The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-10-02

to their many deyiations from the straight path.
they did not reach Asconches until about 2
o'clock in the afternoon. although II is only
about thirty miles distant from Buenos Ayres.
heir horses were jaded---and they them
selves stood in need ola little rest and refresh
ment. They therefore concluded TO make
something Of n halt besides, il would have
been useless TO have gone farther, as the river
makes great turn at this pace, and the boat,
IL It had not sunk must have been swept ashore
somewhere between Buenos Ayres and As
conches
II was late in the afternoon before they set
out on their return---and Pedro, such was the
Spanish name Of the French guide, urged the
Importance of carrying pretty taught sail in
order to reach Buenos Ayres before dark
And he told some horrible tales ofrobbery and
murders. which had been committed on 70.
reigners and others, in the vicinity Of Buenos
Ayres, when returning to that city in the eve
ming, after a pleasure jaunt in the country.
But il happened unfortunately that Ned Will
liams' horse grew lame-.-and soon disregard
ed the limitations Of both whip and spur. Pc
dro became more impatient as the sun sank
down in the west---and at length very plainly
told his companion, that nothing would induce
him to remain in the city after dark--that he
wished him wcll---and hoped he would get safe
TO the city---but that he was resolved to take
care of number onc---and as his horse was still
comparatively fresh and vigorous, he would
push on, and try to reach the city before dark.
Remonstrances were neutrality-suspicious. gave
his horse heavy cut on the shoulder, and of
the beast started on canter, leaving Williams
in no-very enviabe plight.
But Edward, although indignant at such
base desertion on the part Of his guide, was
not man to be easily disheartened. He sell
dom INDUCED in gloomy anticipations---and
being young and vigorous, and withal armed
with brace Of pocket pistols, he felt but lit
tie apprehension of danger, and pIodded along
towards the city on his jaded beast as well as
he could. The shades Of darkness fell around
him. and he was eight or ten miles from the
city of Buenos ,Ayres. To increase his per-
plextes he soon ascertaincd that he had lost
his way, and his horse gave evident signs of
being 8 done up" At length the poor animal
stumbled against piece Of wood in the road
---fell---and obstinately refused to get UP.
This conduct on the part Of the horse placed
Edward in an extremely awkward situation.
After a few minutes reflection, however, he
concluded to leave the beast to his fate, and
to travel along the road on foot until he reached
some habitation---whereh he would solicit of the
owner, in as choice Spanish as he could mus
ter for the occasion, shelter for the night.
As he journeyed on, he soon became aware
that he was passing the cultivated grounds
belonging to some beautiful yilla-and at
length he beheld through vista in the shrub
berry, light which appeared to proceed from
large building. He soon reached gate
way which he found open-two horses were
tied to a tree on the outside Of the gate, and
were paving the ground and stamping with
impotence. While he stood at the gateway
undetermined whether TO proceed up the ave-
nue. or not a sound reached his ears which
determined his course in an instant. 1t was
thrilling scream-evidenty uttered by fe-
male in distress. He hesitated no longer, but
grasping a pistol in his right hand, he obeyed
the impulse Of his noble nature, and bounded
up the avenue.
As Edward Williams approached the man.
sion the screams were redoubled-and it was
evident by the stified sounds that occasionally
met his ear, that attempts were making to
suppress by violence the cries for assistance
of some hapless woman. Williams leaped
on the verandah- he found the front door
open---and guided by the voice, he passed
through large hall, and entered an apart
ment from which the screams proceeded. He
there beheld a scene which reused all the lion
within him---a young and lovely woman,
loosely clad in her evening garments, with
her hair dishevelled, and scattered over her
alabaster shoulders distress strongly
imprinted upon her features, was struggling
with almost a giants might, against two
swarthy ruffian-looking fellows, who were ex-
erting all their strength to force her from the
apartment
What's the meaning Of all this 7" demand
ed Williams in good pure English, and in no
very gentle accent, as he stood within the
apartments" Williams stand aside !---release
that lady instantly, or will put a bullet
through your heads p
"Oh, help help! generous stranger ="
exclaimed the lady as soon as she heard the
voice Of the young Americana" rescue me
from these vile men, and God will ever bless
youn' .
One Of the Spaniards uttered some loud
and menacing expressions in the Spanish Ian
guagc-and made some violent gestures as If
to warn Williams to quit the apartment. But
seeing that they had no effect, he left the lady
in the hands Of his companion, drew his
sword, and rushed madly at the youth whose
presence was SO unexpected and unWelcome.
Williams, however, finding that matters were
becoming serous---aDd that the Spaniard
would not listen to reason, but was determine
ed to massacre him, as well as to carry off
lady without her consent, coolly presented his
pistol, and proved himself man of his word,
by lodging bullet in the brain of the enraged
ravisher. The other villain seeing the fate Of
his comrade, released the lady, and fled from
the room---but as he passed through the hall
he received the contents of Edwards second
pistol in his back, which he acknowledged by