Mississippi Democrat. (Carrollton, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1846-07-29
From the ReveiIie.
Rifles and RanrherOS.

In the city of Psubla (lS43) there is an
old Dulchman who is very fond Of relating
the story we here introduce. When making
his first visit to this country, many wears
since, he happened 20 travel sole comDan-
ion of sturdy kentucklan in diligence
between two Of the large cities. OF
course the two travellers soon became IA
mlliar, and quite as much a mltter Of
course was it that their thoughts and con-
versation should turn upon the dangers of
the road. The Kentuckian was the ms
ter of Suhurh rifle, which socmed 10 be al
most part of HIMSELF as indeed. he paid
far more attention TO il and handled il with
more care than he ever dreamed Of be-
slowing upon his own person In the dill
gence he carried 1t between his knees,
muzzle down, and while he rode he would
pat and fondie 1t as tendely as maternal
dotage would an innocent babe.
The Dulchman's wedpon Of defence
was a double barrel shot gun, which he
carefully loaded on this occasion, and the
TWO very soon agreed TO do all the slaugh-
ter they could before the outlaws should
make free with the smallest valuable they
had about them. They had no sooner ar
rived at this conclusion than the driver
was commanded to Join the compact. and
it was arranged that upon the first indica
ton of approaching danger, the two ira
velIers should be warned and the diligence
should stop.
This arrangement was scarcely made
before i: was called into action, and the
driver hastily gave notice that eight or ten
mounted Rancheros were IN the road and
advancing slowly to meet the diligence.
'Stop the horses-give her lick back
stop herr! rOared the kentuckian as he
kicked the door open and jumped into the
road. The Dutchman was hardly second
in the movement, being upon the outside
of the opposite door with Simultaneous ra-
pidty. AT about two hundred and fifty
yards distance, three of the foremost rob
bers were advancing abreast. 1t was
upon the most lonely road between Peub.a
and the city of Mexico, and in the misty
dawn of morning. The KentIckian and
the Dutchman placed themselves side BY
side in front of the diligence; each with
the most indomitable determination 70 fight
until the last breath in defence OF their
rights. The Dutchman was much puz-
zled at seeing his comrade in arms elevate
his rifle perpendicularly in the air, and
slowly let the muzzle fall in drawing deli
berate aim at the advancing horsomen.
"Mein Cot!-ton't waste the pOwdhern
said the Dutchman. swat are YOU going
to fire?'
''Let me just level 'old Kaintuck,' p" re-
piled the Kentuckian-''keep cool, and
l'll pick out that middle chap in a mlnute!f
"Mein Cot, man." said the Dutchman,
"it ish more farder off dan Won mile.
The old Dutchman made no allowance for
the uncertain light of early dawn, but the
Kenluckian knew every shade OF the sky
from morning till midnight, at this time
he was as sure of his shot as though the
ranchero had already fallen from ms horse
IF YOU kill de rashcal al such much dis
tance," said the Dutchman, "you vii only
waste de pullet."
But the Kentuckian had got his aim
and lust as the Dutchman had ceased
speaking. sold Kaintuck' politely spoke up
and sent the middle robher tumbling from
his saddle. The eyes of the Dutchman ex-
banded with astonishment at the effect D
| the Kentuckian's shot, and broken expires
sions of extravagant surprise issued from
his lips.
! The old hunter said nothing, bat quietly