to come, and it may be I never +shall again." + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 1: How came it to pass that the Russians were allowed to +cross the Balkans? How was it that they were allowed to take +possession so easily of the Schipka Pass? Did the personages who so +soon afterwards disappeared mysteriously and were never heard of again +yield up this stronghold to the possessors of a golden key? Poor +Turkey!] + + + + +Fair Trade and Foul Play + + +Smuggling at the beginning of the nineteenth century, and right up to +the middle of it, was rampant, and was regarded as a wholesome +profession by those who carried it on. They called it "fair trade," +and looked upon those whose duty it was to destroy it with an aversion +that oftentimes culminated in murderous conflict. The seafaring +portion of this strange body of men, in characteristic contrast to +their "landlubber" accomplices, never at any time, or under any +circumstances, tried to conceal what their profession was. They were +proud to be known as smugglers; whereas their shore colleagues, many +of whom were gentry, or offshoots from it, adopted every possible +means to turn suspicion from themselves when the preventive men were +on the scent. Smugglers of that day were adroit tacticians; they had +their signs just as Freemasons or any other craft have theirs. The +pursuit was exciting, and the romance of it attracted men and women of +gentle as well as of humble birth into its ranks. The men who manned +the luggers were sailors who knew every bay and nook round the coast. +They made heroic speeches expressive of their contempt for death. They +talked boldly of powder magazines, and of blowing themselves and any +one else up who put them into a tight corner; and there are instances +on record that this was actually done. Be that as it may, they had +great organizing skill and not a little business ability, whilst in +their combination of strategy and valour they were unsurpassed. In +many ways they were akin to pirates, though it could never be said +that they went outside their own particular business--_i.e._, they +were not predatory buccaneers who murdered first and plundered +afterwards. They believed, as I have said, their calling to be as +legitimate as any other form of trading. Their doctrine was that it +was the Government that acted illegally, and not themselves. It was +not surprising, therefore, that the system should take so long a time +to wipe out, notwithstanding the rigid way in which the whole +coastline of the British Isles was guarded. Much has been written +about the desperate ways of these men, but no accurate estimate can be +formed by the present generation of the extent of the system, and the +methods adopted to carry it on. Romance has gone far, but rarely too +far, in describing it; and to really know it as it was you must have +lived in its atmosphere, or have taken part, either for or against, in +its attractions. One of the greatest ambitions of my early boyhood +days comes to me now. I had resolved that when I grew up I would +secretly leave my home and join some smuggling lugger. Happily for me, +the luggers had disappeared before I grew up. + +Here is an authentic instance of professional attachment and pride. +When I was quite a small boy a brig ran on to the rocks beneath my +father's house. The captain was a fine, rollicking, sailorly-looking +man, with a fascinating manner. He often came to our house during his +stay in the locality, and one of the first things he told my parents +was that in his younger days he was a smuggler, and had had many +encounters with Deal coastguards. He spoke sadly of the way the +"trade" was ruined by Government intervention, and said that he had +never been really settled or happy since he was driven out of the +business, and had to take service in the merchant navy for a living. +He was asked if he would like to go back to it again. + +"Go back to it again!" said he; "I wish I could! There is nothing to +fill its place in the whole world. But that is done for now. Oh! what +good money we used to make, and what narrow squeaks we had of being +captured or killed." + +It seems incredible that so great a change should have taken place in +so short a time, considering that these sea-rovers were so firmly +persuaded that their profession was as lawful as any other, and that +they were persecuted and hounded to death by a set of whippersnappers +who made insufferable laws! The system became so gigantic in the early +part of last century that the Government had to appeal to the Navy, +and a large number of officers and men were landed on the coast of +Kent and Sussex, where a strict blockade was enforced. Later, a +semi-civilian force under the control of the Customs was formed. This +was called the "Preventive Water Guard," and subsequently it went +under the new title of "Preventive Coastguard." The duties were +arduous and risky. The men never went forth unless armed with a big +dagger-stick and a flint-lock pistol, both of which were not +infrequently used with effect. Owing to the dangerous character of the +occupation, a high wage and pension was offered as an inducement to +join the service; at least, the wage and pension were considered very +good at the time. The men, however, rarely had decent houses to live +in. Their uniform was rather like that of a naval officer. They would +have disdained wearing the garb of the present-day coastguard. Their +training in most cases consisted in service aboard a Revenue cutter +for a few months before being appointed to a station. Many of these +men were tradesmen who had never been to sea at all, and often were +men of education and sterling character. For the most part these +educated men were Wesleyans--or "Ranters," as they were called--and +not a few were local preachers, and some of them were well versed in +theology. They were stationed usually eight miles apart, right along +the coast, and their ordinary duty was to meet each other half-way and +exchange despatches. This gave the religious section opportunities of +comparing experiences and discussing the faith that was in them. I +knew one who spoke and taught French and Latin, another who could make +an accurate abstract of Bishop Butler's _Analogy_ from cover to cover, +and another who became possessed of a small schooner, which made him a +fortune while he was still in the service. The wives of these three +coastguardsmen were quite as well informed and as ardent religionists +as themselves, and took a common interest in books, educational +matters, and in each other's home affairs. Their homes were always +neat and clean, and the children were disciplined into a rigid, +methodical life. It is a remarkable fact that the sons of each of +these men have all risen to high positions in commerce, literature, +art, and politics, and those that still survive are proud to +acknowledge that they owe their position to the splendid example and +beautiful home-life which they were taught to live when children. +Guarding the coast was not the only occupation of the Preventive +Coastguard. + +There arose in 1848 a manning difficulty in the Navy, which became so +grave that the large force of disciplined men employed in protecting +the revenue were drilled in gunnery to fit them for sea service. Many +of them were called out to serve aboard ship during the war with +Russia in 1854. One of the grievances in the service was the +irritating and unfair policy of the Board of Customs in constantly +moving the men from one station to another. In many instances the +hardships constituted a public scandal. Adequate recompense was never +made for this breaking-up of their little homes, and frequently when +they arrived at some outlandish coast village there was no provision +made for housing them. I know of several instances where families were +beholden to the generosity of the villagers or farmers for lodgings +until a house was found. During the interval their furniture was +stored in some dirty stable or store. It was not an uncommon thing for +these poor fellows to be removed, with their families, from one end of +England to the other two or three times in a year, at the behest of an +uneasy bureaucratic commander-in-chief who knew little, and probably +cared less, about the domestic hardships incurred. From Holy Island or +Spital to Deal in those days of transit by sea was a greater and more +hazardous voyage than that of Liverpool to New York to-day. The +following story may give some idea of their life as they then lived +it. + +A group of fishermen stood at the north end of the row, watching a +smart cutter that was beating from the north against a strong S.S.E. +wind and heavy sea, which broke heavily on the beach and over an +outlying reef of rocks which forms a natural breakwater and shelters +the fishermen's cobles from the strong winds that blow in from the sea +during the winter months. The cutter tacked close in to the north end +of the ridge several times during the forenoon. Her appearance was +that of a Government vessel, and her commander evidently wished to +communicate with the shore. When the ensign was hoisted to the main +gaff, the onlookers knew that she did not belong to the merchant +service. The simple people who inhabited this district were concerned +about the intentions of what they regarded as a mysterious visitor, +and the firing of a small cannon from the taffrail did not lessen +their perplexity. At last the national flag was hauled up and down, +and the squire, who had come from his mansion amongst the woods, told +the fishermen that those aboard the cutter were really asking for a +boat to be sent to them. + +The flood tide had covered the rocks. A volunteer crew of five fine +specimens of English manhood were promptly got together, and a large +coble was wheeled down the beach and launched into the breaking sea. +They struggled with accustomed doggedness until they had passed the +most critical part of the bay and got safely within speaking distance +of the vessel. Two good-looking fellows in naval uniform stood on the +quarter-deck, and one of these, the commander, asked the fishermen to +take one of his officers ashore. To this they readily agreed, though +they said it would be most difficult to land, as it was much safer to +go off than come in, but they would risk that. The officer jumped into +the boat, the rope was slipped, and then commenced a struggle between +the endurance and skill of the hardy fishermen on the one hand and the +angry cross seas which threatened to toss the boat and its occupants +to destruction on the other. The officer suggested that the reefs +should be let out of the sail to rush her over the dangerous corner of +the entrance. + +"I have used this plan often," said he, "and it always succeeded." + +The coxswain demurred, although these men are very skilled in the +handling of their boats; but at last he was prevailed upon by his crew +to allow the officer to try the experiment. The latter only agreed to +do so on condition that he was in no way interfered with, and his +orders were strictly carried out. Up went the close-reefed lug; the +occupants were instructed to lie low to windward, the men at the main +sheet were ordered in a quiet, cool manner to ease off and haul in as +necessity required. In a few minutes they had reached the crucial +point. The men began to express anxiety, when amid the shrill song of +the wind and the noise of the breaking seas, the man now in charge +called out with commanding vigour-- + +"Steady your nerves, boys! I know quite well how to handle her." + +The helmsman had barely finished his appeal when the combers began to +curl up in rapid succession; the mass of water threatened to overwhelm +the rushing craft, but she was manipulated with such fine seamanship +that only the spray lashed over her in smothering clouds. Suddenly +orders were given to stand by to lower the sail, and in another minute +the helm was put down to bring the boat head to sea and wind. The sail +was lowered, oars shipped, and she was manoeuvred stern on to the +beach. As soon as she struck, a rush to help was made by those who had +watched with feverish anxiety the passage through the broken water, +lest the frail craft should be overturned and all aboard drowned. A +rope was bent on to the stern, and the crowd quickly hauled the coble +away from the heavy surf into safety. At this point, an elderly +gentleman, tall, with a long, shaggy beard and bushy grey hair, which +might have been a wig, rode up on a brown mare. His appearance and +demeanour stamped him with the characteristics of a real old country +gentleman, who put on what sailors would call an insufferable amount +of "side." He promptly introduced himself to the officer as the Lord +of the Manor, giving his name as Crawshaw. + +The naval man gave his as Thomas Turnbull, and explained that he was +sent to organize some system of resistance to the smuggling that was +being carried on along that part of the coast. Mr. Crawshaw +volunteered assistance, and hinted that the task would be rendered all +the more arduous as he would not only have the smugglers to deal with, +but their accomplices, the fisher-folk and farmers. After a few weeks' +experience, it was quite obvious that the squire was right, and in +view of this, Thomas Turnbull sent for his wife and six children, and +settled down to his work in real earnest. + +The intimation that the new-comer was a religious man, and could +preach and pray, soon spread through the villages, and large numbers +flocked to see and hear him. Many came out of pure curiosity, and some +to mock and jeer, but these seldom succeeded in setting at defiance +the great power that was behind the preacher. He was of commanding +presence; his face, as some of the villagers used to say, was good to +look at, and the message that he delivered to his audience came with +irresistible force, which broke the spirit of some of the most +determined obstructers, and turned many into friends, and a few even +into saints. The fisher-folk did not take kindly to him, and so strong +was their opposition that they threatened many times to take his life. +Their savage ignorance would have unnerved and discouraged a less +powerful personality, but this man seemed to be buoyed up by his +belief that it was God's work and he was only the instrument in +carrying it out. He was often warned of the violence that was +threatened towards him, but the intimation never disturbed his +inherent belief that no earthly power could break through the cordon +that protected him; and so he continued his work, temporal and +spiritual, undisturbed by the threats of a class whom he was +determined to civilize, and, "with God's help, Christianize." The +process was long, the methods of resistance wicked. + +Jimmy Stone, one of the worst scoundrels in the district, had laboured +to persecute Turnbull, and to break up the meetings for months past. +He tyrannized over men and brutally maltreated women, and his +blasphemy was terrible to listen to. It was during one of his +outbursts of wrath against the "Ranter" preacher that he was suddenly +staggered by Turnbull going up to him, laying his hand on his +shoulder, and admonishing him to refrain from such shocking conduct. +He attempted to seize the preacher by the throat, and I fear at this +juncture Turnbull forsook for a little his usual attitude of +equanimity, for before the giant knew where he was he lay on the +ground, stunned by a left-hander. The preacher was an awkward customer +to deal with, and it would seem as though he did not entirely trust to +Divine interposition when hands were laid on him. His tormentor lay, a +humiliated heap, at his feet. Never in Jimmy's life had any one dared +to resent his attacks in this way. He could not understand it, and was +overcome more by superstition and a fear of Turnbull's reputed +supernatural aids than by real fear of his physical powers. Turnbull +ordered the bully to stand up, and warned him against experimenting +on strangers. He then, in quaint, old-world phraseology, the outcome +of much deep reading of Butler, Baxter, and Jeremy Taylor, and wholly +without cant or affectation, went on to say-- + +"I intend to let you off lightly on this occasion, but if I hear of +you practising any injustice or in any way giving annoyance to your +neighbours again, I shall deem it my duty to teach you a salutary +lesson. Now, bear in mind what I say to you; and remember that the +Almighty may visit you with His wrath. It may be that He will send to +your house affliction, and even make it desolate by taking some one +from you whom you love. Or He may see that the only way of checking +the course of your wickedness is to have you laid aside with sickness. +It is probable that He will smite you by taking away from your evil +influence some of your children. God is very merciful to little +children when they are in the hands of brutes like you. Go away from +me! and ponder over what I have said." + +Jimmy slouched off, muttering vengeance against the Almighty if He +dared to interfere with his bairns, and, as an addendum, he vividly +portrayed the violent death of Turnbull. He slunk listlessly into his +cottage, tumbled on to a seat, and was lost in meditation. Jenny, his +wife, tremulously asked what ailed him. She was alarmed at his subdued +manner; she had never known him come into the house without bullying +and using blasphemous language to her and the children, and oftentimes +this was accompanied by blows that well-nigh killed her and them; and +yet she stood loyally by him whenever he needed a friend. Suddenly he +jumped to his feet, and as though he had become possessed of an +inspiration, broke silence by vigorously exclaiming to his wife that +he had settled the manner of the "Ranter" preacher's death. + +"Aa'll catch him some neet betwixt here and the burn [stream], and +finish him. That'll stop his taak aboot the Almighty takin' ma bairns +frae me!" + +Jimmy's idea was that Turnbull was in communion with the Almighty for +the removal of his children, and if he were put out of the way there +would be an end to it. Jenny was no less ignorant than her husband, +and therefore no less superstitious about meddling with this +mysterious person who had come amongst them and wrought such +extraordinary changes in the lives of many of her class. She doubted +the wisdom of killing the preacher, as she had heard that these people +lived after they were killed, and might wreak more terrible vengeance +when their lives assumed another form. She urged her husband to leave +well alone; not because she in any way differed from his views in +regard to Turnbull's preaching and his attitude generally towards +evil-doers, or objected to his being put to death; but she preferred +some person other than her husband should do it. Hence, she disagreed +with his policy, and he in turn raged at her for taking sides against +him. + +"This interloper's spyin' into everythin' we dee and say," said he. +"We had nee taak aboot religion afore he cum, and noo there's nowt +but religion spoken, so that we can hardly get a man or a woman t' dee +any trootin' inside the limit; an' when we dee get a chance we hev t' +put wor catches into th' oven, for feor him or his gang gan sneakin' +aboot and faal in wi' summat they hae nee reet t' see. Forbye that, +within the last few months he's driven the smugglers off the coast, +and deprived us o' monny an honest soverin' in helpin' them t' and +theor stuff. And then he's got the gob t' tell me that if aa divvent +change me ways, the Almighty'll dee God knaw's what tiv us! He'll myek +sickness cum, and mebbies tyek sum o' th' bairns frae us. It'll be +warse for him if harm cums t' th' bairns, or me either! Aa tell't him +that this mornin', an' aa said he might tell his Almighty that he +taaked see much aboot, if he liked." + +Jenny secretly disapproved of carrying retaliation any further, but +dared not openly say another word in favour of her views, for, as she +afterwards said, "Aa was afeared ye might kill me afore ye got a +chance o' killin' the preacher." + +Mr. Turnbull knew what Jimmy's intentions were, and purposely put +himself in his way, so that he might say a cheery word to him in +passing; but he never got more than a grunt in response. He knew that +this wild creature was in league with a gang of the most desperate +smugglers that the "Preventer men" had to contend with. No landing, +however, had been seriously attempted during the time that Turnbull +had been at the station. Craft had been sighted and signals exchanged, +and then the suspected craft disappeared for weeks. The men who +guarded the coast knew these buccaneers had emissaries, and could have +laid hands on them, but preferred to catch them red-handed. + +After weeks of close watching and waiting, information was passed +along the coast that a landing would take place close to the spot +where Turnbull now lived with his wife and children. Men from all the +stations extending over a radius of fifty miles were summoned to meet +at a certain point at eleven o'clock on a certain night. Trusted +civilians had been drafted into the service for the occasion; and so +accurate was the information given, that within a couple of hours of +the time several boat-loads of contraband were landed above high-water +mark. Three carts came along, and while the process of transhipping +into them was going on, the "Preventer" men, led by Turnbull, quietly +came from their concealment, and with a sudden rush surrounded the +smugglers. Those of their accomplices who had smelt the scent of +battle fled behind the hills, and got clean away. One of the carts +attempted to bolt, but a shower of shot targeted into the horses +peremptorily stopped that move, and the drivers were easily captured. +The smugglers fought like polecats, but received no help from the few +accomplices who had not escaped. These, either from fear or policy, or +both, did not attempt to extricate themselves or lend their support to +a lost cause. It was common knowledge that smugglers drew lots as to +who had to escape if severe fighting or capture became inevitable, and +the battle became the more fierce in order to cover the escape of +those few. They did not all succeed in getting off in their boat, but +it was estimated half a dozen might have done so. The rest, something +like a score, were ultimately overpowered, sent to prison and tried in +the good old style, and sentenced to transportation to the criminal +dumping-ground of Western Australia. + +The notorious Jimmy Stone on that memorable moaning night was +disguised, but that did not prevent him being detected while rendering +assistance to land and convey the contraband on to the beach and into +the carts. One of the Government men was indiscreet enough to shout +"James Stone, you are my prisoner!" and almost before the words were +out of his mouth Jimmy dropped a keg of gin on to him and fled. The +companions of the stunned man were too busy with the other cut-throats +to follow Jimmy, or to see in what direction he had gone. It was only +after the conflict was over that they were reminded that this lawless +fisherman had escaped, and must at all costs be captured and brought +to justice. A party was selected to search for him. They knew that he +must be hiding in some of the hollows where the thick clusters of +bents and bracken would give him cover. Some of the party had strayed +from the central group, and were talking of Jimmy's prowess and +astuteness, and wondering where he was concealed, when they suddenly +came across a man with his head and part of his body up a rabbit-hole. +He was asking in subdued tones, "Are the ---- gyen yet?" and one of +the party, in the same tone of voice and the same dialect and language +as he had used, cautioned him not to speak too loud, as they were +still hovering about. + +"My God!" said he, "when aa get oot o' this mess aa'll hae ma revenge +on that Ranter." And becoming impatient, he began to curse at his +supposed friend for advising him to put his head in a rabbit-hole, +vigorously announcing that he wished his ---- head was there instead +of his own. "Aa cud hae run if ye hadn't persuaded me t' hide heor." + +"Hae patience!" responded the voice from without. + +"Patience be d----!" said he; "Aa wish aa had them ---- Government +men heor. Aa wad make short work o' them, the ---- rascals!" + +"Whisht," said his companion; "they're comin' this way!" + +In a few seconds Jimmy's posterior became the subject of some vigorous +thrashing. He was dragged, yelling, from his retreat, and confronted +with the men he had so recently sworn to murder. They asked if he was +Jimmy Stone. He replied in the affirmative, and added-- + +"Aa thowt it was Jack Dent aa was taakin' tee. He cum heor wiv us." + +"Where is he now?" inquired the officer. + +"Hoo am aa t' knaa?" said Jimmy; "but the Lord help him when aa dee +cum across him. He's betrayed me. Nivvor more will aa put me heed in a +rabbit-hole!" + +His soliloquy was cut short by his captors putting his hands in irons +and conveying him to where their colleagues were; and Jimmy would have +been included amongst the convicts but for the magnanimous +intercession of Turnbull, who informed his captors that they were to +leave Jimmy to him. He was working out a scheme whereby his knowledge +would be invaluable to the Service. So James was not sent to the +Colonies. + +A well-known farmer, who was accustomed to make friendly calls on the +Turnbull family, was caught in the act of bolting with a cartload of +unlawful merchandise. He was sent to Australia, but not as a convict. +Turnbull had found some useful purpose for him also, and he was +advised to get out of the country, lest it became too hot for him. + +A couple of ladies had attracted special attention; not that they were +bellicose, but because in consequence of their abnormal bulk they +created some suspicion that they had concealed beneath their +crinolines more than their ordinary form. They were asked +unchivalrously to undo their clothing, and with comic dignity and +superb self-possession they defiantly declined. They were then told in +the name of the Queen that if they did not undress voluntarily it +would have to be done for them, whereupon they adopted the old dodge +of weeping and calling themselves unprotected women, whose characters +were being assailed by men whom it was not safe for females to be +amongst, making the sandy hollows resound with their artificial +shrieks and sobs; but it was all to no purpose. Their skirts were +examined, and there were found boxes of cigars, packets of tobacco, +and bottles of gin, all hooked in methodical order to an ingenious +arrangement connected with the skirt. These ladies were proved to be +on familiar terms with the red-capped gentlemen who were defrauding +the Revenue, and not infrequently shooting down its guardians. + +One of these women was the sister of Jimmy Stone, and the other his +wife, and it would have gone hard with them had Turnbull not conceived +the humane idea of reclaiming and ultimately drafting them into the +Service. He convinced his colleagues that they would be invaluable +adjutants. They would take a deal of taming, as there was little to +distinguish them from a species of wild animal. He requested that +they should be handed over to him for the purpose of trying the +experiment. The women and Jimmy were locked up in separate rooms in +the Old Tower for a week. Turnbull visited them daily, and detected on +each visit the growth of penitence; his little talks had penetrated +their stony, vicious natures, until at last they broke down and humbly +solicited pardon and release, which was granted under well-defined +conditions. There was much talk in the village about the leniency +extended to the fishers. Tom Hitchings, the cartman, declared that +they should have been sent to the Colonies, the same as the other +smugglers; and Ted Robson said transportation was too good a +punishment, they ought to have been shot or bayonetted, and had any +other person but a ranter preacher been in charge it would have been +done. + +"How de we knaa, Tom," said Ted, "that them fiends o' smugglers winnot +rise oot o' theor beds in the deed hoor o' the neet and break into wor +homes and cut wor throats afore we're awake? We helped te catch them, +whaat for shouldn't we hev some say aboot theor punishment?" + +"That's whaat aa says," replied Tom. "But ye'll heor o' some queer +things happenin' varry syen. He'll be hevvin' his meetin's in Jenny's +hoose, and Jimmy'll be preachin' afore lang. Ther'll be fine scenes if +it's not throttled i' the bud." + +"Get away, man," said Ned; "they're the biggest blackguards roond the +countryside, and they'll steal, rob, or morder, whichivver comes +handiest. What d'ye think that fellow Jimmy did once? A ship was in +the offin'. She had distress signals flyin'. He could get neebody te +man a boat but women; the men wadn't hev onythin' te dee wiv him, so +his awn wife, Ailsie's Jenny, Nanny Dent, and Peggy Story went. They +pulled the boat through monster seas, and the brute was cursin' at the +women aal the way until they gat alangside, when the captain said, 'Ma +ship's sinkin'.' The crew were telled to jump into the boat smart, and +as syen as the captain said, 'We're aal heor,' Jimmy sprang aboard +like a cat, cast the boat adrift, shooted to his wife, 'She's mine! +Pull the ---- ashore, and then come off and we'll take her in!' The +captain saa the trick and demanded to be taken back, but Jenny felled +him with the tiller, and threatened to slay onny of the others. They +were nearly ashore when the captain exclaimed, 'She's not his; Sancho, +the dog, has been left behind!' The crew were landed, and the boat +went back to the ship. The women gat aboard, and asked Jimmy if he had +seen a dog. He said, 'There's nee dog heor; the ship's wors,' and they +say he fand the dog on the floor and that he put it ower-board. Now, +there's a born convict for ye! An' they tell me, him and his women gat +the ship safely into port, and the folk shooted, 'Bravo, Jimmy Stone!' +They said he was a hard swearer, but a brave, clever fellow, and aa +said when aa hard it, 'Whaat aboot the dog?' The ship was selled, and +Jimmy gat summit--whaat de they caal it--salvage, aa think. They say +he's worth lots o' money." + +"But whaat did they say aboot the dog?" said Tom. + +"Wey, the captain said the dog was left as a safeguard against bein' +boarded and claimed as a derelict; but Jimmy swore that the dog wasn't +there when he gat aboard, and neebody saa what becam' on't, and so the +matter rests. They often say te him, 'Whe tossed the dog ower board?' +and aa believe he's nearly mordered half a dozen big men for sayin' +sic things." + +"Eh, man," said Tom pensively, "what a grand Christian gentleman he'll +make!" + +Shortly after Jimmy's release from the Old Tower, his youngest child +succumbed to the ravages of a malignant fever. He and his wife were +distracted, as, in spite of their pagan instincts and habits, their +devotion to their offspring was a passion. They remembered Mr. +Turnbull appealing to them to flee from the wrath to come by amending +their ways, lest something terrible befell themselves or their +children, and instead of the recollection of this warning kindling +strong demonstrations of resentment against the lay preacher now, +Jenny implored her husband to run over the moor and get Mr. Turnbull +to come and administer comfort to them. + +"He'll give us the sacrament, and pray for us at the bedside were the +deed bairn lies." + +Jimmy was dazed at the suggestion. He could not quite bring himself to +give up the idea of some day renewing his former habits of aiding the +smugglers, and of doing a bit of poaching. He was quite frank in +stating to his wife that he feared if Turnbull came and prayed with +them he would get him to join the chapel folk, and there would be no +more poaching or smuggling after that. + +"And see what a loss it wad be tiv us. But," said he, "to tell the +truth, aa hev been for prayin' mesel ever since the bairn tuck bad, +but then aa thowt it was cowardly to ask help when aa was in +difficulties and nivvor at ony other time. So I didn't dee 't." + +Jenny interjected that at the risk of being led to join the +Methodists, and throwing over all thought of joining in any more +lawlessness, he must go to the village and ask Mr. Turnbull to come. + +"I feel somethin' forcin' me to this, Jimmy; so get away and be quick +back." + +And as James felt the same throbbing impulse, off he went, and within +an hour presented his petition to Mr. Turnbull, who received him in +his usual kind way, which caused the redoubtable ruffian to melt into +tears, and volubly to confess all his murderous intentions towards the +man he now believed to be the only agency on earth that could give him +comfort. + +The two men started at once for the bereaved home. The first part of +the journey was tramped in solemn meditation. At last Jimmy broke +silence by asking his companion if he thought God had taken his child +from him as a punishment for his sins. Turnbull said-- + +"Well, James, I believe your heavenly Father has some work for you to +do. He has often warned you of the wrath to come by confronting you +with danger at sea; and only a short time since you were caught in the +act of committing a crime, and narrowly escaped being banished to a +penal settlement, and He mercifully used a friend as an instrument to +save you from this degradation. But you still maintained the spirit +of defiance, and were a law unto yourself. The Almighty saw that +drastic measures would have to be taken to break down your wilful +opposition. Your child was stricken with illness, and still you went +on cursing God and man; and then in His wondrous compassion for you +and hundreds of other men and women to whom I believe He has planned +you shall carry the message of peace, He has taken your child in order +that you may be saved. He knew that was the only way of bringing you +to see the great plan of salvation, and to save your innocent little +girl from growing up in a heathenish home, where there was no beauty, +no kindness, no good example, no God. I beseech you to surrender +yourself at once. Remember, the Spirit will not always strive with +you, and if you chase it away now it may never return." + +That night, kneeling by the side of his dead child, Jimmy implored God +to be merciful to him, and professed to have experienced the great +transition from death unto life. Now, Jimmy, though quite uneducated, +had an intellectual head and great natural gifts, and when he was +careful he spoke with amazing correctness. He commenced to take part +in the prayer meetings at once, and having a good memory, he picked up +all the stock phrases and used them vigorously. Being an apt pupil, he +soon learned to read, and then commenced one of the most extraordinary +religious campaigns that has ever been witnessed in that part of Great +Britain. Hundreds of men and women were led to change their lives by +this rugged, uncultured, but natural preacher. A certain number of his +own class viciously persecuted him for years, and none more so than +his own wife. It seemed as though Hell had been let loose on him, and +yet he went on undisturbed, steadfastly believing that he was the +agent of the living God to carry the message of truth to the heathen. +His old enemy Turnbull had become his fast friend, from whom he sought +and received much help and many acts of kindness. He owed the +conversion of his wife and many of his persecutors to this +spiritually-minded man, and it was remarkable that nearly all the +worst characters who were "brought in" opened their doors whenever he +wanted to have a prayer meeting or a preaching service, and the rooms +were always packed with people. + +Attracted by the originality of the converted fisherman, a few young +people belonging to the better families in the locality gathered +together to witness what they imagined would be mere burlesque. There +was only standing room behind the kitchen bed for them, and there was +anything but an air of sanctity amongst that portion of his +congregation. Jimmy's pulpit style was peculiar. He was flashing out +eloquent phrases that were not commonly used in the orthodox pulpit. +As he warmed to his work he broke out in rhyme--"Yes, brothers and +sisters, there was little brother Paal, the very best of aal, laid +down his life," etc. His use of biblical names was quite eccentric, +which caused the undevotional members of his audience to snigger +audibly. Without seeming to heed the irreverence, Jimmy pursued his +impassioned diatribe and smote unbelievers hip and thigh, in language +that was not conventional, or even relevant to the subject of his +discourse. The sniggering had developed into suppressed laughter, and +James suddenly stopped the even flow of his oratory, brought his giant +fist down on the deal table and sent everything flying. Ladies' +dresses were more or less damaged by candle grease; but the cooler +heads prevented an outbreak of panic by getting the candles relighted +and put on to the table. Then in reverent tones they asked the +preacher, who stood apparently unmoved, to proceed with the service; +so Jimmie gave out the verse of a hymn which he thought would be +suitable to the occasion. (Methodists always did that when the lights +went out or the preacher stuck.) + +In the good old days, when village Methodism was quivering with +spiritual life, and pouring its converts into the cities and towns of +England to teach the simple gospel of the Founder of our Faith, +without any artificial fringes being attached to it, they were too +poor, and perhaps too conscious of the superiority of the real +God-given vocal capacity, to have anything to do with what many of +them believed to be artificial aids to religion. It was a fine sight +to see the leader of the songsters shut his eyes, clap his hands, and +with strong nasal blasts--which resembled the drone of the immortal +instrument that is the terror of the English and the glory of the +Scottish people--"raise the hymn," while, as the others joined in the +singing, the volume of sound swelled louder and louder, until the +whole congregation were entranced by the power of their own +performance. + +I give the words of the verse which Jimmy asked to be sung. Here they +are-- + + "Come on, my partners in distress, + My comrades through the wilderness, + Who still your bodies feel; + Awhile forget your griefs and fears, + And look beyond this vale of tears + To that celestial hill." + +This was sung with appropriate vigour over and over again. It is very +difficult to stop a real country Methodist when the power of song is +on him, and on occasions such as this they generally break off +gradually, until only one or two irrepressible enthusiasts are left +singing, and these have to be brought to the consciousness of time and +the propriety of things by being pulled down into their seats. Jimmy +wished to proceed with his rebuke to the persons who had been the +cause of the diversion, so he put a peremptory stop to the vocalists +by telling them to "sit doon, and listen to God's ambassador." He then +resumed his address by stating that when his fist knocked the candles +off the table he was "nearly givin' way to temptation. In fact," said +he, "I was just on the point of usin' profane language to the mockers +and scoffers of the sarvent of the livin' God. I mean them parvarse +lads and lasses aback o' the bed theor." + +"Amen!" interjected several saintly voices. + +"But, hallelujah!" resumed James, "aa felt God was ha'd'en me back!" + +"Glory!" shouted Adam Jefferson. + +"Yes, ma brethren and sistors. Aa cum amang ye t' seek and t' save +sinners that repenteth; rich or poor, it makes nee difference to me +nor ma Maister, for hasn't He said 'where two or three are met +tegithor in Ma Name, there am I in the midst'?" + +"Bless Him!" cried Nannie Dent, a late accomplice of the smugglers. + +Jimmy's rebuke to the offenders was delivered with boisterous +earnestness, but the comic phrasing of it created irrepressible +hilarity, and they had to leave the room. The preacher, in his closing +remarks, reminded his hearers that he was once a black-hearted rascal, +drinking, swearing, stealing, poaching, smuggling, and but for the +mercy of God he might have added to his other crimes that of murder. A +shudder went through the congregation when "murder" was uttered, and +their minds were obviously centred on the derelict vessel and the dog, +which Jimmy was suspected of doing away with. + +"Ah!" whispered Sam Taylor, the butler, "he should never have ventured +on that affair. Folks are varra queer, and whether it is true or not, +they like sensation and scandal." + +As though he had been gifted with prescience, Jimmy continued--"Aa can +feel whaat ye are thinking aboot, but it's not true. This is the man +aa threatened te kill," pointing at Turnbull. "And now let us bow oor +heads in solemn, silent prayor for a few minutes, and ask forgiveness +for oor past and daily sins. And aa want ye to join with me in asking +for pardon and speedy repentance to be sent tiv a porson that belangs +te the gentry of this district, but whe hes been, and is noo engaged +in trafficking in wickedness. May the Lord bring him to His footstool +of mercy before he is nabbed, as aa was." + +These remarks, with the exhilarating petition, caused an amount of +irreverent speculation as to who was the person alluded to. The +service was brought to a close without any evidences of spiritual +emotion such as had characterized previous meetings, and the people +proceeded in groups to their respective homes filled with fertile +curiosity, and a sinister suspicion as to who the sinful person was +that Jimmy had so fervently prayed for. But only one person who heard +the rugged deliverance fixed her mind on him that was guilty, and she +resolved to keep her thoughts a secret, for reasons that will be +explained hereafter. Meanwhile, many innocent men were suspected, and +gossip ran rampant. Jimmy, when asked whom he meant, was piously +reticent, and merely answered-- + +"That is a matter that concerns God and mysel'! The time may come when +he'll accuse hissel'. Aa'm prayin' mornin', noon, and night, that the +strings of his heart may be broken, and that a penitent condition of +mind may take possession of him, and in the fulness of a new borth he +may cry aloud, 'O Lord, once I was blind, noo I see!'" + +When Thomas Turnbull and his wife arrived home, they found the younger +members of their family in an excited state of hilarity. The youngest +daughter was mimicking Jimmy perfectly, and had her brothers and +sister in fits of laughter. Their father could not refrain from +joining in the fun, but the mother was quiet and pensive, and got +rather huffed when her husband chided her in his good-humoured way +with being indifferent to the happy surroundings. Poor woman, she was +troubled about Jimmy's prayer, and thought it irreligious to be joyous +in the midst of such dark mystery. + +The following afternoon, Mrs. Turnbull paid a visit to Mrs. Clarkson, +who listened with eager interest to the account of the meeting, and +when the words of the closing prayer were conveyed an anxious look +came over her countenance, and she made an effort to change the +subject, without, however, preventing Mrs. Turnbull from detecting her +confusion. + +"Let us talk of something else; I do not like," said she, "conversing +about sensational things; it makes me nervous. And if I were you, I +would try to forget what has been said to you about important +personages being involved in lawless traffic. It will only make you +unhappy, and serve no good purpose. If there is anything of the sort +going on, it will be discovered, and those that are guilty will be +brought to justice." + +Mrs. Turnbull did not pursue the subject any farther, but the sad, +pained look of her hostess became fixed in her memory. She could not +shake the conviction from her that Mrs. Clarkson was haunted by the +dread of some one belonging to herself having some connection with +Jimmy's prayer. + +Mrs. Turnbull paid frequent visits to the farm, and one winter evening +she happened to be there when a violent snowstorm made the ground +impassable, so she was prevailed upon to stay until the following day. +The household consisted of Mrs. Clarkson, her sister, and two nieces, +who were very pleased to have the company of a woman who was so full +of information and reminiscence. Her mother was said to have been the +daughter of a Scottish law-lord's son, who was disinherited because he +was thought to have married beneath his station--that is, instead of +marrying the lady selected by his father from his own class, who had +nothing in common with him, he had chosen and fixed his affections on +a lady outside his rank, who was talented, had high intellectual and +religious qualities, and good looks, but was financially poor. Mrs. +Turnbull had excited the curiosity of the two young ladies by relating +this part of her history, and they were naturally eager to hear more. +With that object in view, they asked their aunt to allow her to sleep +in their room, and the request was granted. The good lady, however, +had said all that she intended to say about herself, and +notwithstanding the ingenious and persuasive requests of her young +friends, she stood steadfastly to her resolve. She talked to them +about the farm and their aunt and cousins, and her own family, and the +religious work that was being carried on, but never another word about +herself or her ancestry could be drawn from her. Perhaps it was that +she considered it scarcely wise to discuss romance with young girls. +And so they talked themselves out about other things, and then went to +sleep. + +Early in the morning, Mrs. Turnbull was awakened by what she took to +be a door slamming. She got up with the intention of closing it, and +then heard voices talking, sometimes in an ordinary tone, but for the +most part in an excited whisper. She listened, with the bedroom door +ajar, and heard the voice of Mrs. Clarkson say-- + +"If you do not dissociate yourself from these wicked men you will come +to grief. You are supposed to be in Australia. Indeed, it may be that +Mr. Turnbull has his suspicion even now that I am harbouring an +accomplice of the men whose trade is smuggling, and who try to get rid +of those who prevent them carrying it on. I beseech you to cut +yourself adrift from that other man, who, I believe, has you under his +influence, and who, I feel sure, is associated with this gang of +lawbreakers." + +At this stage, Mrs. Turnbull could not restrain the desire to cough. +She did try to subdue it, but Mrs. Clarkson's companion whispered to +her-- + +"Whist! I hear some one on the landing." + +"Do not fear," said Mrs. Clarkson; "it is only the wind making noises +through the trees." + +But her companion knew better, so not another word was spoken. + +The next morning Mrs. Clarkson looked worried, but she was quite +affable with her guest, who acted her part without giving the +slightest suspicion of having overheard the little nocturnal +conversation. + +Immediately after breakfast, Mrs. Turnbull bade farewell to the +family, and was soon in the thick of domestic matters in her own home. +That night's experience at the Dean Farm settled the destiny of +several families. The information unwittingly gleaned and discreetly +used, led to far-reaching consequences to the district, and to all +those involved. + +It was well known that the smugglers had places of concealment other +than the accommodation gratuitously given them by certain farmers. The +secret of the real cave's whereabouts was successfully kept, but one +of those accidents that often come to disturb the current of human +affairs led to an important discovery. + + * * * * * + +Softly the night wind blew over a glassy sea. The sound of the +rippling water on the reef of rocks and on the sandy beach had a +weird, melancholy effect. Then came the dull noise of muffled oars +commingling with the cawing of the gull and hollow surging of the +waters into the Fairy Rocks. There was neither moon nor stars visible, +but in the bay the experienced eye could discern the mysterious +lugger. There she lay, hove to, or anchored below the Dean House, +which could be seen peeping out between two sandy hills. A dim +light--which, to the uninformed, would have conveyed the impression of +a light in a cottage window, but which was really a signal to the +smugglers that the coast was clear--flickered in a line with the sandy +valley; and, in truth, the quietude of the night betokened all was +well. The landing was successfully made without interruption, and the +men gaily entered on the task of transporting the cargo to its +destination, believing, as they had a right to believe, that a big +haul would be stored without a single hitch in the process. The +accomplices scattered after their work was done, and the sailors +returned to their vessel, no doubt well satisfied with the night's +enterprise. But notwithstanding the many scouts they sent out, they +were quite oblivious of the fact that their movements had been closely +watched. Sail was set, and the sneaking craft crept out into the +illimitable darkness, having apparently completed its work unseen by +unfriendly eyes. There was not a little talk round the countryside +about the landing that had taken place without any one in authority to +check its progress. Wise, knowing people said it was timidity, and +others attributed it to indifference to the public service; the truth +being, it was neither the one nor the other. It was, in fact, a +carefully-planned scheme to discover exactly where the mysterious cave +was situated; and although in spite of exhaustive search the entrance +to it could not be found, they had got a clue to its locality. A +vigorous policy of exploration was inaugurated, but after many weeks +of toil the operations were abandoned without the mystery having been +penetrated. It was thought that time and opportunity would solve the +problem, but how it was to be solved no one knew. There was, indeed, +great speculation as to what might happen should another landing be +attempted, but month after month passed without any indication of +this, and the little population had settled down to a dull monotony. +Except for a casual reference to the stirring times, the smugglers and +their emissaries were apparently all but forgotten. The Preventive men +were secretly as much on the alert as when the smugglers were most +active. They purposely adopted an apparent indifference with the idea +of luring the rovers into over-confidence. Each party took into +account the possibility of being betrayed. In all secretive illegal +societies there are suspects. Jimmy Stone having changed his mode of +life, suspicion fell very naturally on him; but though he sometimes +darkly hinted at the identity and the secrets of his late allies, he +was never known to definitely divulge anything that would incriminate +them. The nephew of Mrs. Clarkson was another marked man, as was also +a friend of his. The former had been very little heard of in those +parts since the night that his aunt implored him to give up his +associates. The last that was really seen of Lawrence and his friend, +they were drinking together in a public-house, and a few days after +some of their torn and blood-stained clothes were found in a lonely +hedged-in lane close by the moor. This dreaded place was called the +"Mugger's Lonnin" by the country-folk, owing to its being a +camping-ground for the gipsies, and from end to end it was prolific of +bramble-berries and other wild fruit. When the children went during +the summer months to gather these they were always accompanied by a +few grown-up people, as it was believed that many terrible tragedies +had happened there. The discovery of the clothes and the patches of +blood right in the middle of the lonnin was indicative of a foul +murder having taken place, and the bodies dragged along the grass to +some place of concealment. Search parties were formed, bloodhounds +were called into requisition, but no trace of the murdered lads' +bodies could be found, and for many months this supposed terrible +crime was sealed in mystery. A few people were callous enough to say +that they were convinced that no murder had taken place, but these +were very unpopular. The greater part of the small colony liked +sensation, and nursed this one assiduously until an almost greater +came to hand by it leaking out that the two men had been expeditiously +sent to Australia, and that the blood on their clothes was not their +own, but that of a sheep which had been killed for the purpose of +misleading. This exciting revelation lead to important issues. Were +they really alive and in Australia? Had they been bribed to reveal the +secrets of their former friends, or was it dread of capture that +caused them to be sent out of the country? These were some of the +outspoken conjectures that flowed with ever-increasing imagination. +The real facts never became known, but the tales of these stirring +times have been handed down in more or less hyperbolic form. It may be +fairly assumed that Thomas Turnbull got reliable information from some +source which he was never known to disclose, and having got it, he +hastened to use it judiciously and to advantage. + +The entrance to the cave was at last found at a spot where he and his +comrades had many times traversed. It was so ingeniously concealed +that they might have searched until the day of doom, and it could +never have been found but for the agency that conveyed him to the +spot. Tradition speaks of it being a long subterranean passage, +running east to west, and opening out close to a road that was quite +accessible to carts. It was honeycombed with compartments, and so +carefully were they constructed that only the initiated could have +discovered their locality. Some of the cells still contained +quantities of contraband, so that the Board of Customs made a good +haul. + +Turnbull frequently rubbed shoulders with men and women who eloquently +declaimed against the smugglers and their allies. He knew these people +were in the inner circle of the traffic. He realized also that it was +not good policy to let them see that he knew that they were merely +acting a part. He might some day have to make use of them. There was +a section who never disguised their antipathy to him. They saw that +through him the day of smuggling on that part of the coast was +well-nigh over--if not over altogether. It was he who had been the +instrument of emptying the vaults of treasure which they regarded as +legitimately theirs, and closing them to further enterprise. It was, +in fact, the system that he represented that was paralyzing their +honest efforts of contributing to their means of subsistence! These +were only some of the many indictments proclaimed against him and his +colleagues. The aggrieved ones strolled about with an air of injured +virtue, and their ferocious looks and veiled threats at the intruder +as he passed along betokened the belief in their prescriptive right to +plunder the Revenue. I think it is Macaulay who says that "no man is +so merciless as he who is under a strong self-delusion." + +The seizure of the storehouse gave a staggering blow to the +"fair-traders," but it did not prevent them from making another +desperate attempt to land their wares, and also to have their revenge +by destroying a few of her Majesty's servants. On dark nights the horn +lanterns were seen about the links, the flare-light flashed across the +sea, and the curlew's shrill call was heard. These signs were now +known to the Preventive staff; but they also had their signs and their +means of conveying news, so that when the low, sneaking black lugger +again appeared, they were ready for the fray. + +There she was, snugly anchored in the sleepy bay. The first boat-load +had left her side. The slow, dull sound of the horses' hoofs vibrated +through the hollows, and the night wind from the fields of sleep blew +softly over the rustling bents, causing a weird, peaceful lullaby. The +boat's bow is run on to the beach, a dozen or more men jump from her +into the water and haul her up as far as the weight of the cargo will +allow. They then commence to discharge. Again the curlew's call is +heard, again the sharp flare-light is seen; but no aid comes. The +cargo is landed at high-water mark; they realize something is wrong, +and hesitate whether to re-ship or re-embark without it. They are soon +disillusioned. A horse gallops madly from the south. The rider shouts +at the top of his voice, "Run, sailors, run! Treachery!" and then +heads his horse full speed in the direction he came from, and is soon +lost to view. The men push their boat into the sea, and row with all +their might towards the vessel. Bullets from a score of muskets whiz +over their heads; but they are accustomed to this, and lay their backs +into the oars with increased vigour. Meanwhile, a coble sails almost +peacefully alongside their ill-fated craft. In an instant a crowd of +concealed men rush aboard and call out, "Surrender!" But smugglers +were not given to surrender when merely requested, so a hand-to-hand +fight took place. The butt-end of muskets were freely used, and to +some purpose. There was no heroic effort to get at the powder +magazine, so that they might blow themselves and everybody else up. + +The lugger was in undisputed possession of the Revenue men before the +boat from the shore reached her. They, too, were quickly disposed of, +after a short, angry, though feeble resistance. Stringent precautions +were taken to prevent any blowing-up exploits. The whole gang were +well secured against that, and any other hostile outbreaks. This +having been done to the satisfaction of the officer in charge, the +anchor was weighed, a course was shaped towards the south, and the +last of the low, black, romantic luggers, with their gallant crews, +passed away, never more to be seen on this part of the coast. + +Recognition of the deeds done by the dauntless heroes of that age in +the Government service was very scanty. It may be they did not expect +it. In that case they were rarely disappointed. Thomas Turnbull seems +to have got his reward in being allowed to remain on the station until +the time came to retire on a pension. He went about his routine work +with placid regularity, and devoted what leisure he had to widening +his reading, which consisted mainly of history, theology, and Burns's +poems. He was never known to miss his class-meeting, and travelled +eight miles each way to keep his pulpit appointments on Sundays. He +sometimes entertained his family and the young folk that visited them +by relating his experiences with the smugglers, but his greatest +pleasure was in holding religious meetings in one or other of the +fishers' cottages. In this he was gratuitously aided by Jimmy Stone, +who entered into his work with energy, zeal, and oftentimes amazing +resource. Jimmy had developed a form of religious mania, insisting on +the theory that he was, as a preacher, a direct descendant of the +Apostles. This assumption severely taxed the Christian virtues of the +little society. Turnbull, who had a keen sense of humour, viewed the +new situation with intense amusement, and always excused the foibles +of his old convert up to the time of leaving the district to end his +own eventful career within easy reach of his family, who were all +grown-up and doing well. Jimmy did not long survive him, but he lived +long enough to see the passing away of that spiritual wave that had +changed his whole life. + +Many years after, an ugly incident broke the spell of monotony in the +village. A hideous-looking creature came to it and addressed himself +to a fisherman. His voice was that of a drunkard. He was dirty, his +eyes were bleared, and the cunning, shifty look betokened a long life +of vicious habits. He wished to know when Mrs. Clarkson died, where +all her relations that lived round about her were, to whom the estates +were sold, and whom the money they realized went to; what had become +of Turnbull and his family, and how long was it since the smugglers +were driven off the coast? These questions were only meagrely +answered, as the man he inquired of belonged to another generation, +and there were only very few left who knew anything of the period or +the people that he desired information about. The following day the +body of a man, supposed to be a tramp, was found in a barn. He had +left evidence of his identity, and when it was discovered that the +stranger was Stephen Lawrence, Mrs. Clarkson's nephew, the once flashy +young gentleman who controlled her estates, and who had been sent +abroad when grave suspicion rested upon him of being seriously +involved in pecuniary defalcations, it created a fresh sensation, and +revived all the old stories of bygone days. He had come to die within +the shadow of the home in which he was so indulgently reared, and his +remains were buried by those who knew not of him. It was probably +through him and Melbourne that the secret locality of the cave and +other valuable information which led up to the final conflict and +defeat of the smugglers became known. + +The "Mugger's Lonnin," all blazing with red and yellow flowers and +long silvery grass growing wild, and covering the mysteries that lie +beneath, is still there. The superstitions regarding its history still +exist. The sandhills, capped with the rustling, silky bents, looking +down into the bay, are still there. The thrilling sea winds come and +go, and the music of the shells on the beach is whispering as before, +but the shrill wail of the curlew is never sounded from knoll to knoll +now. The horn lantern is not seen by the roadsides, nor the quick +flashlight that signalled the coast was clear; and the rattle of the +horses' hoofs on the stones during the mystic night is never now +heard. There is nothing to indicate, in fact, that this lonely, superb +piece of England was once (not so long ago) a great centre of illicit +trading. The smuggler and Revenue man have disappeared, and the scenes +of their successes or failures, daring, comic, and sometimes tragic, +are undisturbed save by nature's sights and sounds. Man-o'-war sailors +(fine fellows though they be), with ribboned caps, and trousers that +flap like sails of a ship tacking, have replaced the trim, +gentlemanlike civilian of old. Some of the latter are still remembered +with affection, and even veneration, by people who were young when the +last of them passed away. + + + + +Smugglers of the Rock + + +Captain S---- was a man of enterprise, and never lost an opportunity +of scheming to supplement the freight of the vessel he commanded. His +common phrase was, "Look for business, and you'll meet it on the +road." He was well known all over the Mediterranean, and had done much +trade with the Spanish ports, so that he got to know a good deal about +the character and methods of their business. On one occasion, at +Gibraltar, a deputation of traders, as they called themselves, made +him a proposition that was startling in its remunerative dimensions. + +"I presume," said the captain, "this business which you are good +enough to put before me is sound; there is no humbug about it?" + +"Not one bit, captain. You undertake to do certain work for which we +pay you before starting." + +It was arranged that he should wire from his last port of call when +passing down the Mediterranean. He fixed his mind on the amount he was +to receive, and did not inquire too closely into the character of the +business. He would have been virtuously indignant if any one had +hinted that he was capable of going beyond the limits of stern +rectitude, although he admitted the undertaking to be extraordinary, +otherwise he would not have been so well paid for it. His knowledge of +character told him that he was going to do business with a squad of +rascals who knew no moral law, and yet the fascination of exciting +enterprise held him in its grip. So it came to pass that he sent his +telegram announcing approximately when he might be expected at +Gibraltar, and asking them to have all in readiness against his +arrival. In the early morning of the eighth day after leaving Malta, +the steamer crept from under the Great Rock into the beautiful bay, +and was promptly boarded by a few gentlemen of effusive manners who +were greatly concerned about the health of Captain S----. The latter +requested them to cease their chatter and to get to business. + +"Are the craft ready?" said he. + +"Oh yes," replied the Rock-scorpions; "but you will have to wait until +dark before they can be brought from their moorings." + +This was agreed to. The captain put his vessel alongside the coal +hulk, and by noon the required bunker coal had been shipped, and +through the kindness of the captain of the hulk she was allowed to +remain alongside until darkness set in, on the plea of repairs being +done to defective machinery. She was then slowly moved towards three +feluccas which lay waiting in the bay. The night was still, and the +moon shone bright and made the sea silvery by its reflection; but a +large halo encircled it, and the seamen knew that foreboded stormy +weather. "Telegraph boys" were coming up from the west very swiftly. +There was to be trouble outside Cape Spartel, and they were anxious to +get through the stream before the gale had developed strength. A boat +came alongside. Two Levantines stepped aboard. The captain said-- + +"So you have come at last. Have you got the money with you? Let me +have no wriggling, or I will have you put over the side and steam away +without your merchandize." + +"No, no, capitan, you must not do that! Come to the charthouse and you +shall be paid at once." + +After three-fourths of the agreed sum had been counted out the +paymaster stuck, and said, "Capitan, you must be satisfied. We are +poor men like yourself." + +In an instant the captain was out of the charthouse _with his money_, +and went on to the upper bridge and called out to his officers to see +the gentlemen into their boat. They pleaded to him to come into the +charthouse again, and every cent due to him would be handed over +according to agreement. + +"I did not mean what I said to be taken seriously," said the financial +agent. + +"But I did," replied the captain. "And take notice that if you +wriggle again I will make short work of this business." + +The balance of freight was handed over without further demur, and the +craft taken in tow as arranged. It was urged that the heaviest laden +of the three lighters should tow astern of the others. The engines +were set easy ahead. The two scorpions were asked to get into their +boat quickly. They wished the captain good luck, and gave him +instructions to steer over to the African side of the gut, as the +current was easier there. He was warned in true Levantine eloquence, +and with an accent and tone that indicated anxiety for the success of +the project, to look sharply after the "wolves" when they got off +Tarifa, for this is the narrowest part of the entrance to the +Mediterranean. It was clear that this traffic welcomed no publicity. + +The _C----_ was soon plunging into a strong westerly swell, though +there was as yet but little wind. They had got Tarifa abeam, when the +look-out man reported a small vessel three points on the starboard +bow. In a few more minutes the "wolves" announced themselves by a few +small shot rattled against the smoke stack. Orders were given to the +second officer to go aft with a hatchet, and when the signal was given +he had to snap the tow-rope of the last felucca. All hands were +ordered to lie low--_i.e._, lie under shelter of the bulwarks. The +captain and chief officer took shelter on the port side of the +charthouse. The vessel's course was altered, but being so far over on +the African coast there was not much room to play on. The firing was +still directed at the funnel, though at times it was erratic. One of +the seamen shouted, "I'm hit!" In an instant the captain blew his +whistle, and the tow-line of No. 3 craft was cut. The steamer's speed +increased, though it did not much matter so far as getting out of the +fire zone was concerned, as the Spanish _Costaguardia's_ attention +became fixed on the abandoned craft. + +"My God!" soliloquized the chief mate, "the Rock-scorpions are right. +They have pounced upon the derelict like wolves. I almost wish I was +there to see the effect when they realize they have been fooled, and +they find that that craft is loaded with stones. It was just done in +the nick of time; they might have compelled us to heave to." + +"I would never have done that," said the captain. "I knew they would +not risk being defeated in their object when they saw so excellent a +prize thrown at them." + +"They are setting the sail," observed the officer. + +"Yes," responded the captain. "The gentlemen will find one of their +craft anchored in Gibraltar Bay to-morrow morning, and may be the +whole three. I do not like the look of it; both the wind and sea are +making. I hope we may be able to reach to the westward of Trafalgar +Bay before it gets worse." + +Instructions were given to have the wounded seaman brought to the +saloon, and it was found that he was not seriously injured. After the +wound was dressed, orders were given to set the regular watch. Little +progress was made during the night, owing to the heavy west wind. By +six the following morning she was just a little west of Cape Spartel, +and the wind had increased to a heavy gale. The engines had to be +slowed down in order to save the two little vessels from being dragged +under water; indeed, as it was, their hulls were sometimes buried. The +captain saw that he was in for a tragedy if the craft were kept in +tow. He did not like to slip them, as it meant certain capture, and +while he was thinking out the wisest and best course to pursue, the +problem was solved by the people aboard the feluccas letting go the +tow-line, and the last that was seen of them was that they were +heading towards the Spanish coast with small storm sails set. + +Captain S----'s vessel had a severe passage, and on arrival in +Falmouth he went to an hotel. In the course of the evening he was +relating the incidents of the voyage, as was the custom with orthodox +captains on arrival in port, and of course he included his experiences +with the Rock-scorpions and their feluccas. Before he had completed +the tale, the proprietor interposed by reading as follows from a +shipping paper:-- + + "Information was conveyed to the Spanish Customs Authority that + a British steamer had run out of Gibraltar Bay with three + feluccas laden with manufactured tobacco destined for Cadiz. She + was to be intercepted at Tarifa by the coastguards, and the + craft with their cargo were to have been seized. When she got to + Tarifa the coastguards fired at her. The third lighter was + slipped, boarded by the officials and their men, and taken + behind the Rock, when it was discovered on removing the hatches + that she was laden with stones. The other two parted their + tow-ropes, and were driven through the Gut and captured. These + were laden with tobacco. The stone-laden craft was obviously + intended as a decoy, and but for the heavy gale that came on, + the other two would have succeeded in reaching their + destination." + +A few months later, Captain S---- entered Gibraltar Bay, and was +boarded by the chief commissioner of the last enterprise, accompanied +by a friend, who was introduced as being engaged in "our" trade. + +"Ah," said the former in genuine Rock-scorpion dialect, "The last was +a great disaster; but it has never been said that you did not do all +that was possible to carry out your contract properly. If there had +been any appearance of not doing so, my friend and I would not have +said that Captain S---- is the very man to carry out our new affair, +which is doubly better than the other." + +"Well, shut up about that," said the captain. "Come to the point. What +is it you wish me to do?" + +"Ah! capitan, but for the knowledge we have of your ability, and the +affection my friends and myself have for you, we would have hesitated +to show you this token of our much esteem." + +"Shut up!" interjected the sailor. "I don't want a display of pretty +nothings. I want business." + +"Oh! capitan, why do you say such things when we are so anxious to put +something your way. I tell you there are thousands of men that would +be glad to have your chance. The job we have is this: three feluccas +are lying up in the harbour laden with tobacco. Tonight you must lie +off the town without anchoring, and they will be brought alongside. +You must take the cargo aboard, and proceed off Amonti Pomoron. A +pilot and interpreter will go with you, and you must not go near the +land until darkness comes on, when craft showing signals which the +pilot understands will be there to meet you and have men to tranship +the cargo into lighters. You will have L400 for doing this--half in +cash before leaving, and the other half on arrival at Amonti. The +transaction will be quite straight." + +"It seems to me so uncommonly like a huge smuggling affair, that I +cannot entertain it," replied S----. + +"No, no! my dear capitan; here you are mistaken. We would not ask such +a thing of you. How can it be smuggling? The cargo is put aboard in +neutral waters; you take it off the coast of Spain and deliver it as +arranged. You get your money, and know nothing more about it. How can +that be smuggling?" + +"Well," said the captain, "it has nothing to do with me where the +stuff comes from, or where it is going to. If you will give me five +hundred pounds, all cash, before leaving here, I will agree to take +it." + +The Rock-scorpion gasped-- + +"What, five hundred pounds! Capitan, now do be reasonable. I tell you +no other man would get the half of what you are offered." + +"Very well, then," replied the captain, "it is off. Give it to the +person who will do it for half." + +"Certainly not; that is not what I mean," said the commissioner. "How +can I face my friends with such news after all I have said to them +about you? They will form a bad opinion of both you and myself." + +"Oh! d---- both you and your friends. Get over the side, or I'll help +you." + +"Well, Capitan S----, I have never seen a man in such a temper +before." + +"Oh, go to----!" + +"Oh no, no, capitan; don't say that. I cannot tell my friends of +this." + +"I wouldn't take your stuff for a thousand pounds now," said the +captain. + +"Forgive me, my best friend. I did not mean to be offensive; you have +misunderstood my meaning. I will give you five hundred pounds, though +I know I will have to pay one hundred out of my own purse. It is very +hard." + +The captain hesitated, but was overcome by the thought of making so +large a clean profit without involving any material loss of time. In +less than an hour after darkness came on the cargo was being put +aboard with amazing facility. The first lighter was nearly discharged, +when the captain asked the agent to pay the freight. This gentleman, +with many greasy apologies, informed him that he had only half of the +money with him. He could not get his friends to agree to pay all +before starting, "but they will agree to pay half here and the other +half as soon as the lighters come to you at Amonti." "Very well, +then; I won't take another bale in, and will steam away at once." + +"But," said the cunning Rock-scorpion, "you have a lighter of goods +aboard. You are very dreadful for talking about running away with it." + +"You make me sick," said the captain, with a killing look of scorn. + +"Capitan, you say queer things to your best friends. Now, I tell you +what I will do: I will on my own responsibility give you in cash +two-thirds now, and the other third I pledge myself will be paid at +Amonti. It would be a scandal to all concerned to allow it to drop at +the present time." + +"Scandal be d----d!" replied the commander. "You're a fine lot to talk +about scandal--you who would rob Jesus Christ of his shoe-strings." + +"Capitan, you do me wrong; I would never do the things you say." + +"Stump up the dross like a man, then, and don't stand whining there +like a sucking turkey craving for pity," retorted Captain S----. A +look of injured piety came over the old rascal's face, who was playing +a game of Levantine jugglery, subtle and crafty. + +"Ah," said he, "I am so sorry. Indeed, I cannot express my grief that +you should have changed in so short a time from the kind, generous +capitan of old times long ago to the very cruel, disobliging person of +this minute, who calls me names and refuses to reciprocate kindness +for kindness. I think my friends will say that I tell lies, which they +would not think of me, when I tell them that you have become morose +and disobliging. They will stare and say that my judgment has been +deceived. But to show my trust in you, nevertheless, I will, as I have +said, give you two-thirds cash, and the other third you will be paid +at your destination. No other man in Gibraltar would do the same; but +we are old friends who have done business together before--not +profitable, but still it was business, very hard business. Come, now, +capitan, do be reasonable, and do not look at me as though you would +like to strike my face with your fist." + +The captain had been standing in a reflective mood during the +Rock-scorpion's harangue, obviously reviewing the whole position and +the policy that should be adopted. He was dubious as to the wisdom of +accepting the terms offered; but seeing that the risk to him was less +than it was to them, he spontaneously replied-- + +"Agreed! But I warn _you_, and you must intimate the warning to your +friends, if there is any attempt at deceiving me, or any reluctance +shown at the other end to pay the balance of freight, I will steam off +with the merchandise and the men you propose sending with me, and I +don't care to say what will become of them." + +"Shake hands," said the wily agent; "and I give you my word of honour, +which everybody trusts but you since you came this time, that there +will be no trouble made. Now come to the charthouse and take over the +cash." + +This formality was speedily accomplished, though not without a further +attempt to reduce the cash payment on the plea that it would endanger +his professional reputation in the eyes of his commercial friends. + +"I care nothing for your reputation," murmured the candid sailor. +"What I want is two-thirds freight, so stump it all up, or I will have +it taken from you and then hoist you into your boat." + +Whereupon the agent became afflicted with grief at his dear friend's +threatened cruelty. + +"Really, my best friend, I must not give way here, but I will shed +tears when I get to my silent home, and speak with myself of the +change that has come to your mind." + +"Don't you bother about shedding tears; you see that your friends play +the game," said the inexorable captain. "I will carry out my part; +but, by heavens! if your people don't carry out theirs, you shall all +pay dearly for it." + +"You are too excited on this occasion, my dear capitan, and for this I +am sorry, as I like to see you as usual. I tell you if they do not +play the fair way, I will be responsible and be very vexed." + +"Shut up, you blatherskite; the cargo is all aboard. Get into your +boat quick, and remember what I have said to you when you can overcome +the effects of your wriggling and dodging. Your cargo can only be +delivered on one condition. Keep in mind what it is. Begone, and never +let me see your evil countenance again." + +Thus spoke the enterprising commander, who had begun to realize that +he was having dealings with a gang whom he would have to fight in +order to get his own. The engines were put at full speed, and kept at +that until she was fifty miles north-west of Cape Spartel, when they +were slowed so that she might not arrive before the appointed time. As +the vessel trailed sinuously over the quiet sea, the captain's +thoughts were centred on material things and the reception he was +likely to have on meeting the men his mind's eye pictured as +cut-throat ruffians. He had several conferences with the interpreter, +whose look and speech he regarded as a revelation of villainy. He was +tall and slim, with ricketty legs, dark shifty eyes, a low receding +forehead, and a mouth and chin that indicated the animal. The captain +felt instinctively the approach of trouble, and frankly told the +wretch, who he knew was deceiving him, that every bale of tobacco +would be held until after the freight was paid over in gold +sovereigns; and with an air of ostentatious authority he gave +instructions to have all the muskets and revolvers loaded and ready in +case they should be required. The hideous scoundrel fixed his eye on +the captain, and with ironic accent intimated he could not help being +filled with concern when he heard the orders given to prepare the +firearms. + +"Capitan, we are not pirates; we are respectable men carrying on a +respectable trade. You need not prepare anything; we are honest +tradesmen." + +The captain laughed heartily at this comic assurance of fidelity, and +felt convinced that a deep impression had been made, as the +interpreter shortly after was seen vigorously conversing with his two +compatriots. The one had been introduced as the representative of the +owner of the cargo, and the other the pilot, whose business it was to +direct the captain to that part of the coast where the craft was +awaiting the vessel's arrival. The treacherous dusk was casting its +shadows over them, and had brought with it a weird sound of the +moaning wind. The crew stood in little knots, talking earnestly to +each other. Obviously they conversed of the night's work, and all the +grave possibilities that lay in front of them. For the most part they +wore an anxious look on their faces, but there was one there whose eye +was full of sparkling fun, and whose face beamed with a self-satisfied +expectation of exhilarating dangers. The captain called him to the +bridge, and gave him some specific orders as to how he was to act when +certain signals were given. The chaste and simple motto of "the blow +first and jaw afterwards" guided him, and he was only profane when +discipline demanded it. His superstitious tendencies were in an +ordinary way an anxiety to him, but on the night in question the only +signs he gave of being affected in this way was by the half coherent +remark to the captain that he did not like to hear the shrill wail of +the wind through the rigging; "it seems to be speaking to us of some +trouble near at hand." Suddenly the interpreter called out, "I see the +feluccas." In a moment all thought of the wail of the wind had +disappeared, and this fine athletic seaman was commanding his men like +a hero. He had been told by his captain that there would more than +likely be rough work to do, and he prepared for it with a skill and +vigour that left no doubt as to how his instructions would be carried +out. "Give the signal at the proper time," said he, "and leave the +rest to me." A shipwrecked crew was being taken home in the steamer, +and these, together with her own crew, made the number look +formidable, and although they were never requested to give assistance, +they offered it in case of need. Undoubtedly the addition to the +ordinary crew had a moral effect upon the Spaniards. + +The craft came alongside, and her crew jumped aboard and commenced to +handle the bales. They were peremptorily stopped by the captain +giving instructions that not a single bale was to be allowed to pass +into the lighters until the freight was paid and he had given orders. +Soon there was a carnival of foes. The captain called to the +interpreter to bring the man with the money to the saloon. The +interpreter came but not the man. The former said the money was coming +on the second lighter, but the one alongside must be loaded and sent +away first. + +"No, no!" interposed the captain; "no money, no bales." He would wait +until the second lighter came, which could easily be placed alongside +astern of the first one. In a short time number two came, and was +moored as directed. A large number of men jumped aboard from both +craft. The captain again called out to bring the man with the money, +and again no one turned up but the interpreter. This time he was +defiant. He put his back against the saloon side, folded his arms and +began-- + +"Capitan, you see the number of people aboard your vessel. They can +take her from you, if they so wish it. I tell you frankly we have no +money; but, by God! we must and shall have the tobacco." + +The captain had been reared amidst a race of men who had imbued him +with the importance of hitting decisively and with promptness, when +confronted with situations which demanded physical action. In an +instant he had hold of the scoundrel, who, he was convinced now, was +the leader of a plot to take the cargo by force. Under peremptory +compulsion, the Levantine was rushed on deck, informed that he had +miscalculated with whom he had to deal, and that any one who attempted +to carry out his threat would be fired upon. + +"I give you fair warning there shall be no half measures, and I +command you to inform your friends what I have said; and also state to +them that as soon as I have been paid my freight, they will not only +be allowed to have the cargo, but I will instruct my crew to assist in +the transhipment." + +It never will be known now what this plant of grace intimated +precisely to his colleagues, but the general impression was at the +time that the captain's message had not been conveyed verbatim. Soon +the babble of tongues charged the air and gave an impression of +Bedlam. The captain had resolved upon a course of action which was +strenuous. He had given certain orders to the chief engineer, and was +standing on the lower bridge reviewing the situation, when the second +officer came up to him and said in a whisper-- + +"The Spaniards are all armed to the teeth, sir." + +"All right," said the captain, "they will soon be disarmed. Meanwhile, +as a precaution, put our men on their guard. This business must be +carried through vigorously, and with dash." + +At this juncture the interpreter, apparently with the intention of +breaking the deadlock, attempted to come on the bridge, and was warned +if he put his foot on the ladder he (the captain) would jump on top of +him. He did so, and the next moment he was flattened on the deck. The +Spaniards, in great excitement, surrounded the two. At last, one of +the shipwrecked men spoke to them in Spanish, and the master asked +him if he could really speak Spanish. He replied in the affirmative. + +"Then," said the captain, "translate to these men that I do not wish +to hold the cargo, but that my agreement was for the freight to be +paid immediately the craft came alongside." + +This pronouncement seemed to make an impression, but they still +coveted and cavilled for the goods. They endeavoured to persuade the +master of the steamer, who had gone on to the bridge again, to anchor, +and the money would be brought off in the morning. He prevaricated +with them, and at the same time told the chief engineer secretly to +put the engines easy ahead. She was brought head on to the sea, and +the wind having risen, a nasty swell came with it, which caused the +lighters to jump and put jerky strains on their moorings. A few of +their crew jumped aboard, and were trying to pass additional ropes +around the rigging of the steamer when the captain blew his whistle. +In an instant the tow-rope of the forward lighter was cut; then it was +that the Spaniards realized what was happening. They remonstrated +with the captain; they shouted to each other excitedly; those that had +not got aboard the feluccas flew along the deck and jumped, one after +the other, on to their vessel as she swung round. Another shrill +whistle, and the last rope of lighter No. 2 was snapped. Captain S---- +called out to the interpreter, who was pleading piteously to allow +them to have only some of the cargo, to jump at once if he did not +wish to lose his passage, and to be taken away with the steamer. He +quickly realized his true position, and sprang over the stern. It was +supposed that he was picked up by one of the craft. They then +commenced to fire wildly from the feluccas, but little harm was done, +and in a brief time the steamer had travelled far outside the range of +their guns, and was heading towards Cape St. Vincent, with the whole +of the contraband aboard of a value of something like L5000. The +question of how it was to be disposed of was a problem not easily +solved. The first thought was to take it to Lisbon. This idea having +broken down, the next thought was one of the Channel Islands (Jersey +or Guernsey). This also, for specific reasons, gave way. It was then +decided to take it to the port of discharge of the ordinary cargo; but +after calculating all the trouble, the payment of duty, time lost, and +possible legal technicalities, the captain resolved that the best and +cleanest way of disposing of it was to jettison the whole of it. This +decision brought him into sharp conflict with his chief officer, who +entirely disagreed with such a course. + +"Is it for this," he said, "that we risked being shot and having the +steamer seized and confiscated? The tobacco belongs to us by right of +conquest, as well as by moral right, and it will be an abomination to +throw it overboard. Even if we make only a thousand pounds out of it, +it is always something; but to put it into the sea would be sinful +beyond description. I cannot bring myself to be a party to such a +thing." + +The decision of the captain was irrevocable, in spite of the +persuasive eloquence of a deputation of the crew and engineers. So, +after passing the Burlings, orders were given to cut the bales, save +the packing, and shovel the tobacco overboard. This very nearly caused +open revolt, but the captain made a few tactful statements which had +good effect. He presented a case that could not be controverted, and +they yielded to the inevitable. The jettisoning commenced with bad +grace, and a continual growl was kept up until the captain himself was +overcome by the sight of the beautiful tobacco being thrown away. He +called a halt, after persuading himself that a new idea might be +presented to the mind as time went on, which would show how a profit +could be made without risking any vital interest; but this only +endured for a couple of days. No really sound idea came, and so the +work of destruction was resumed until only half a dozen bales were +left, and it was resolved to hold these whatever happened. The mate +was a sailor of the old school, and clung to the grog and tobacco +traditions of the eighteenth century. He might have forgiven the +purveyors of defective food, but if bad grog and tobacco were +supplied there was no forgiveness for that, here or hereafter! He +believed in the crew being served with grog whenever they were called +upon to do extra work, such as shortening sail or setting it, and +although he never allowed smoking when on duty, or expectoration on +the quarter-deck, a skilful seaman was all the more popular with him +if he chewed. His opinion was that they did better work, and more of +it, when they rolled a quid about in their mouths. If his attention +was called to a small boy who was practising the habit, a +pride-of-race smile would come into his face, and his laughing eyes +indicated the joy it was giving him. Then he would say, "Thank God, +the race is not becoming extinct. I have always hope of a youngster +turning out satisfactorily if he works well and chews well." As a +matter of fact, his conviction was that a boy or man who adopted the +practice did so instinctively because they were born sailors, and were +true types of British manhood. Indeed, he regarded manhood as strictly +confined to his own class, though on many occasions I have seen +volcanic evidences of shattered faith. It was not so much the money +value of the tobacco, but the _racial affection he had for it_ that +caused him to feel indignant at the suggestion of it being thrown to +the waves. + +The second day subsequent to this conflict, it was the first mate's +afternoon watch below. He had partaken of his midday meal, and went to +the bridge to have a smoke. As he looked down at the bales of goods, +he said to the second mate-- + +"However the thought of destroying that beautiful stuff can have +entered the mind of man I cannot fathom. I think I have got him +persuaded to leave well alone. It must be nothing short of stark +lunacy." + +And the two men were agreed that had their captain _been as short of +it as they_ had been one time and another he would not talk such +foolishness. The chief mate intimated that he was going to have a nap, +but that his mind was torn with presentiment which he could not speak +about calmly. At four o'clock when he came on deck he was made aware +of what had taken place during his watch below, whereupon he lapsed +into a kind of inarticulate stupor, and could not speak the +unutterable. He placed his right hand on his brow, and then on his +left breast, and stood gazing at the long Atlantic rollers, which had +the appearance of an uneven reef of rocks. The stage of stupor and +grief was superseded by that of resigned indignation. He plaintively +called out-- + +"Well, I'll--be--teetotally--d----d! Miles of sea to be paved with +that beautiful tobacco! Retribution will come to somebody; and, by +thunder! it should come with a clattering vengeance. I will never +forget the sight as long as I have breath." + +The captain came up to him, and seeing that his mind was centred on +what he regarded as not only a calamity but a crime, he was so much +amused at his ludicrously pathetic appearance that he laughingly +repeated-- + +"Oh, for the touch of a vanished hand, and the sound of a voice that +is still." + +The inappropriate words were merely used as a piece of chaff, but Mr. +S---- was not in a chaffing mood, so he retorted that he did not see +where the humour came in, and there was nothing to laugh at, and so +on. He then walked on to the bridge, and he and the captain were not +on friendly speaking terms any more during the voyage. + +At midnight on the sixth day after parting company from the Spaniards, +the vessel was hove to to take a pilot aboard. Captain S---- took him +aside as soon as he boarded, and asked him in an undertone if he ever +did anything in the contraband line. He held up his hands as though he +were horrified at the suggestion, and exclaimed-- + +"Not for the world, captain!" + +"Very well," replied the captain; "you go below, and I will join you +in a minute or two, after giving orders to the steward to make tea for +us." + +As a matter of fact, he remained behind to give orders to the mate to +throw overboard the remaining six bales, which was a further trial to +the grief-stricken officer; and having done this the captain joined +the pilot, and entered into conversation with him. The two men were +not long in discovering that they each belonged to the brotherhood of +Freemasons. This put them on easy terms at once, and encouraged the +pilot to inquire into the meaning of the words spoken to him on +boarding. + +"I do not quite know how I stand in relation to that," said the +captain. "Indeed, I am perplexed as to the plan I ought to adopt. So +many difficulties confront me as the scheme of development goes on; +but so far as I have been able to work out the problem, I think my +attitude must be straightforward, and that I should make a full +voluntary statement to the authorities. Meanwhile, if you pledge me +your Masonic honour to keep it a secret until I have made it public, I +will tell you the whole story." + +The undertaking was readily given, and long before the whole story was +told, the pilot's Christian virtues had broken down. At frequent +intervals while the narrative was being told he interjected, "Oh! why +didn't you tell me?" His mind was transfixed. Then the processes of +it became confused. The vision of wealth and the reckless squandering +of some of it took possession of him, and with uncontrolled zeal he +called out-- + +"My God! what a story! O captain, why didn't you tell me what it was +at once, and not waste time? Let us get to work without delay. I will +undertake to land what you have got on an island and share the +proceeds with you." + +"Too late, too late, my friend. You have thrown away an opportunity +which may never come to you again," replied the master, with a +mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Transactions of this kind are done +spontaneously and with vigour--they are not to be dreamed about." + +"I admit my error, captain; but, oh! how was I to know? Surely you do +not mean to tell me that the balance of the tobacco has been thrown +overboard since I came here?" + +"Yes, it is all gone. We do not hesitate when we face the inevitable, +no matter what the sacrifice may be." + +"Well, I'm blowed!" soliloquized the pilot. "It will take me some +time to get over this little bit of history." + +"I daresay," said the captain; "but it is time you took charge--she is +now within your jurisdiction. What do you say to going on the bridge? +You will find the chief officer there, with whom you may condole, if +it be safe for a stranger to speak of so delicate a subject to him. +You will, perhaps, find him stupefied with grief and shame at the +unpatriotic conduct of his commander, and I daresay his language will +impress you with the venerable traditions cherished by his class when +things are supposed to have gone wrong." + +The pilot greeted the chief officer cordially, but did not receive a +very polite response to his attempts to draw him into conversation +about his recent experiences, and was cut short in a sailorly fashion +by being told if he wanted any information about experiences, as he +called them, to go and ask "that ---- fool of a skipper about it." + +"I have had a little conversation with him," replied the pilot; "and +it does seem to me extraordinary--and if I were not here I might +almost say an outrage--that no other course could be found than utter +sacrifice." + +"Oh, don't talk to me!" exclaimed the vivacious mate, in a flood of +passion. "You call it extraordinary and an outrage! Is that a proper +name for such wickedness? You ask me what I think of it? I tell you I +cannot think. You talk about outrage! I say, sir, it is joining +outrage to injustice, and I cannot believe that any other than a +frozen-souled fool would have done it. There is not a glimmering of +common-sense in it. The wonder is that he didn't take it back to the +scoundrels, for pity's sake!" + +This outburst of withering scorn encouraged the pilot to ask what the +sailors thought of it. + +"Go and ask them, if you want to hear something you've never heard +before." + +The captain, who was in the charthouse, could not help hearing these +interesting opinions of himself, nor could he help enjoying the rugged +humour of them. His mate had his peculiarities, but he never doubted +his loyalty to himself, and he was sure that on reflection he would +come to see the wisdom of disentanglement. He went on to the bridge as +though all was serene, asked a few questions of the pilot, and settled +down until the vessel arrived at her discharging port. + +On landing, a message-boy told him there was a telegram at the office +for him. He eagerly asked if he knew where it was from. The boy +replied, "Gibraltar." He requested the messenger to get it for him, +and found it was from the agent who shipped the tobacco, the purport +of it being to offer him L500 to bring it back, and intimating that a +letter was on the way. When this came to hand, it explained +exhaustively the reason the freight was not paid as agreed, and boldly +accused the port authorities and officials of having organized a plot +in order to accomplish their own evil ends. This precious document was +signed by the writer, and, needless to say, was not replied to. As a +necessary protection to himself, the master had a declaration signed +by the whole of the crew, stating that they had no tobacco concealed +or in their possession other than that shown to the Custom-house +officers. + +As is usual after a vessel arrives in a home port, and is properly +moored and decks cleared up, the crew go aft, draw a portion of their +wages, and then go ashore. They had a fine tale to relate, and it may +be taken for granted that no incident connected therewith lost any of +its flavour in the process of narration. It would appear that the +sailors got drunk and "peached" in a most grotesque way. They declared +that although much of the contraband had been disposed of, this was +only done as a blind, and that there were tons beneath the iron ore +and in the peaks and bunkers, and all over the vessel. The story +spread, and grew as it was passed along, until it became the most +colossal smuggling enterprise ever known in the country. The captain +came on board at noon on the day following the arrival, and found a +large number of Custom-house officers on board. Some were in the holds +digging vigorously at the ore with picks and shovels. Their coats +were off, and their shirt sleeves doubled up. Others were on deck +ready for action, but the chief mate prevented them going into the +forepeak, which caused both suspicion and irritation. The captain gave +them permission. Two went forth full of hope and confidence that they +were on the point of reaping their reward. They had no sooner got down +than indescribable cries for God to help them were heard. A rush was +made to see what had happened. The lights were out, and nothing was +visible. They groped their way to the peak ladder, and were nearly +dead with fright when they reached the deck. When they had +sufficiently recovered, they said that there was something in the peak +alive, which kept butting up against them. They were sure it wasn't a +man, and that it must be something evil. An Irish sailor stood close +by laughing and jeering at them, and in genuine brogue he charged them +with being haunted by their own "evil deeds." + +"You had no business there," said he, "and to prove to you that I am +right I'll swear divil a thing is there in the peak but cargo gear +and other stores. I'll go down myself and face the evil one you talk +about." + +And down he went, but the fright of the officers was feeble to the +Irishman's. He shrieked and flew on deck shouting, "Be God, you're +right, he's there!" + +The chief mate suspected what it was, but was not keen on going down +himself or ordering any one else to do so, so the anchor light was +lowered down and shone upon the captain's pet goat. It had been long +aboard for the purpose of supplying milk to the captain and his wife. +The peak hatch had been off, and Nannie, accustomed to go wherever she +pleased, strayed into the darkness and tumbled down. The incident +stopped all work for a time, and created a lot of good-humoured chaff. +The Irishman was especially droll, and endeavoured to carry it off by +swearing he knew it was the goat, but he wanted some other fellow to +have a go at it. "But no fear," said he; "every one of them was dying +with funk." + +After a time the captain thought it right to disillusion the officer +in charge, and going up to him asked the meaning of the raid. + +"Well," replied the officer, "we have information that there is a +large quantity of tobacco aboard, and that some of it is in the +forepeak, but most of it is about a couple of feet below the iron +ore." + +The captain replied, "We had a lot of it a few days since, but there +is not a leaf aboard now that I know of. Every particle has been +thrown overboard. Let me reassure you on this point." + +"But," said the officer, "what about the packing? My men have come +across a large quantity." + +"That is very true," said the commander; "the packing is the only +thing we saved. Now get your men ashore, there's a good fellow. You +are only working them to death for no earthly reason." + +"But the sailors say the tobacco was emptied out of the packing and +covered over with ore." + +"Well, if you believe the sailors and you don't believe me, go on +digging. I can only repeat, the search is futile." + +"Very well," replied the disconcerted official, "I shall withdraw all +my men but two, who must remain to watch and make sure of there being +no concealment. Not that I disbelieve you. It is merely a formal +precaution which I hope you will think nothing of." + +The whole affair had been reported to the Collector of Customs, and +the master was informed that all things considered, the best thing had +been done in ridding himself of an awkward encumbrance. In a few days +an emissary of the Gibraltar syndicate had an interview with the +captain, and then disappeared. It was said that he was strongly +advised to disappear, lest he should be detained by legal authority. + +The owner received the freight paid in advance with obvious pleasure, +like a good, Christian gentleman; but the intelligence of how it was +earned and the disastrous conclusion of the undertaking was listened +to with studied gravity. A sermon on the danger of little sins such +as covetousness and the growing love of money was impressively +preached. The owner was convinced that if ever the gentlemen involved +in this little transaction got the opportunity they would take the +master's life, so in the goodness of his heart he determined that the +vessel should not call there for coal until the spirit of vengeance +had had ample time to cool down. + +More than twelve months had elapsed since these affairs occurred, when +the owner was offered a charter from the Black Sea, but one of the +unalterable conditions was that the vessel should call at Gibraltar +for orders. The captain strongly urged his owner not to lose so good a +charter because of his anxiety for him, but he was obdurate until the +captain said-- + +"Then I shall have to resign my command. I cannot go on like this any +longer." + +"If you make this the alternative, then I must give way; but the +responsibility is yours alone," was the reply. + +The charter was signed, and on a fine summer day two months after, the +_C----_ let go her anchor in Gibraltar Harbour to await her orders. A +tall, fine-looking man came aboard to solicit business of a legitimate +character. He spoke English with fluency and an almost correct accent. +The captain knew he had some business connection with the syndicate, +but did not give him any reason to suppose he had this knowledge. He +was cognisant of the characteristics of these people, and determined +that his safety was in assuming an injured attitude, and making a +slashing attack on the blackguards who had done him so much harm. +Excepting for a slight humorous twist in the corner of his mouth, Mr. +---- received the onslaught with perfect equanimity. The captain asked +if he knew the rascal P----. + +"Yes," said he, "I know him. He is a bad lot, and I advise you never +to trust him again. But if you wish me to, I will convey to him what +you say; and I think you would be perfectly justified in carrying out +your intention." (The intention was to horsewhip him publicly.) + +The following morning the captain landed with his wife and family, and +boldly walked past the resorts of the men who he had reason to +believe were on his track. He kept his hand on the revolver which was +in his trouser-pocket, and the sound of every foot behind him seemed +to be a message of warning. This ordeal went on for four days, and +never a sign of the dreaded assassins was seen. On the afternoon of +the fifth day he was walking down towards the boat-landing to go on +board, when his eye came in contact with the interpreter and the whole +gang that were concerned in the tobacco enterprise. There was a look +of murder on their villainous faces, which the captain said would +haunt him to his dying day. He spontaneously and without thought said +to his wife, who walked beside him-- + +"I see the smugglers. Don't look!" + +But it came so suddenly upon her that she could not restrain the +temptation of seeing them, and the impression of their malignant looks +had a lasting effect on her. When they reached the boat, the gentleman +who had boarded her on arrival was there. He drew the captain aside, +and whispered that he was being shadowed, and urged that a double +watch be kept at the entrance to the cabin. As a matter of policy the +captain assumed an air of defiance. He promised a sanguinary reception +for them if they attempted to come near his vessel, and he believes to +this day that this alone was the means of preventing an attack. + +Next morning orders were brought off, and no time was lost in weighing +anchor and clearing out, and he has never visited the place since. + + + + +A Pasha before Plevna + + +The Eastern Question was ablaze. Mr. Gladstone had published his "bag +and baggage" pamphlet, and made his Blackheath speech in September +1876. Both are memorable for the strong feelings they generated for +and against the object of his attack. Benjamin Disraeli had become the +Earl of Beaconsfield, and had made his bellicose and Judaical speech +at the Lord Mayor's Banquet. The fleet had been ordered to Besika Bay, +and the metropolitan Press was busy backing Turkish saintliness for +all it was worth. The Black Sea ports were crowded with steamers, and +a great rush was made to get them loaded before hostilities broke out. +In a few days there were but two vessels left in ---- Harbour. The +last cart-loads of grain in bags were being shipped. The vessel was +held by a slip-rope at bow and stern, and as soon as she was loaded +they let go, and the pilot took her to the outer harbour and anchored. +The captain went to the town to clear his ship and sign bills of +lading, and great exertions were made by his agents and himself to +have this smartly done so that he could sail before darkness set in. +After his business was done, he came to the landing and was about to +get into his boat when a gentleman stepped up to him, and in an +undertone said-- + +"Come to my office; I have something important to communicate to you. +Don't, for God's sake, open your lips here. The very stones feel as if +they were spying at me." + +The captain hesitated, but his friend whispered-- + +"You must come; it is urgent, and it will be made worth your while." + +Whereupon the cautious commander fell like a slaughtered lamb. They +were soon alone within the four walls of a sumptuously-furnished +private office. + +"What's the game?" asked the impatient captain, uneasily. + +"This is it," said his friend, coming close up to him and speaking in +a low voice: "I have a secret job for you." + +"Is there danger attached to it?" asked the captain. + +"Yes, a good deal," replied his friend; "and I have chosen you to do +it, because I know you will carry it out successfully if you'll take +the risk." + +"That's all very well," responded the captain, "but I don't care to +overburden myself with danger and risk of confiscation, without I'm +handsomely recompensed for it." + +"Hush!" said his friend, nervously; "I think I hear voices. If we are +overheard by any one, we may be betrayed and pounced upon at any +moment." + +After listening, he was reassured, and intimated that the worthy +skipper would be well rewarded. + +"That entirely alters the question," said the captain. "How much am I +to have, and what is it you wish me to do?" + +"You are to have two hundred and fifty pounds if you succeed in +getting a distinguished Turkish pasha and his suite from here, and +land them at Scutari." + +"What!" exclaimed the commander. "Do you expect me to run the gauntlet +with a Turkish pasha for two hundred and fifty pounds? Why, his head +is worth thousands, to say nothing about the danger I run of having my +ship confiscated, and myself sent to Siberia. Do not let us waste +time. I will risk it for a thousand pounds, and put my state-room at +his disposal." + +The agent demurred, but the captain was for some time obdurate. +However, seven hundred and fifty for the owners with two hundred for +the captain was, after keen negotiation, agreed upon. It was further +arranged that the steamer was not to sail until after midnight, so +that the risk of stoppage would be lessened, and in rowing off as soon +as it came dark, the oars were to be muffled. + +"Leave these matters to me," said the captain. "How many passengers +are there?" + +"Six," said the agent. "They are in hiding. I will undertake to bring +them aboard, with their baggage, in good time. Extreme care must be +used in getting them away, as we may be watched. I have had to use +'palm oil' liberally, but even that may not prevent their betrayal and +arrest." + +"Well, then," said the shrewd commander, "under these circumstances I +must have my freight before the risk actually begins." + +It took some time for the agent to make up his mind to part with the +money in advance, but the captain intimated that unless it was paid at +once he would throw the business up. This promptly settled the matter, +and a pledge was given by the enterprising captain to relax no effort +or dash--"Combined with caution," said the agent--to fulfil his +important mission. At 10 p.m., he was rowed alongside the steamer +without having been interrupted or spoken to from the guardship or the +sentries at the forts. After the gig was hoisted to the davits, the +chief officer and chief engineer were asked to go to the saloon, where +specific instructions were given as to the mode of procedure. The +anchor was to be hove short at once very quietly. All lights had to be +put out or blinded, and a full head of steam up at the hour of +sailing. The officers were made aware of the job that had been +undertaken, and relished the excitement of it. At 11.30 the +passengers, with a large amount of baggage, came alongside and were +taken aboard; and as a double precaution, the distinguished pasha and +his attendants went down the forepeak until the vessel got outside. +Their goods were put into the upper side-bunkers, and a wooden +bulkhead put up to obscure them from view in case the vessel was +boarded before getting clear. At midnight the anchor was weighed, and +the steamer slipped out into the Black Sea. Every ounce of steam was +used to make speed, and she was soon into safety so far as distance +could help her. + +The passengers, composed of the pasha, his priest, cook, interpreter, +and servant, were then brought from their hiding-place and taken to +the captain's private room. The vessel by this time was enveloped in a +dense black fog. The first blast of the steam whistle startled the +party, and the panic-stricken interpreter rushed on to the bridge. In +a confusion of languages he implored the captain to say whether there +was danger, and begged him to come to his master and his priest and +reassure them that the whistle was being blown to let passing vessels +know of their whereabouts and the course they were steering. + +"Ah," said he, "my master is a brave, clever soldier; but like most +soldiers, he does not know anything about the sea, and was in +consequence uneasy when he heard the shrill sound of the whistle. +Indeed, it made him change colour; he thought it might be a Russian +privateer demanding you to stop. And the priest did not wait one +minute; he went on to his knees and bowed his head in prayer, and the +pasha ordered me to come to you quick. You must not think that I was +nervous, captain; I was very excited only." + +"Very well," replied the captain, smiling. "You may call it +excitement, but I should call it white funk, the way you conducted +yourself on my bridge. Why, you spoke every language in the universe!" + +"Ah, that was not funk, captain; that was what you call confusion, +caused by anxiety for that brave soldier in your cabin, and his +spiritual adviser. Besides, captain, how can you speak to one of your +own countrymen in this fashion, and accuse him of talking so many +tongues! I am a Maltese, and have interpreted for many years for my +good friend, Osman Pasha." + +"What!" cried the captain. "Is this the Turkish patriot, Osman Pasha?" + +"Now, captain, _you_ are excited; but I do not say that you speak many +languages. Keep cool, and I will tell you. It is not Osman, but it is +very near him, being his lieutenant or aide-de-camp." + +"Is it Suleiman?" + +"No, it is not." + +"Then who the devil is it? By Jupiter! I believe it _is_ Osman." + +"I dare not tell you his name; he has been reconnoitring, and has had +narrow escapes." + +"That's not what I want to know. Tell me straight away--is it Osman +Pasha, or is it not?" + +"Captain," said the wily interpreter, "this is a secret mission. I +cannot tell secrets that may get us all into trouble; but I will +inform you that you will hear of this warrior during the next few +months. I must ask you to come and see him. He cannot speak one word +of English. Bring your chart, as he is sure to ask you to point out to +him exactly our position." + +The captain followed the interpreter into the presence of a +majestic-looking person, who saluted him with kindly dignity. His face +wore a thoughtful appearance; his eyes were penetrating, and under a +massive forehead there rested well-developed eyebrows, betokening keen +observation. His chin and nose were strong, and altogether his general +looks, if not handsome, were comely. He gave the commander a real, +big-hearted grip of the hand, which settled the question of friendship +for him at once. Sailors detest a "grisly shake of the flipper." Likes +and dislikes are invariably fixed by this test. The pasha was +exceedingly cordial; asked, through his interpreter, all sorts of +questions about the British Government, British statesmen, admirals, +and generals, and the Army and Navy; but, above all, he was anxious +to hear whether the British people were for or against Turkey. He was +aware that Disraeli was with his nation, and regretted the attitude of +Gladstone. He said poor Turkey had many enemies, and when the captain +told him that he thought the bulk of the British people were in favour +of Disraeli's policy, he held out his hand again in token of +appreciation. The captain spoke very frankly about the Bulgarian +atrocities, and the bad policy of the Turkish Government with her +subject races. The pasha admitted that reforms ought to be given, but +held that the Balkan insurrections were encouraged by Russia in order +to ultimately get hold of Constantinople. + +"My Government," said he, "is a better Government than that of Russia. +We do not treat our people worse than she does hers. Are there no +atrocities committed in Russia proper, in Siberia, in Poland? Why does +Mr. Gladstone not demand that Russia shall give reforms to her +subject races? Is it because she is big, and near to India, and calls +herself a Christian nation? We are Mohammedans; and our religion +teaches honesty, cleanness, sobriety, devotion to our God and his +prophet Mahomet, and we adhere to it. Does the Russian adhere to his +religion, which I admit, if carried out, is as good as ours? I think +our consistency is superior to theirs, and the extent of our cruelty +no worse, though I do not justify it. But do you think that the +Servians, Armenians, Herzegovinians, Montenegrins, and Bulgarians are +saints? Do you think that the Turkish people and Governors have not +been provoked to retaliation? There may have been excesses, but no one +who knows the different races will say that the Turks are all bad, or +that the subject races are all good." + +He then requested to be shown the position of the steamer on the +chart, asked if there was any danger of collision if the fog +continued, and hoped she was steaming full speed, as he must get to +Constantinople without delay. The captain informed him that so long as +he heard the whistle going the fog was still on, and it might become +necessary to ease down as she drew towards the regular track of +vessels; and when the danger of collision was explained to him, he +agreed that it was necessary to guard against it, but asked through +his interpreter that he should be shown the chart every four hours, +which was agreed. The interpreter then intimated that the priest would +hold a service previous to retiring to rest, and during the passage +they would be held before and after every meal. The food, cooking +utensils, and cook were provided by themselves. They would not eat the +food of Christians, or use their utensils for the purpose of preparing +it. In fact, what with the weird, shrill wail of their "yahing" +prayers, the intolerable smell of their cooking, the smoke from their +"hubblebubbles," and a perpetual run of messages coming from the pasha +(while he was awake) to the officer in charge, they became somewhat of +a nuisance before the first twenty-four hours had expired. The +officers could not get their proper rest, which caused them to feel +justified in becoming profane, and wishing the Turkish windpipes +would snap. + +The fog lifted, as it generally does, a little before noon, on the day +after sailing, and an accurate latitude was got; but during the +afternoon it shut down blacker than ever. The engines had to be +slowed, and the whistle was constantly going. The pasha's anxiety to +get to his destination was giving him constant worry, and he became +more and more troublesome. The interpreter explained that the Sultan +was waiting to consult his master about the plan of campaign, and +other military matters, and that the delay was making the pasha +impatient; but in spite of annoying pressure, the captain refused to +depart from the wise precaution of going slow while the fog lasted. At +midnight it cleared up a little, and the engines were put at full +speed until 8 a.m. the following morning, when they ran into a bank of +fog again. The speed was slackened to dead slow, and as she was +nearing the Bosphorus land the lead was kept going; but, owing to the +great depth of water, sounding is little guide towards keeping +vessels clear of the rocks of that steep and iron-bound coast. +Currents run with rapid irregularity, and in no part of the world is +navigation more treacherous than there. According to the reckoning, +the vessel was within four miles of the entrance to the Bosphorus, but +no prudent navigator would have risked going farther until he could +see his way; so orders were given to stop her. This brought more +urgent messages from the pasha. As the day wore on and the mist still +continued, all hope of getting into the Bosphorus had disappeared. The +pasha sent for the captain, and said he must be at Constantinople that +evening. + +"Well," said the captain to the interpreter, "tell your master that if +the Sultan and all his concubines were to ask me to go ahead I would +have to refuse." + +Then he proceeded to point out the dangers on the chart. This did not +appeal to the pasha's military understanding. What he wanted was to be +landed somewhere, and he did not regard running the vessel ashore with +any disastrous consequences to himself until he was assured that the +rocks were so steep that even in a calm the vessel might sink in deep +water and everybody be drowned. + +"Anyhow," said the captain, "I'm not going to try it on; so you must +inform your master of my definite decision. He cannot be more anxious +than I am. I've scarcely closed my eyes since we left, and if this +continues I must face another night of it." + +He then went on to the bridge, and had only been there about half an +hour when his persistent passenger approached him beseechingly, +stating that the pasha would give a hundred pounds if he was landed +that night. + +"I would not attempt such a thing for twenty hundred," said the +captain. + +"Will nothing tempt you, then, to run a risk?" asked the interpreter. + +"Nothing but the clearing away of the fog," replied the commander. + +He then commenced to walk the bridge, and pondered over the experience +he was having, wrestling with himself as to the amount of risk he +should run. He called the second officer to him, and gave him orders +to go aloft to the foretopgallant mast-head and see if he could make +anything out. The officer was in the act of jumping into the rigging +when a Turkish schooner sailed close alongside and was soon out of +sight. The captain knew then that he was in the vicinity of the +entrance, and set the engines easy ahead. The second mate, after being +at the mast-head about ten minutes, shouted-- + +"I see over the top of the fog a lighthouse or tower on the port bow. +I can see no land." + +When he was asked if he could see anything on the starboard bow, his +answer came in the negative. The captain, fearing lest he might be +steering into the false Bosphorus, which is a treacherous deep bight +that has been the death-trap of many a ship's crew, gave orders to +stop her while he ran aloft to verify the officer's report and scan +over the mist for some landmark to guide him in navigating in the +right direction. He had only been a few minutes at the mast-head when +he discerned the white lighthouse on the starboard bow. There was no +doubt now that these were the Bosphorus lighthouses, and the vessel +was heading right for the centre. The captain asked if they could see +anything from the deck. The chief mate replied that he could scarcely +see the forecastle head, so dense was the fog. The master shouted that +he would navigate the steamer from the topgallant-yard, and gave +instructions to go slow ahead, and to keep a vigilant look-out for +passing vessels. Half an hour's steaming brought them abreast of the +lighthouses, when suddenly they glided into beautiful, clear weather. +The scene was phenomenal. Not a speck of fog was to be seen ahead of +the vessel, while astern there stood a great black pall, as though one +had drawn a curtain across the harbour entrance. + +After the papers had been landed at Kavak, the pasha and interpreter +came to the bridge and asked for a few minutes' talk with the captain, +who was in excellent temper at having cut through the fog and saved +daylight through the narrow waters. The pasha was dressed gorgeously, +and many decorations adorned his uniform. He shook the proud commander +warmly by the hand, and through his interpreter gratefully thanked him +for carrying himself and his suite safely to their destination. He did +not undervalue the great danger of having them aboard in the event of +being chased and captured, nor did he under-estimate the risk that had +been run in steaming into dangerous waters during a dense fog; and in +order that the captain might be assured of his grateful appreciation, +he begged to hand him two hundred Turkish pounds for himself. After +suitably offering his thanks for so generous a gift, the captain again +asked the interpreter the name of the distinguished general he had had +the honour of carrying as a passenger, and was again told that such +questions could not be answered. + +Before the sun had sunk beneath the horizon, they had reached Scutari; +and in order that the passengers might be disembarked comfortably, the +anchor was dropped. Caiques came alongside for them and for their +baggage. The captain went to the gangway to see the pasha safely into +the boat, and to say his _adieux_ to him. After he had got safely +seated in the caique, and the interpreter was about to follow, the +commander held out his hand to him and said-- + +"Before bidding good-bye, may I again venture to ask if I have had the +honour of conveying Osman Pasha to Constantinople, or whom I have +conveyed?" + +The interpreter, with an air of injured pride, drew himself up to his +full height, and said-- + +"Captain, I have told you not to ask such things. Good-day." + +But that was how one of the heroes of Plevna made his first English +ally by sea. + + + + +A Russian Port in the 'Sixties + + +My first visit to Russia was at the age of thirteen. I was serving +aboard a smart brig that had just come from the Guano Islands in the +Indian Ocean. The captain and officers belonged to the "swell" type of +seaman of that period. The former has just passed away at the age of +eighty-four. He was in his younger days a terror to those who served +under him, and a despot who knew no pity. In an ordinary way he was +most careful not to lower the dignity of his chief officer in the eyes +of the crew, but wherever his self-interest was concerned he did not +stick at trivialities. I have a vivid recollection of a very +picturesque passage of words being exchanged between him and his +first mate. The officer had been commanded to go ashore in the +longboat at 5 a.m. on the morning after arrival for the labourers who +were required to assist the sailors to discharge the cargo. The +infuriated mate asked his commander if he took him for a "procurator" +of Russian serfs, and reminded him that his certificate of competency +was a qualification for certain duties which he was willing to +perform; but as this did not come within the scope of them, he would +see him to blazes before he would stoop to the level of becoming the +engager of a drove of Russian convicts. + +"What is it coming to," said he, "that a chief mate should be +requested to take charge of a boat-load of fellows who wouldn't be fit +to live in our country? The boatswain is the proper man to do this +kind of work, and if you cannot trust him to select the lousie +rascals, then go yourself!" + +These harsh words affected the captain so much that he became +inarticulate with passion; but when he had somewhat recovered, the +splendour of his jerky vocabulary could be heard far beyond the +precincts of the cabin. He declared that his authority had never been +outraged in such a fashion before, and with the air of an autocrat +ordered the mate to his berth until the morrow, when he would have to +appear before the British Consul. + +The officer's pride was injured, his temper was up, and he began to +suitably libel everybody. Her Majesty's representative was the object +of much vituperation, and a rather brilliant harangue was brought to a +close by the officer stating that he would go and see the blooming +Consul, and say some straight things to him. With a final flourish he +called out at the top of his voice, disdainfully-- + +"Who the h---- is he?" + +The next morning at ten o'clock the captain gave orders to row him +ashore. The mate wore a humbler appearance than on the previous day: +meditation had mellowed him. He stepped into the boat beside his +commander, but was told with icy dignity that the boy would take him +ashore in the cook's lurky. No greater insult could have been offered +to an officer. The Consul at that time was Walter Maynard, a charming +man whom I knew well years afterwards. Although I only heard odds and +ends of what transpired, I feel sure the advice given was in the +mate's interests, and made him see his objection from another point of +view. He did not take kindly to bringing the labourers off, but he +sullenly commenced from that day to do it. + +Coal cargoes were at that time jumped out of the hold with four ropes +bent on to one called a runner, which was rove through a coal gin +fastened on to the end of a derrick composed of two studdingsail booms +lashed together, and steps were rigged with studdingsail yards and +oars. The arrangement had the appearance of a gate, and was fixed at +an angle. Four men gave one sharp pull with the whip ropes, and then +jumped from the step on to the deck. The men in the hold changed +places with the whips every two hours. It was really an exciting thing +to witness the whipping out of coal cargoes. It may be seen even now +in some ports of the United Kingdom, but the winch has largely taken +the place of this athletic process. Most captains supplied rum or +vodka liberally, with a view to expediting dispatch, and did not +scruple to log and fine those seamen who acquired a craving for +alcohol, and misconducted themselves in consequence when they got +liberty to go ashore. Nobody was more severe on the men who committed +a breach of discipline than those who, for their own profit, had +taught them to drink. + +The poor, wretched Russians who were employed aboard English and other +vessels were treated with a cruelty that was hideous. Before the +emancipation of the serfs by the Emperor Alexander II. in 1861, it was +not an uncommon occurrence for captains and officers and seamen to +maltreat them, knock them on the head, and then pass their bodies over +the side of the vessel into the Mole. One of the first things I +remember hearing in a Russian port was a savage mate swearing at some +labourers and threatening to throw them overboard. It is no +exaggeration to say that almost every day dead bodies came to the +surface and were taken to the "Bran" Wharf or to the mortuary, with +never a word of inquiry as to how they came by their end, though it +was well known that there had been foul play. It is true they were +awful thieves, very dirty, very lazy, and very provoking, and it was +because the officers were unable to get redress that they took the law +into their own hands. It is incredible that such a condition of things +was allowed to exist. + +A stock phrase even to this day of predatory Russians is, "Knet +crawlim, tackem"--_i.e._, "I have not stolen, I have only taken." They +have a pronounced conviction that there is a difference between +stealing and taking. Tradition has it that a humorous seaman ages ago +conveyed this form of distinction to them, and it has stuck to them +ever since. Another peculiarity of the race is that they wear the same +large grey coat in the summer as they do in the winter; they are +taught to believe that what keeps out cold keeps out heat. When they +take drink they never stop until they are dead drunk, then they lie +anywhere about the streets and quays. The police, who are not much +better, use them very cruelly. During the Russo-Turkish war hundreds +of the common soldiers, who are similar to the common labourer, were +found lying on the battle-field, presumably dead, when it was found +they were only dead drunk. I was told by a doctor, who went right +through the campaign, that it was customary to fill the "soldads," as +they are called, previous to a battle, with vodka. The lower order of +Russians must be hardy, or they could never stand the extremes of cold +and heat, and the terrible food they have to eat. They are not +long-lived. I cannot recall ever having seen a very old Russian +labourer. + +The emancipation of the serfs was a great grievance to the old seamen, +who looked back to the days when they could with impunity chastise or +finish a serf without a feeling of reproach. After the emancipation it +became a terror to have them aboard ship. Many a mate has been heavily +fined and locked up in a pestilential cell for merely shoving a +fellow who was caught in the act of stealing, or found skulking, or +deliberately refusing to work properly. Labourers, in fact, became a +herd of blackmailers, and were encouraged in it by some agency or +other, who shared the plunder. One old captain, with an expression of +sadness on his face, told me, on my first visit to Cronstadt since I +was a boy, that everything had changed for the worse. + +"At one time," said he, "you never got up of a morning without seeing +a few dead Russians floating about. You could chuck them overboard if +you liked, and nobody interfered. Many a time I've put one over the +side. But now you dare not whisper, much less touch them." + +The general opinion amongst English seamen, from the master downwards, +was that a great injustice had been done to us by the Decree of +Liberation. + +On one occasion I lay alongside a Yankee ship which was loading flax. +Work had ceased for breakfast. I saw the chief officer on the poop, +said "Good morning" to him, and asked him how the loading was going +on. + +"Well," said he, "it goes not so bad, but we've had an accident this +morning which stopped us for nearly an hour. There were three or four +bales of flax slung in the hatchway; the slings slipped, and the bales +fell right on a dozen Russians." + +"That is very serious," I said. "Did it kill them?" + +"No," drawled he, with a slow smile; "it didn't exactly kill them, but +I guess it has flattened them out some." + +The "Bran" Wharf was then a large pontoon, with dwelling accommodation +for Custom-house officers and harbour officials. It was moored just at +the entrance to the dock or mole, and was in charge of an official who +regulated the berthing of vessels. This man was originally a boatswain +aboard a Russian warship. He was illiterate, but very clever, so much +so that great power was put into his hands; indeed, he became quite as +powerful in his way as his Imperial Majesty himself. Every +conceivable complaint and petty dispute was taken to him, and it was +soon found that it could be settled in a way that did not involve a +fine or imprisonment. In fact, there were occasions when a favourite +English captain or mate asked this official's aid in getting the +Russians to work properly. He would, if agreeably disposed, come +aboard, spit, stamp, and swear at the men in a most picturesque way, +and if he had had a glass or two of grog, or wanted one, and the +captain or mate made a very bad report, he would lash the skulkers +with a piece of rope. When he was finished there was no more need for +complaint. This notorious person was called Tom the Boatswain. He drew +very fine distinctions as to whom he favoured with his countenance and +his chastening rod. For obvious reasons, he loathed a Swede and a +Norwegian. In truth, he told me himself that Englishmen were "dobra" +(good), and that Norwegians and Swedes were "knet dobra." He spoke a +peculiar kind of English, with a fascinating accent, and when he went +his rounds in the early morning, rowed by two uniformed sailors, +studied respect was paid to him. His invitations to breakfast, or to +have a glass of brandy (which he preferred to whisky), indicated the +esteem, fear, or amount of favours inspired by him. He in turn +endeavoured to pay a hurried visit to each of his guests, ostensibly +to see that their vessels were properly berthed, and the men working +properly, but really to test the generosity of the captains, who +seldom let him go without a "douceur," which was sometimes +satisfactory. He was accustomed, when asked to have refreshment, to +request that his two men should have a nip also. One morning he +visited a favourite captain who had arranged with his mate to act +liberally towards the men. His stay in the cabin was prolonged, and +when he came on deck and called for the boat, his devoted henchmen did +not come forth. He looked over the quarter-deck, and was thrown into +frenzy by seeing them both lying speechless, their bodies in the +bottom, and their legs sticking up on the seats of the boat. He got +into her, kicked the two occupants freely without producing from them +any appreciable symptoms of life, and then finally rowed himself back +to the "Bran" Wharf. The two culprits were compulsory teetotalers +after that. + +Their master went on accumulating roubles, which, under Russian law, +Tom could not invest in his own name, and perhaps he had personal +reasons for secrecy. He did not allow the amount of his wealth to be +known to gentlemen who might have relieved him of the anxiety of +watching over it. But, alas! there came a period of great trial to +Tom. That portion of the "Bran" Wharf where the roubles were concealed +took fire. The occupants had to fly for their lives, and soon the +whole fabric was burnt to the water's edge. Another pontoon was +erected in its place, and Tom put in command; but before he had time +to replace the fortune he had lost, he was superseded by a naval +officer, and his roubles were taken from him. I believe his dismissal +was brought about by one of the countrymen to whom he had such a +strong aversion making a complaint to the Governor about his +partiality to Englishmen. Great sympathy was secretly extended to poor +Tom by his English friends, but the loss of his position and his +wealth broke his heart, and he only survived the blow for a few weeks. + +In addition to controlling the berthing of vessels, and keeping the +harbour free from confusion, it was Tom's duty to see that no fires or +lights were allowed either by day or night, and, as these rigid rules +were frequently broken, his "hush money" very largely contributed to +his already affluent income. Nor did his removal affect the +acquisitiveness of his successor, who loyally followed in his +footsteps. As soon as a sailing-vessel arrived in the Roads, the +galley fire had to be put out before she was allowed to come into the +Mole. All cooking was done ashore at a cookhouse that was loathsomely +dirty. A heavy charge was made for the use of the place, and also for +the hire of the cook's lurky, a flat-bottomed kind of boat constructed +of rough planks. These boats were invariably so leaky that on the +passage to and from the shore they became half-foil of water, and the +food was frequently spoiled in consequence. But, even if all went +right, the crews often had to partake of badly cooked, cold rations. +Many a meal was lost altogether, and once or twice a poor cook who +could not swim was drowned by the boat filling and capsizing. The +frail craft of this kind were of curious shape, and only a person who +had the knack could row them. No more comical sport could be witnessed +than the lurky race which was held every season. Many of the cooks +never acquired the art of rowing straight, and whenever they put a +spurt on the lurky would run amuck in consequence of being +flat-bottomed and having no keel. Then the carnival of collisions, +capsizing of boats, and rescuing of their occupants began. Some +disdained assistance, and heroically tried to right their erratic +"dug-outs." It would be impossible to draw a true picture of these +screamingly funny incidents, but be it remembered they were all +sailor-cooks who took part in the sport, and the riotous joy they +derived therefrom was always a pleasant memory, and kept them for +days in good temper for carrying out the pilgrimage to and from the +cookhouse. + +The popular English idea is that there are only two classes in +Russia--viz., the upper and lower; but this is quite a mistake. There +has always been a thrifty shopkeeping and artisan class, which may be +called their middle lower class. Then there is a class that comes +between them and the common labourer. Nearly all the shopkeepers that +carry on business at Cronstadt, Riga, and other Northern Russian ports +during the summer have their real homes in Moscow, and mostly all +speak a little English. There are also the boatmen, who are a +well-behaved, well-dressed lot of men, whose homes are in Archangel. +They, as well as the tradesmen, come every spring, and leave when the +port closes in the autumn. In the sailing-ship days each of the +greengrocers--as they were called, though they sold all kinds of +stores besides--had their connection. Every afternoon, between four +and six, batches of captains were to be found seated in a +greengrocer's shop having a glass of tea with a piece of lemon in it. +It was then they spun their yarns in detail about their passages, +their owners, their mates, their crews, and their loading and +discharging. If their vessels were unchartered they discussed that +too, but whenever they got authority from their owners to charter on +the best possible terms they became reticent and sly with each other. +To exchange views as to the rate that should be accepted would have +been regarded as a decided token of business incapacity. Supposing two +captains had their vessels unchartered, each would give instructions +to be called early in the morning, that they might go in the first +boat to St. Petersburg, and neither would know what the other +intended. When they met aboard the passenger boat they would lie to +each other grotesquely about what was taking them to town. If they +were unsuccessful in fixing, they rarely disclosed what had been +offered; and this would go on for days, until they had to fix; then +they would draw closer to each other, and relate in the most minute +fashion the history of all the negotiations, and how cleverly they +had gained this or that advantage over the charterers; whereas, in +truth, their agents or brokers had great trouble in getting some of +them to understand the precise nature of the business that was being +negotiated. The following is an instance. + +Mr. James Young, of South Shields, whose many vessels were +distinguished by having a frying-pan at the foretopgallant or royal +mast-head, had a brig at Cronstadt which had been waiting unloaded for +some days. Her master was one of the old illiterate class. His peace +of mind was much disturbed at Mr. Young's indifference. At last he got +a telegram asking him to wire the best freights offering. He proceeded +to St. Petersburg, bounced into Mr. Charles Maynard's office, and +introduced himself as Mark Gaze, one of Jimmy Young's skippers. + +"Well," said Mr. Maynard, in his polite way, "and what can I do for +you, Captain Gaze?" + +"Dee for me, sorr? Wire the aad villain that she's been lyin' a week +discharged." + +"Yes," said the broker, writing down something very different. "And +what else?" + +"Tell him," said Mark, "te fetch the aad keel back te the Gut, and let +hor lie and rot wheor he can see hor!" + +"Very good," said Maynard, still waiting; "and what else?" + +"Whaat else? Oh, tell him to gan to h----, and say Mark Gaze says see. +Ask him whaat the blazes he means be runnin' the risk of gettin' hor +frozzen in. Say aa'll seun be at Shields owerland, if he dizzen't mind +whaat he's aboot." + +"Well, now," said the agent, "I think we have got to the bottom of +things. We'll send this telegram off; but before it goes, would you +like me to read it to you?" + +"For God's sake send the d---- thing away!" said Mark. "And tell him +te come and tyek the aad beast hyem hissel; or, if he likes, aa'll run +hor on te Hogland for him." + +"Well, you do seem to understand your owner and speak plainly to him. +I should think he knows he has got an excellent master who looks +after his interest." + +"Interest! What diz he knaa aboot interest? He knaas mair aboot the +West Docks. Understand him, d'ye say? If aa divvent, thor's neebody in +his employ diz. Aa've been forty-five years wiv him and his fethor +tegithor. Aa sarved me time wiv him. He dorsent say a word, or aa'd +tell him to take his ship to h---- wiv him." + +"That is really capital," said the much amused agent. "Now, what do +you say, captain, if we have some light refreshment and a cigar?" + +"Ay, that's what aa caal business. But aa nivvor tyek leet +refreshment. Ma drink is brandy or whisky neat," said Captain Gaze, +his face beaming with good-nature. + +They proceeded to a restaurant, and when they got nicely settled down +with their drinks and smokes, the skipper remarked-- + +"Aa wonder what Jimmie waad say if he could see Mark Gaze sittin' in a +hotel hevvin' his whisky and smokin' a cigar?" + +"I should think," said Mr. Maynard, "he would raise your wages, or +give you command of a larger ship." And then there was hearty +laughter. + +Captain Gaze had a profound dislike to Russians, and more than once +narrowly escaped severe punishment for showing it. I have often heard +him swearing frightfully at the men passing deals from the lighters +into the bow ports of his vessel, and declaring that God Almighty must +have had little on hand when he put them on earth. Certainly he would +have considered it an act of gross injustice if, having killed or +drowned any of them, he had been punished for it. + +Mark did not know anything about history that was written in books. He +only knew that which had occurred in his own time, and the crude bits +he had heard talked of amongst his own class. He, and those who were +his shipmates and contemporaries during the Russian War, believed that +a great act of cowardice and bad treatment had been committed in not +allowing Charlie Napier to blow the forts down and take possession of +Cronstadt.[2] They knew nothing of the circumstances that led to the +withdrawal of the fleet, but their inherent belief was that a dirty +trick had been served on Charlie, and Russians, irrespective of class, +were told whenever an opportunity occurred, that they should never +neglect to thank Heaven that the British Government was so generous as +to refrain from blowing them into space. + +At Cronstadt, after the introduction of steam, it became a custom for +stevedores' runners, and representatives and vendors of other +commodities, to have their boats outside the Mole at three and four +o'clock in the morning during the summer. The captain of each vessel, +as soon as she was slowed down or anchored, was canvassed vigorously +by each of the competitors. One morning, the representative of Deal +Yard No. 6, who was an ex-English captain, came into sharp conflict +with a Russian competitor. The latter rudely interrupted the +ex-captain while he was complimenting a friend who had just arrived on +having made a smart passage. All captains like to be told they have +made a smart passage, but the ardent advocate of Deal Yard No. 6 kept +welcoming his friend at great length, obviously to prevent the other +runners from getting a word at the new arrival. There arose a revolt +against him, headed by a person who was always supposed to be a +Russian, but who spoke English more correctly than his English +competitor. The ex-captain was somewhat corpulent. He was short, and +had a plump, good-natured face which suggested that he was not a +bigoted teetotaler; he had a suit of clothes on that did not convey +the idea of a West-end tailor; his dialect was broad Yorkshire, and +his conversational capacity interminable. The representative of No. 10 +Deal Yard undertook to stop his flow of rhetoric by calling out, +"Stop it, old baggy breeches! Give other people a chance!" But he paid +no heed, and did not even break the thread of his talk until the +captain of the steamer began to walk towards the companion-way, when +he stopped short and said, "Well, I suppose I'm to book you for No. +6?" and then there was a clamour. The whole of the runners wished to +get their word in before the captain definitely promised, but they +were too late. No. 6 had got it; but instead of accepting his success +modestly, he was so elated at having taken away an order from another +yard, that he stood up in his boat and congratulated himself on being +an Englishman. + +"No use you fellows coming off here when I'm awake; and, you bet, I'm +always awake when there's any Muscovite backstairs gentlemen about." + +As the boats were being rowed into the Mole again, some one asked who +had got the ship. The Russian competitor, who was angry at the work +being taken from his master, called out, "Bags has got her, the +drunken old sneak!" + +Bags lost no time in letting fly an oar at him, the yoke and rudder +quickly following. His vengeance was let loose, and he poured forth a +stream of quarter-deck language at the top of his voice. His phrases +were dazzling in ingenuity, and amid much laughter and applause he +urged his hearers to keep at a distance from the fellow who had dared +to insult an English shipmaster. + +"Or you will get some passengers that will keep you busy. +They--_he_--calls them _peoches_, but we English call them _lice_!" + +This sally caused immense amusement, not so much for what was said as +for his dramatic style of saying it. His antagonist retorted that he +had been turned out of England for bad language and bad behaviour, and +he would have him turned out of Russia also. This nearly choked the +old mariner with rage. He roared out-- + +"Did I, an English shipmaster, ever think that I would come to this, +to be insulted by a Russian serf? I will let the Government know that +an Englishman has been insulted. I will lay the iniquities of this +Russian system of rascality before Benjamin Disraeli. I knows him; and +if he is the man I takes him for, he won't stand any nonsense when it +comes to insulting English subjects. He has brought the Indian troops +from India for that purpose, and when the honour of England is at +stake he will send the fleet into the Baltic, and neither your ships +nor your forts will prevent his orders to blow Cronstadt down about +your blooming ears being carried out. I know where your torpedoes and +mines are, and Disraeli has confidence in me showing them the road to +victory. The British Lion never draws back!" + +The Russian deal-yard man, to whom this harangue was particularly +directed, went to the Governor on landing, and stated what the rough, +weather-beaten old sailor had been saying. The Governor communicated +with the authorities at St. Petersburg, and an order came to have the +old Englishman banished from Cronstadt and Russia for ever within +twenty-four hours. The poor creature had made a home for himself in +Cronstadt, his wife and four children being with him. The blow was so +sharp and unexpected, it stupefied him. His first thought was his +family, but there was little or no time for thought or preparation. He +had either to be got away or concealed. A liberal distribution of +roubles at the instigation of many sympathizers made it possible for +him to be put aboard an English steamer, and a week after his +banishment was supposed to have taken effect he sailed from Cronstadt, +a ruined and broken-hearted man. The old sailor's grief for the harm +his wayward conduct had done to his wife and family was quite +pathetic, and so far as kindness could appease the mental anguish he +was having to endure it was ungrudgingly extended to him, and when he +left Cronstadt he left behind him a host of sympathizers who regarded +the punishment as odious. + +The fact of any public official listening to a miscreant who told the +story of a stevedores' row, to which he himself had been a party, and +seriously believing that the threats, however extravagant and +bellicose, of a verbose old sailor could be a national danger, is, on +the face of it, so ludicrous that the English reader may easily doubt +the accuracy of such an incident; and yet it is true. + + * * * * * + +In other days I used occasionally to meet members of the Russian +revolutionary party at my brother's home in London. They were all men +and women of education and refinement. The first time I met them the +late Robert Louis Stevenson (who generally used the window as a means +of exit instead of the door), William Henley, George Collins (editor +of the _Schoolmaster_), and, I think, Mr. Wright (author of _the +Journeyman Engineer_) were there. The talk was very brilliant. My +brother, who was a charming conversationalist, kept his visitors +fascinated with anecdotes about Carlyle and John Ruskin, whom he knew +well. They spoke, too, about the unsigned articles which they were +each contributing to a paper called the _London_, and their criticism +of each other's work was very lively. But to me the most touching +incident of the afternoon was the story told by one of the +revolutionary party about Sophie Peroffsky, who mounted the scaffold +with four of her friends, kissed and encouraged them with cheering +words until the time came that they should be executed. He related +also a touching and detailed story of little Marie Soubitine, who +refused to purchase her own safety by uttering a word to betray her +friends, and was kept lingering in an underground dungeon for three +years, at the end of which she was sent off to Siberia, and died on +the road. No amount of torture could make her betray her friends. They +spoke of Antonoff, who was subjected to the thumbscrew, had red-hot +wires thrust under his nails, and when his torturers gave him a little +respite he would scratch on his plate cipher signals to his comrades. + +The account of the cause and origin of the revolutionary movement and +its subsequent history, which sparkled with heroic deeds, was told in +a quiet, unostentatious manner. I had just come from Russia. I had +been much in that country, and thought I knew a great deal about it +and the sinister system of government that breeds revolutionaries; but +the tales of cruel, senseless despotism told by these people made me +shudder with horror. I had been accustomed to abhor and look upon +Nihilists as a scoundrelly gang of lawless butchers, but I found them +the most cultured of patriots, loving their country, though detesting +the barbarous system of government which had driven them and thousands +of their compatriots from the land and friends they loved, and from +the estates they owned, into resigned and determined agitation for +popular government and the amelioration of their people. The upholders +of this despotic system of government are now engaged in a +life-and-death struggle, and all civilized nations are looking forward +to the time when, for the first time in its history, Right and not +Might shall prevail in Russia. It has been said, "Happy is the nation +that has no history." Russia knows this to her cost, for her history +is being made every day, with all the horrible accompaniments of +massacres, injustice, and tyranny. Only it should be remembered that +the fight must be between tyranny and liberty, and that the Russian +peasant must work out his own salvation. This may be--nay, must +be--the work of years, but England's sympathy will be with the workers +for freedom. English feeling on the matter was well expressed by the +statesman who had the courage to say publicly, "Long live the Duma!" +and every Englishman will in his heart of hearts applaud any efforts +made to secure constitutional government. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 2: Napier was a great favourite with his sailors, +notwithstanding his apparent harshness to them at times. Whenever he +wanted a dash made on a strong position, he inspired them with a fury +of enthusiasm by giving the word of command incisively, and then +adding as an addendum, "Now, off you go, you damned rascals, and +exterminate them." This was a form of endearment, and they knew it.] + + + + +"Dutchy" and his Chief + + +A handsome barque lay at the quay of a South Wales port, ready to +sail, and waiting only for the flood tide. Her name was the _Pacific_, +and she was commanded by a person of laborious dignity. His officers +were selected to meet the tastes and ambitions of their captain, whose +name was John Kickem. I have said before it was customary in those +days for crowds of people to congregate on the quays or dock sides to +watch the departure of vessels. Some came out of curiosity, but many +were the relatives and friends of different members of the crew who +wished to say their _adieux_, and to listen to the sombre singing of +the chanties as the men mastheaded the topsail yards, or catted and +fished the anchors. These vessels were known as copper-ore-men. They +were usually manned with picked able seamen and three apprentices. In +this instance they were all fine specimens of English manhood. It was +no ordinary sight to witness the display of bunting as it stretched +from royal truck to rail, and the grotesque love-making of the +seafarers as they hugged and kissed their wives and sweethearts over +and over again with amazing rapidity. One of the favourite songs which +they delighted to sing on such auspicious occasions was rendered with +touching pathos-- + + "Sing good-bye to Sal, and good-bye to Sue; + Away Rio! + And you that are list'ning, good-bye to you; + For we're bound to Rio Grande! + And away Rio, aye Rio! + Sing fare ye well, my bonny young girl, + We're bound to Rio Grande." + +It didn't matter, of course, where they were bound to, this ditty was +the farewell song; and it always had the desired effect of melting +the bystanders, especially the females, though Jack himself showed no +really soft emotion. Not that they were not sentimental, but theirs +seemed always to be a frolicsome sentimentality. + +The eldest apprentice of the _Pacific_ was in his eighteenth year. He +was a fine, broad-shouldered, fair-haired, medium-sized youth. He had +been dividing his attentions amongst a number of girl admirers, and +was told to come aboard to unmoor and give the tug the tow-rope. While +these orders were being carried out the lad caught sight of a young +girl who had just arrived in a great state of excitement. She was +dressed in dazzling finery, and carrying something in a basket. The +boy sprang on to the dock wall, and created much merriment with his +elephantine caresses. They shouted to him from the vessel to jump +aboard or he would lose his passage. He made a running spring for the +main rigging as she was being towed from her berth. A wild cheer went +up from the crowd when they saw the smart thing that had been done, +and that he was safe. The devoted female who had caused him to dare so +much, in the luxuriance of grief, shouted to him-- + +"Good-bye, Jim! You've always been a rare good pal to a girl. Take +care of yourself; and mind, no sweethearts at every port!" The latter +communication was made almost inarticulate with sobbing. Her last +words were, "Don't forget, Jim!" To which he replied, "You bet, I +won't!" + +Soon the attractive craft, and her equally attractive crew were lost +sight of amidst the haze of the gathering night. A quiet, easterly air +was fitfully blowing in the Channel, and when full sail was set, the +pilot and tug left. All night she trailed sinuously over the peaceful +sea, and as the cold dawn was breaking she slid past the south end of +Lundy Island with a freshening breeze at her stern. In a few days the +north-east trade winds which blow gently over the bosom of the ocean +were reached, and every stitch of canvas was hung up. The sailors had +got over their monotony, and began to entertain themselves during the +dog-watches from six to eight. The imperious commander was never happy +himself, and was angry at the sight of mirth in anybody. He forthwith +commenced a system that was well calculated to breed revolt, and which +did ultimately do so. Orders were given that there were to be no +afternoon watches below, and all hands were to be kept at work until 6 +p.m. In addition to this petty tyranny, the crew were put on their +bare whack of everything, including water; and so the dreary days and +nights passed on until Cape Horn was reached. They had long realized +that the burden of their song should be "Good-day, bad day, God send +Sunday." The weather was stormy off the Horn, and nearly a month was +spent in fruitless attempts to get round. The spirit had been knocked +out of the officers and crew by senseless bullying and wicked +persecution. They had no heart left to put into their work, otherwise +the vessel would have got past this boisterous region in half the +time. At last she arrived at Iquique, and, like all ill-conditioned +creatures who have been born wrong and have polecat natures, the +captain blamed the hapless officers and crew for the long passage, and +in order to punish the poor innocent fellows, he refused to them both +money and liberty to go ashore. Treatment of such a character could +only have one ending--and that was mutiny, if not murder; and yet this +senseless fellow, in defiance of all human law, kept on goading them +to it. He was warned by a catspaw (whom even despised bullies can have +in their pay) that the forecastle was a hotbed of murderous intent, +and that for his own safety he should give the men liberty to go +ashore, and advance them what money they required. + +"Let them revolt!" said he. "I will soon have them where they deserve +to be, the rascals. Let them, if they dare, disturb me in my cabin, +and I'll riddle them with lead. If they want to go ashore, let them go +without liberty; but if they do, their wages will be forfeited, and I +will have them put in prison." + +A policy of this kind was the more remarkable, as even if the men were +driven to desertion it was impossible to fill their places at anything +like the same wages, or with the same material. The available hands +were either not sailors at all, or if they were, they belonged to the +criminal class that feared neither God nor man, and knew no law or +pity except that which was unto themselves. On the other hand, this +vessel was manned with the cream of British seamen, who would have +dared anything for their captain and owners had they been treated as +was their right. He had run the length of human forbearance. The crew +struck. They demanded to see the British Consul, and submit their +grievances to him. Sometimes this authority is but a poor tribunal to +appeal to when real discrimination is to be determined. On this +occasion the seamen were fortunate in getting a sympathetic verdict, +and the captain got what he deserved--a good trouncing for his +treatment of them. They were willing to sign off the articles, and he +was plainly told that they must either be paid their wages in full, or +he undertake to carry out the conditions of engagement in a proper +manner. "And I must warn you," said the irate official of the British +Government, "if you drive these men out of your ship, you may expect +no assistance from me in collecting another crew. The men are right, +and you are wrong." + +The captain was in a state of sullen passion at the turn things had +taken against him. He said that he would decide the following day +whether the proper course for him to take, now that his authority had +been broken, was to pay the men off or not. On the morrow he +intimated his decision to pay them off. Poor creature, it would have +been well for him and all connected with this doomed vessel had he +swallowed his pride and resolved to behave in a rational way to his +crew. The places of respectable men were filled with human reptiles of +various nationalities--criminals, every one of them. He must have +persuaded himself that his despotism would have fuller play with these +foreigners, whose savage vengeance was destined to shock the whole +civilized world with their awful butchery. The apprentices and +officers did not take kindly to the changed condition of things. They +instinctively felt that they were to become associated with a gang of +-, and hoped that something would transpire to prevent this +happening. An opportunity was given the oldest apprentice in an +unexpected way. The captain had ordered his gig to be ashore to take +him aboard at a certain time at night. The boat was there before the +captain, and as he was so long in coming the boat's crew went for a +walk ashore. The great man came down and had to wait a few minutes for +his men. This caused him to become abusive, which the oldest +apprentice, James Leigh, resented by using some longshore adjectives. +The master seized the foothold of the stroke oar and threw it at the +lad, and when they got aboard the captain again attempted to strike +him, but the lad let fly, and did considerable damage in a rough and +tumble way to the bully, who was now like a wild beast. James was +ultimately overpowered and got a bad beating. He thereupon determined +to run away, and he laid his plans accordingly. In a few days he was +far away from the sea in a safe, hospitable hiding-place, with some +friends who knew his family at home, and the _Pacific_ had sailed long +before he reached the coast again. + +After a few months' travelling about, picking up jobs here and there, +he was brought in contact with a rich old Spaniard who owned a leaky +old barque which was employed in the coasting trade. The captain of +her was a Dutchman who spoke English very imperfectly, and what he did +know was spoken with a nasal Yankee twang. It was a habit, as well as +being thought an accomplishment in those days, as it is in these, to +affect American dialect and adopt their slang and mannerisms in order +to convey an impression of importance. Even a brief visit to the +country, or a single passage in a Yankee ship was sufficient to turn a +hitherto humble fellow into an insufferable imitator. It was obvious +the skipper had been a good deal on the Spanish Main, as he spoke +their language with a fluency that left no doubt as to what he had +been doing for many years. He was discovered at a time when the owner +was in much need of some one to take charge of his vessel, as she did +not attract the highest order of captain. The Dutchman had no Board of +Trade master or mate certificate; he was merely a sailor. James Leigh +was discovered in pretty much the same way as the captain, and the +owner took a strong liking to him at the outset. He was good to look +at, and gifted with a bright intelligence which made him attractive, +besides having the advantage of knowing something about navigation. +The chief mate's berth was offered to him and accepted. Furthermore, +it was suggested that he should visit and stay at the owner's house, +whenever the vessel was in port and his services were not required +aboard, and seeing that he was not yet eighteen, he felt flattered at +the distinction that had been thrust upon him. Perhaps he accepted the +invitation all the more readily as he was informed by his employer +that he had two daughters that would like to make his acquaintance. + +The first voyage was to Coronel and back with coal to Iquique. Mr. +Leigh, as he was now addressed by everybody, on the ship or ashore, +had intimated to his commander that he liked his berth for the +prospects that might open up to him, but he didn't relish the thought +of having to pump so continuously; whereupon Captain Vandertallen +winked hard at him, and strongly urged that it should be put up with, +and to keep his eye on the girls who were to inherit their father's +fortune. + +"I tink," said he, "I vill marry de one and you vill have de other." + +"I don't know about that," retorted James Leigh. "You see I've a girl +at home, and somehow I thinks a lot about her. But a bit of money +makes a difference; I must think it over." + +Quarterdeck etiquette was not observed between the two men. The +captain addressed his first officer as Jim, and Jim addressed his +captain as "Dutchy." This familiarity was arrived at soon after they +came together, owing to a strong difference of opinion on some point +of seamanship which had to do with the way a topgallant sail ought to +be taken in without running any risk of splitting it. The quarrel was +furious. Jim had called his commander "a blithering, fat-headed +Dutchman, not fit to have charge of a dung barge, much less a +square-rigged ship. Captain Kickem of the _Pacific_ would not have +carried you as ballast." + +Vandertallen was almost inarticulate. He frothed out-- + +"Yes, an' you he vould not carry at all; you too much chick. Remember +I the captain, and I vill discharge you at first port." + +"Oh, you go to h----!" + +"No, I vill not go to h----. I'll just stay here, and you can go to +----. You jist a boy." + +"All right, Dutchy," replied the refractory mate; "you'll want me +before I want you." + +And this was a correct prediction, as, a few days later, Dutchy lost +himself, and was obliged to come to his mate and ask the true position +of the vessel. + +"I am not captain," said he. "Do it yourself; you are a very clever +fellow." + +"No, no," said Vandertallen; "you know better dan me. Let us be +friends, Jim. I call you Jim; you call me Dutchy, or vat you like." + +"All right, then," said James Leigh. "If that is to be the way, I'll +tell you where you are, and if you had run in the same direction other +four hours you would have been ashore on the Island of Mocha." + +"Vair is dat?" said Vandertallen, nervously. + +"For Heaven's sake don't ask such silly questions," said the mate. +"You are miles out of your reckoning." + +"Vell, I'm d----!" said the amazed skipper. "Den you must do de +reckonin' now, Jim." + +"That's all very well, Dutchy, but if I have to do the navigation I am +entitled to share the pay." + +"Vary vell," replied his captain, "dat agree." + +So henceforth they were co-partners in everything--wages, +perquisites, and position; and they never again got out of their +reckoning. It was obvious James was first favourite with the crew, +and after the first voyage the veteran owner showed his marked +approval. Jim was allowed to do just as he pleased. The daughters were +charmed with him, and frequently visited the vessel with their father +when the officers could not get conveniently to their home. A strong +and growing attachment was quite apparent so far as the girls were +concerned. There seemed to be a preference with both of them for the +first mate, who, in turn, fixed his affections on the youngest. His +comrade was not quite satisfied with being so frequently ignored, so +remonstrated with Jim to stick to one, and he would stick to the +other; but the ladies having to be taken into account, it did not work +at all smoothly, as each desired to have Mr. Leigh, and before it was +settled the sisters had a violent tiff, which brought about the climax +and made it possible for negotiations to be carried on in favour of a +settlement. The father selected the elder girl for Vandertallen, and +the younger was fixed on Leigh, who threw himself into the vortex of +flirtation with youthful ardour. He thought at one time of marrying +and settling down in Chili, and undoubtedly the owner and daughter +gave encouragement to this idea. + +But letters began to arrive from home, which had an unsettling effect +on him. He was afraid to give his confidence to the captain lest he +might break faith with him, but in truth his mind and heart were +centred on a picturesque spot on the side of a Welsh hill, and in that +little home there was one who longed to have him back. Indeed, she had +written to say that if he did not come soon to her she would come to +him. These communications revived all the old feelings of affection in +his breast, and he resolved to tear himself away from the environment +which had gripped him like a vice. The old Spaniard kept hinting +marriage to him each time he paid a visit to the superb villa, but he +refused to be drawn into anything definite. As he said-- + +"The place is getting too hot for me. I must face it sooner or later +if I am not to permanently settle in Chili. Once married it is all +over with me. I will have loads of money, but am I sure it will bring +happiness? I think I must say that I lean towards a daughter of my +native land, who may not have wealth, but who has all the attributes +that appeal to me. In a few days I must decide." + +These were some of the thoughts occupying Jim's mind as the leaky old +ark lounged her way along the coast. The captain, on the other hand, +talked freely to his mate as to his own thoughts, prompted no doubt by +close companionship and the idea of becoming brothers-in-law. He told +Leigh that both of them would be very wealthy some day, but Jim kept +his counsel. He had resolved that if the subject was mentioned by the +Spaniard again he would make himself scarce. + +On their arrival at Iquique, Leigh received more letters from home. He +went to the owner's house, and in the course of the evening the old +gentleman asked him right out to marry his daughter. Mr. Leigh was +confused, and said he would like to save a little more money. + +"Never mind the money. You will have plenty of that," said the father. + +It was duly arranged that the wedding should take place at the end of +the next trip, and on the strength of that there was much rejoicing at +the villa, in which James Leigh heartily joined. He was pressed to +stay all night with the happy family, but he said that he could not do +so, owing to pressing official duties; so he bade his usual _adieux_, +and slipped out into the balmy night and made his way aboard the +vessel. He packed his belongings in a bag, woke the captain, who was +asleep in his berth, shook hands with him, and said-- + +"Good-bye, Dutchy. _You_ can do what you blessed well like, but I am +off." + +And before the captain had recovered from his sleepy amazement his +mate had slipped over the side into a boat. That was the last Dutchy +ever saw of his prospective brother-in-law. + +James Leigh stowed himself away aboard a Yankee full-rigged +packet-ship which had to sail the following morning, and when the +coast was clear he made his appearance. He was subjected for a time to +that brutal treatment which at one time disgraced the American +mercantile marine,[3] but being a smart young fellow who could do the +work of a competent seaman, and handle his "dukes" with aptitude, the +officers began to show partiality towards him, and before many days he +became quite a favourite with them and with the captain. To his +surprise, when the vessel had been at Philadelphia a few days, he was +asked to qualify for the second officer's berth. He received the +compliment with modest reserve, but his inward pride gave him trouble +to control. This was a position of no mean order even to men far +beyond _his_ years, but the thought of serving as an officer under the +magic Stars and Stripes was more fascinating than any pride he had in +the size of the vessel. A life of slash and dash was just the kind of +experience that appealed to a full-blooded rip like Jim Leigh, so that +he needed no persuading to take the offer, and adapt himself with +fervour to the new conditions, which invested him with the +knuckle-duster, the belaying pin, and the six-shooter. The _Betty +Sharp_ was chartered for London instead of the Far East, as was +expected, and twenty days after passing Cape Henry she entered the +Thames; but even in that short time the sprightly officer had made +quite a name for himself, by his methods of training and taming a +heterogeneous team of packet rats. + +As the vessel was being hauled into the Millwall Docks, spectators +were attracted by the disfigured condition of many of the crew. A +gentleman came aboard to solicit business, and after a few preliminary +remarks he said-- + +"Pardon me, captain, but I cannot help noticing that some of your +sailors look as though there had been fighting. Did they mutiny?" + +"Well, no; it was not exactly mutiny, but it was getting near to it." + +"It must have been an anxious time for you, sir," continued the +visitor. + +"Well, no; I guess I was not anxious at all, for my officers went +about their rough work with some muscular vigour. The war-paint was +soon put on and the rebellion squashed out of them. The chief officer, +understand, is an old hand at the game; and that there young fellow, +the second officer, takes to the business kindly. So we'll get along +right away." + +When the vessel was moored and the decks cleared up, the second +officer and the boatswain asked the captain's permission to go ashore +for the evening. This was granted, with a strong admonition to keep +straight and return aboard sober. The boatswain was a short, thick-set +man, with no education, but a sailor all over in his habits, manner, +and conversation, and was just the kind of person to have as a +companion if there was any trouble about. The two sailors were like +schoolboys on a holiday. They were well received by their friends, +male and female. In the West of London both were objects of interest, +and told their tales with unfailing exaggeration. The boatswain was +especially attractive, owing to his rugged personality and his +unaffected manner. His sanguinary tales of American packet-ship life +were much canvassed for, and being a good story-teller, he embellished +them with incidents that gave them a fine finishing touch. He was +asked by some young ladies if he had ever done any courting. + +"Oh yes," said he; "I have mixed a lot of that up with other things. +The very last time I was stranded in Chili I got on courting a girl +whose mother kept a bit of an hotel, and I was getting on famously, +when one day the old lady told me I wasn't to come about her house +after her daughter; but I kept on going in a sort of secret way, and +one night I was sitting in what you would call the kitchen, and the +old girl sneaked in with a great big stick. I saw the fury in her eye. +She made a go for me. I couldn't get out, so I bobbed under a +four-legged wooden table, picked it up on my shoulders, and tried to +protect my legs as much as I could. The girl screamed, and rushed to +open the door, and then called out for me to run. I didn't need any +telling. I rushed out, the old witch laying on the table with all her +might until I got out of her reach. And that is the way I am here, +because I shipped at once aboard the _Betty Sharp_, for fear I might +be copped and put in choky by the old fiend." + +"Have you heard from your sweetheart since?" asked one of the ladies. + +"No," said Jack the boatswain; "nor I don't want to. I'll soon get +another where they knows how to treat genuine sweetheartin'." + +Jim Leigh at this point said-- + +"Now then 'Shortlegs,' we must be going. I've heard that yarn fifty +times." + +"Yes, _you_ have; but these here ladies haven't." + +"Quite right," said the ladies. "And we would like you to continue +telling some more of your love experiences on the Spanish Main." + +Jack, however, said-- + +"Well, not to-night. Jim wants to get away. I'll come some other +time." + +The two sailors then left and made their way back to the docks, and as +they approached the East End a fog which had been hanging over became +so dense that they could not see where they were, and after groping +about for a couple of hours they ran against a house which had a light +in the window. Jim rapped at the door, and a man presented himself. He +was only partially clad. His voice and dialect left no doubt as to the +locality they were in. + +"Wot yer doin' of 'ere this time o' night? 'Ave yer come to rob some +o' these yere 'ouses, or wot's yer gime?" + +Mr. Leigh was a talkative person, and hastened to explain where they +were going, and that they could not find their way. The man asked the +two officers in, and presented them to a woman who sat by the fire +with a shawl over her shoulders. She was young, and seemed to be of +the gipsy type; tall, handsome features, jet black hair, sparkling +eyes and eyebrows; and when she asked them to be seated, her voice and +accent gave the impression of a lady. She chatted quite freely to the +sailors about their profession and the countries they had visited, +which led them to suppose that the lady was a great traveller. She, +however, told them that her knowledge was derived from books. +Shortlegs was mute. While the others talked he was closely +scrutinizing the surroundings. Their host was a tall, well-set man, +with shifty, evil-looking eyes that were kept busy, as was his tongue. +After they had been in the house some time, he asked them if they +wished to stay all night. + +"We don't want ter press yer, but if yer like we've got a comfortable +room. But ye'll both 'ave to sleep in one bed." + +"We don't mind that," said James Leigh. "Show us where it is." + +They bade the lady good morning, as it was 2 a.m., and they were +escorted upstairs to a moderately-furnished room with an iron bed, +wooden washstand, wardrobe, two chairs, and canvased floor. + +"Well, do you think it'll do?" asked the host. + +"Yes," replied James, in a jaunty way. "We've slept in many a worse +place than this, Shorty, haven't we? See that we're called at six in +the morning, gov'nor." + +"That's all right," said the shifty-eyed host; "we're early birds, we +are, in this 'ere 'ouse. We goes to bed early too. Wot'll ye 'ave for +breakfast?" + +"Never mind breakfast; we'll get that when we get aboard," replied +Leigh. "Good-night; it's very good of you to put us up." + +The host remarked that he was pleased to do a kindness to anybody, but +especially to sailors, and then he slid out of the room. Shortlegs +watched him downstairs, then closed the door. When he looked round his +second officer was half undressed. He whispered to him not to undress, +and that if he knew as much about bugs as he did he would need no +telling. + +"Oh! d---- the bugs and everything else. I'm in for a good nap." + +"Well," said Shortlegs, "you may do as you like, but I'm a-going to +keep my clothes on." + +Jim, however, did not heed his companion's advice; he undressed, +jumped into bed, and was soon asleep. Shortlegs sat smoking his pipe +for a while, then rose and commenced a survey of the room. He looked +under the bed, into a cupboard, behind the curtains, and then sat down +and pondered over their strange experience. At last he pulled his +boots and coat off, and was preparing to get into bed, when it +occurred to him that he had not examined the wardrobe; so he jumped +up, opened the door, stood gazing at the inside, closed the door, +went to the bed, shook his mate into consciousness, and speaking in a +loud whisper, he said-- + +"Jim, for God's sake get up!" + +"What for?" said Jim. + +"Because there's a dead 'un in the wardrobe," replied Shortlegs. + +"A what?" asked Mr. Leigh. + +"A corpse," responded his companion. + +"Go on, don't talk such rot!" + +"Very well, look for yourself," said the boatswain, who again opened +the door, and exposed the dead body to view. James Leigh turned pallid +and almost inarticulate. He could only touch his friend on the +shoulder, and utter-- + +"My God, where are we? What shall we do with the corpse?" + +Visions of being had up for murder had seized him. But he was quickly +pulled up by his more discreet shipmate, who told him to cease +speaking, allow the dead 'un to remain where he was, keep their boots +off, open the window quietly, see how far it was to drop or to lower +themselves down with the bedclothes. This being done, they found the +plan of escape impracticable without being "nabbed," so they took the +bold resolve of going out as they had come in, with their boots on. +Before they had got half-way down the stairs they heard suppressed +conversation. It was evident they were detected. + +"Use your knuckle-duster, Jim, if necessary, and charge them with +murder," whispered Shortlegs. + +"You leave that to me, Shorty; I'm going to get out of this." + +When they reached the bottom of the stairs, the room door, which was +ajar, opened, and the man who showed them upstairs stood before them. +He was in his sleeping clothes. They requested him to open the outer +door and let them out, as they did not desire to remain any longer in +the house. He asked why they were leaving comfortable lodgings on +such a night. Jim being the spokesman, said they didn't like sleeping +with corpses, and raising his voice with nervous courage, declared +that if the door was not immediately opened he would stand a good +chance of being put in the wardrobe where the other poor devil was. +The wretched bully, shivering with passion and sudden fear, made a +grab at Jim, and in an instant he was lying on the floor, and the two +sailors opened the door and stepped out into the cold fog. + +"My God, what an experience!" said Shorty. "What a lucky thing I +looked in the wardrobe. We might have been given up to the police as +the murderers; and that lady, as we thought, what a demon she must be +to be connected with such." + +"My dear fellow," said the second mate, "don't say anything wrong +against the lady. How do we know but she is a prisoner, or in some way +beholden to the rascal. What a strange thing she never appeared. I +wonder if she was there. She must have been, as we heard voices." + +"That's right enough," said the boatswain; "but was it her voice?" + +"I never thought of that, Shorty. What d'ye say if we go back and try +and learn more about this mysterious affair?" + +"Not me," said Shorty; "I've had enough of this kind of experience." + +"But," remonstrated the officer, "suppose the lady is in captivity?" + +"Never mind that, boss. I don't care if there were twenty blessed +women in captivity. I'm not going back, because I thinks the lady is +in the swim." + +"Nonsense, Shorts. She is an educated woman!" + +"Yes; and I've heard, boss, of educated women doin' funny things. How +d'ye know but it's her husband that's in the wardrobe, gov'nor? No, +no; I knows some of these 'ere ladies, and I'm not a-going to mix +myself up with them. And if you takes my advice you'll stick to me and +get aboard as soon as we can. And keep this 'ere affair mum, or we may +have a visit from some of her Majesty's detectives." + +"Well," ejaculated James Leigh, "it is a mystery, and must remain such +so far as we are concerned. But I am tempted to tell the police, as I +feel certain that woman cannot be there of her own free will." + +"Woman be d----d, boss! How do you know, as I said before, that she's +not at the bottom of it? You never knew an affair like this that a +woman had not her hand in it; and if you are going to give +information, don't introduce your humble servant, who has his own +ideas of this 'ere person." + +The young fellows had talked on ever since they left the tomb of the +dead, unheeding the direction in which they were going. When the fog +cleared they found themselves amidst the East End slums, environed by +all that was villainous. They were not long in winding their way +aboard the _Betty Sharp_. The night's exploits made a deep impression +on James Leigh; it caused him to review the Bohemian career he had +lived ever since he ran away from the _Pacific_ in Chili. He resolved +to pay a visit to his home in Wales, as he was so near, and in spite +of strong protestations on the part of the captain he resigned his +post. There was great rejoicing in the little village when he +unexpectedly made his appearance. The news of the mutiny aboard the +_Pacific_, and the tragic end of the captain, officers, and part of +the crew preceded him. His family had blamed him for leaving at +Iquique. They now said he had been guided by a strange but merciful +Providence to his old home. He told the eager listeners of the family +circle many tales of daring adventure as they sat in the cosy room by +the fire, but whenever the gruesome figure of the dead man in the +wardrobe crossed his mind he became reticent and pensive. These +lapses did not go unnoticed, and he was often pressed for the cause of +so sudden a change from mirth to sullen silence. + +"I will tell you what it is," said he; "a corpse is the cause." + +And then he told them all about it. James Leigh's change of life, +manner, and habits dated from the dreaded night when he saw with his +own eyes the ghastly figure of what he believed to be a murdered man. +From being a roving, reckless, devil-may-care sailor, he settled into +a steady, ambitious, capable man. He married a Welsh girl after his +own heart, and forgot all about the daughter of the old Spaniard, who, +if subsequent accounts were correct, pined for his return to Chili. +Mrs. Leigh resented any allusion to the Spanish maiden. She always +reminded her husband that people should marry their own countrywomen, +and that instead of thinking of her he should be using his mind in +attaining that knowledge that would enable him to reach the height of +his profession. He was not long in satisfying the lady's ambition and +his own. In less than five years from leaving the Yankee ship he was +in command of a smart, up-to-date English steamer, trading between +Mozambique and Zanzibar, trafficking in slaves and other merchandise. +He made heaps of money for his owners, and was gifted with an aptitude +for never neglecting himself in matters of finance. In due course the +trade collapsed, and he was ordered to bring his vessel home. By this +time his savings from several sources had accumulated to a decent +little fortune, and with it he resolved to start business on his own +account. He sought the aid of a few friends, and was enabled to +purchase a small steamer. It was while he was on a visit to this +much-boasted-of craft that he came across Shorty at a fair outside +Cardiff. The rugged ex-boatswain had a machine for trying strength, +and asked him to have a go. Captain Leigh recognized his old shipmate +by a defect in his speech, and made himself known. Shorty was filled +with delight, and would have given him the whole show. He rushed off, +called out to a lady who was attending to the machine, and brought her +to be introduced. + +"This is my bit o' cracklen, Jim. She's a good 'un, she is. Now, don't +ye be a-fallin' in love with her, James, as you used to with the other +girls out in Chili, ancetera, ancetera. Don't ye reckonize her? Don't +ye remember that fine hotel we landed in, and the wardrobe and one or +two other incidents?" + +"I do," said Captain James Leigh; "but surely this is not?" + +"Yes, it is," said the proud husband. "It's she, isn't it, chubby?" + +The lady merely nodded her head and smiled. + +"Then what have you been doing, Shorty, all these years?" + +"This," said he, pointing to the show. "I never got over the 'orror of +that night, so I made my mind up not to go a rovin' agen; and this +'ere girl, that I thought so badly of, 'as helped me to make a livin' +ever since I came across her. Very queer, you was right; she was sort +o' confined to the 'ouse, but had nothin' to do with the corpse. She +didn't know of it until I told her." + +"My God! don't talk of it, Shorts. I cannot bear to think of it even +now. But how did you pick her up?" + +"At the docks," said John Shorts. "She came to look for us, and I took +on with her and got married." + +"You must have had a strong belief in her." + +"Yes; and so would you if you knew her as I do. I'd trust my money, +and my life, and everything with her. D'ye see that waggon of mats and +baskets? That's her department; started on her own 'ook. My word, +she's a daisy." + +"Well, Shorty, I'm delighted to see you. And now I must be going. You +seem quite happy." + +"Happy," said the boatswain, "that's not a name for it. It's 'eaven on +earth this 'ere thing," looking and pointing at his wife. Breaking off +quickly, he said, "'Ave ye ever heard from Chili, Jim?" + +"Oh yes," said he; "I had a letter only the other day from Dutchy. The +old owner died, and left all his money to his two daughters and +Dutchy, who married the eldest." + +"That's a bit thick, isn't it, Jim--for that fat Dutchman to go +wandering about the Spanish Main doin' all sorts of things, and then +fall on his feet like this?" + +"Well," said Jim, "you have fallen on your feet, so you say; and I'm +sure I have." + +"That's right," said Shorts. "I wasn't thinken' that the wife was +standin' by." + +The lady quietly smiled, shook hands with her husband's late chum, and +walked off towards her caravan. Captain Leigh endeavoured to draw +Shorty to tell him about his wife, but the old sailor evaded all his +questions. + +"Well," said Leigh, "this has been a joyful meeting to me, and if we +never met again, God bless you!" + +"The same to you, Jim," said Shorts. "Good-bye, old chap." + +The two men never did meet again. James Leigh is now a prosperous +merchant, and may be seen any day in a smart-cut "frocker" and silk +hat, having his lunch at a bar, surrounded with kindred spirits, +telling his wonderful tales--some truthful, others well padded, but +all interesting. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 3: It may be said in passing that America at that period, +and for some years later, supplied Great Britain and other nations +with the finest and fastest ships afloat, large and small. The +Americans have always had a reputation of doing things on a large +scale. Unmistakably their vessels were bad to beat. Their crews were +well paid and well fed. They had the best cooks and stewards in the +world; but the inadequacy of their manning, and the cruel treatment of +the poor wretches who composed the crew, was a national disgrace. An +American vessel with a mediocre crew aboard was nothing short of a +hell afloat, and even with an average lot of men it was little better, +unless they had the courage and the capacity to straighten the +officers out, which was sometimes done with salutary effect.] + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LOOKING SEAWARD AGAIN*** + + +******* This file should be named 15222.txt or 15222.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/5/2/2/15222 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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