The Ohio union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1849-1854, 1854-05-24
COOL COURAGE.

| A rich Mexican was proceeding with an
extensive caravan to Cnihuahua and he
\ WAS n, the habit of carrying large
amount OF gold belled around him beneath
his clothes. The fact became known to a
daring aud desperate gamhler, whose
character, among those peope c, was an OBJ.
slaele to perfect freedom Of Intercourse
with all classes. He travelled with the
clsayan, as il soon appeared, for the ex-
press purpose Of making himself master
Of le golden gitdle. His opportunity oc.
cured when about half the journey was
completed. The Don rode one day out of
sight Of the caravani in search Of water, and
the gambler whose eye had been upon his
victim through the whole journey, was
Instantly off 10 execute his scheme. lie
sought and came up with The Don, entered
into conversation with him, aud soon had
the rich Mexican unhOrsed at his leet.--
But to get The yellow boys" twas neces
sary 10 release the arms, which were tied
down over the girdle, and Ills was not 10
be thought Of. The robber dared not TO
FIRE lest he should be heard BY The passing
caravan, and he seized buifalo's skull
which law near with the intention Of dash
ing out his victims brains. The Spanish
desperate stood over his conquered prey,
holding the iightencd lariat in his lill hand,
his horses reins around his left arm, aud,
with the huge white skull raised in his
right hand ready to dash upon his pro,
srale victim.
"Dont kill me, and you shall have my
gold!" exclaimed The helpless merchant;
and the gambler paused.
Though The gambler had secured his
own horse, the other had taken fright and
galloped back 10 the moving caravan
when It's rider was thrown on the
| ground. A 90 -.
ii know you want my gold and not my
life" SAID the merchant. "Cul The rope
that binds Inc, and place your knife in.
sisnlly upon my neck; and il | do not
lgive you the gold, YOU may drive the blade
into my throat"
'rrhe gambler did SO, for 10 his hurry
he had forgotten the frighled horse, but the
merchant had not, aud was playing cool
and cunning game. +.......r
N"The gold! the gofd!" said the gambler,
"or the knife sinks in your neck!" g ~
"Inslsntlyv' said tho merchant, as he
endeavored to gain all the time he could
in releasing The belt Of gold. -se bss
Another moment, and rapid hoof steps
were head, followed Immediately by the
appearance Of a dozen approaching horse.
men. 'n-"' goo l
The robbcr turned pale, but his eyes
flashed in desperation. aud, griting bis
teeth horribly, lie swere he would kill!
"Kill me-" said the merchant, "and you
are shot Instantly; release,ihe, and | will
never bs'ray you; quick, put away your
knife" H., ,.i...s..q ,..l ,t r
Such superiority has cool courage
over the. more daring wicked1ess! The
gambler shealhed the knife and stood Irem.
bling while the bravo. Mexican trader
sprang to his feet, adjusted, bis dress. mel
his friends, said he had been by some ac.
ciden, thrown from his horse, and rode
back to the caravan side by side with his enc
nv by way of warding Of suspicion from
him. He promised not, TO betray the gam
bier, and hea did not. But,he guilty man
succeeded soon alter in another depreda-
,ipn and fed. Then tho story was told.