The trick might have succeeded had the revenue officers allowed sufficient time.

The work was commenced, and the liquor was running out, making a gurgling noise, when down came the collector with a numerous posse at his heels! We were caught in the very act.

A war of words ensued; but the explanations given under the attendant circumstances were so unsatisfactory, that the vigilant chief of the customs clapped his broad mark on the mainmast, and seized the vessel and the unfortunate cask of rum in the name and behalf of the United States!.