The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 20, No. 579, December 8, 1832Various
History
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 20, No. 579, December 8, 1832
Various
Popular literature -- Great Britain -- Periodicals
A second and a third message to the parlour having met with the same
success as the first, the ire of all began to rise, and after a
clamorous discussion it was at last resolved, (it was now broad
daylight,) that they should go in a body and storm the enemy's quarters.
The room was situated at the other end of the house, and thither they
proceeded, after a few preliminary difficulties had been arranged as to
who should first lead the way. But if the lieutenant had been astonished
at the disappearance of the stranger the preceding night, much greater
was the surprise evinced on the present occasion on finding the room
again tenantless. It had evidently only just been vacated; but what
created the greatest sensation was the discovery of the smoking remains
of the ---- Journal, on the hood of the fireplace! Every one crowded
around, and presently intelligence was brought that the stranger,
carrying his enormous carpet bag had been seen walking at a great speed
towards Shorne Cove, a retired little spot within a short distance of
the harbour. As is often the case on such occasions, several minutes
elapsed before any plan was determined upon, but some one at last wisely
suggested that if he was to be pursued, no time ought to be lost. The
appearance of the strange vessel on the coast, and the day's occurrence,
were connected together, as they hurried onwards in the pursuit; but
when they arrived at the seashore, the mysterious man and his carpet bag
were no longer visible, unless a large boat which was pulling out to sea
as fast as wind and tide would permit, gave a clue to his invisibility.
Every eye was now cast out for the strange sail.
About a mile from the pier-head, a large lugger under a press of canvass
was seen coming down the wind, with the galley in close pursuit. From
the freshness of the wind and the quantity of sail she was able to
carry, it was evident that the king's boat had little chance with her.
As the chase came careering along, dropping the galley rapidly astern,
the interest hinged on the apparent connexion between her and the boat
which had just left Shorne Cove with its unknown freight. From their
relative situations it was evident she must bring to for a short space
if she intended to pick up the fugitive; and this delay might possibly
enable the galley to draw her. For a few minutes the scene was one of
exciting interest. The lugger broached to as had been anticipated, and
she had scarcely shipped the strange boat's crew, when the galley
pitching bows under was close in her wake. But it was too late. The
lugger had no sooner paid off, so as to get the wind again abaft the
beam, than she rapidly got way on her, and the wind continuing to
freshen, in half an hour she was all but hull down.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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