Arkansas intelligencer., 1849-08-04
CHAPTER III.
The NigM Expedition.

About a hour after the events narrated in tho
last chapter had transpired, body Of some twen-
ty mounted men passed briskly through the sub.
urbs Of the city, and near The place where the
train of wagons belonging 10 Wells, the trader,
were oncamped. Gathering around fire, whose
flames cast ruddy glare upon their rough, sun.
burned countenances, were a number of ,eamsters,
who suspciousy watched the party they APP
preached at another campfire, a few PAGES dis
.ant, stood Wells and Frank Winfield, in eager
conversation.
81 tell you, Frank remarked the trader ear
nesty, it is perfect madness. What risk your
life IN this expedition, in order TO assist these cow
ardy Mexcans, who, few moments since, were
thirsty for your blood and for what purpose p
Because few Indians have seen fit 10 attack some
rich Don,s hacienda, ond rid him of his extra
stock, you must turn knight erran md chivarous-
ly fly 10 the rescue. For my part, I'd see Don
Jose-whal's his narne-at the very devil, before
I'D go out Of my way 10 assist him. ..
But Wells, replied Winfield, "wieIl the Texan
prisoners passed through ibis place, Don Ryas vi
sited them furnished them with food and clothing;
in fact, did everything in his power assist and
cheer them in their depl6rable situa,ion.''
Well, if he did all that, it is no proof that he
would not cut your throat the first opportunity"
You Judge harshIy,' said Winfield. "Tut
Don Rivas is not Mexican; no emigrated from
Spain 10 this country many years since. They
sny, too he has beautiful daughter and gaan-
try, if nothing else, would urge me 10 HER nssIs-
tance.'
"Oh, ho!' exclaimed WolIs, il is the daughter
you would save? I've nothing more 10 say, only
would advise you friend 10 remain in camp,
and leave this Don Quixotic adventure alone.'
Winfield, however, was determined upon tho
adventure. He had beheld The emotion Of the off.
who Ind arrested him at The fandango, when
he was told Of The attack besides, he had often
heard strangers who had visited Chihuahua speak
in The highest terms of the Spaniard, Don Jose Ri
vas, and describe, in glowing language, the beauty
of his daughter. Donna Cornna.
or an ardent and imaginative temperament,
Winfield delighted in the excitement Of adventure,
and his sober Judgment was ofienlmes ovcrpower-
ed by he warm and generous impulses that sprang
from his heart. Ordering Cato to saddle his horse
and prepare 10 accompany him, he busted himself
in an examination Of his rifle and pistols. In
short time they were mounted, and bidding q
cheerful adicu 10 the trader, who shook his hand
warmly, Winfield, followed by Cato, started on
the road but lately tr0versed by the party of Mex
leans.
1t was a beautiful night. The stars shono
brightly in the blue vault above, and their mild
rays shed pale and beautiful light upon the wild
scenery through which they journeyed. Tho
mountain ridges stood on in bold relief, and their
lofty, rugged peaks. gian-liko lowered 10 the sky.
The road, which led through a narrow pass, was
rough and broken, and j, required the utmost care
TO traverse ii with safety, at the reckless speed
with which they advanced. The stream, flowing
near Chihuahua, here passes through the gorge,
leaping madly from rock TO rock, dashing swiftly
onward, foaming and turbulent, then wandering
through the valley beyond the pass it sung q low !,
murmuring song. whilst the tiny riPpfes upon its
bosom danced merrily III the starlight.
Following the course Of this stream about threo
miles, Winfield beheld in the distance the hiCii
wall and tower enclosing the hacienda of Don Jose
RVas The party of Mexicans were but o short
distance in advance and the clatter Of their horses
hoofs could be distinctly heard. AS they neared
the hacienda, they heard the shouts of the Mexi-
cans, and the savage yes Of the Indians, mingled
with the report of firearms; and they beheld
also, brilliant flame of fire near tho main on.
trance. Failing TO obtain an entrance by scaling
the walls, the Indians had attempted to fire the
gate. The body of Mexicans had halted, appa.
rently undecided whether 10 advance or retrea, :
for the Band Of Indians was large, and thew were
led by Of their most warke and distinguished
chiefs. Whilst they stood thus waverng VIM
field advanced rapidly 10 the van.
Why do you stand thus idle % bo excairncd,
" do you not see that the Indians wiih soon effect
an entrancef Ii you aro mea, follow me p
The Mexican lieutenant and soldiers gazed with
doubt and astonishment upon the form Of him they
called the spy, who thus so Unexpectedly appeared
among them, and whom they left prisoner but a
short time before in the city. .--.L
Dashing impe,uously forward, Winfield in
moment in the midst Of tho Indians around