Page:Reminiscences of Smugglers and Smuggling.pdf/114

"At Romney, a smuggler, named Walker, had been convicted before one of the resident magistrates, who, perceiving a disposition among the mob to effect a rescue, gave directions for the immediate removal of the prisoner to a king's vessel, then lying at anchor near Dungeness. Lieutenant (now Commander) David Peat, R.N. , upon whom this duty devolved, set off to execute his orders, accompanied by the magistrate, and attended by a slight guard of ' warriors.' On reaching the shore, the exasperation of the populace could no longer be restrained to oaths and execrations ; several stones were thrown, one of which struck the magistrate, who thereupon, as it was said, read a clause of the Riot Act, and commanded the mob to disperse. Instead of complying, they attacked the cart and dragged out the prisoner, at the same instant hurling a fresh volley of stones at the lieutenant. Perceiving that in another moment the rescue would be complete, and that Walker was himself in the act of striking at the officer, the magistrate called out, ' Secure your prisoner, sir, run the rascal through ! The order was no sooner given than obeyed. Irritated by blows and abuse, Lieutenant Peat drew his sword, and passed it completely through poor Walker's body, who fell dead upon the spot. The mob then fled in different directions, and Lieutenant Peat, surrendering himself into the hands of the magistrate, returned with -