The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1858-11-19

! my hand. Then extending her hands, one
ARMED like this, one might almost count
himself safe against host! You say this
is fired in this mallner.' she proceeded,
cooking one Of the weapons rs She spoke,
and pointing it toward The road.
".Iavc Il clrc, Senor!a; or you will dis
charge ~
The words were scarcely uttered, when
her finger pressed the trigger, and OF" Of
the barrels was exploded with :; sharp re-
port \ minute after and while WAS cent
~ Gliding her. We heard loud, quick
tramp of horses, and several sharp, rapid
cxclalnatons. The next moment our con-
vcyancc was stopped suddenly, and we SAW
ourselves surrounded by some eight or ten
mounted men, one of whom, in loud voice
exclaimed:
"lie,l, You prisoners or die
"Quyk, Scno,ita..' sail |, extending my
hand "1uicl-.. iii Heavens name give me
one OF those weapons for now is our time
for decisive action ~
"N"y," she replied, pn:tiny the wcarons
hchind her, "vuu will hc too haSty. Let
them suppose we yiclI them open the
door"
sob, no! it will ticn be too late"
As lspoiic, the door WAS suddenly thrown
open, and three or four swarllIy, heavily
bearded men presented themselves to my
view.
"luick, ScnoriIa, for the love Of God ~
| cried, graSping at her arm.
"lloll" 4" she exclaimed, instantly pre-
scntiug Que Of my own rcvo!vrrs 10 my
heal. "Ecsistance is uselcss-vou arc our
prisoner ~
"Good God" exclaimed 7, perfectly as,
founded; "Ou' prisoner did you say? 1t
is not possible that one SO fair and lovely as
yourself, is in any manner connected with
these llanditti!'
1T is even So, Scnor," she replied with
one of her most bcwitching smiles, still
keeping one Of my own weapons TUNED
against myself, and significantly pointing
the other to the door. "lou will obi;.c
us 10y stepping forth and giving yourself in
to the care Of these COOL gentlemen, who
will see that yon are treated us Il brave man
should be, but who will trouble you meaH.
time for any little change and vauables you
might have to sparc:'
There seemed TO he no help for 1.-THE
beautiful Scnnrita Pan!a Naerile was spy
and acc"mp!icc of the iodrones She had
entered the diligcncia at perotc for no other
purpose than TO ascertain the exact condi
tion Of things inside, and be able to sigma.
liZc her associates rs she passed along, so
that they might know exactly in what man
ner TO conduct themselves and make their
work sure without risk. by simp. STRAIT
agrm she had obtainc, my arms, Just at
the point where she knew the attack wou!I
+ be made {; and her discharge Of the pistol,
AS if by accident, was the sign to show them
that all was secure.
Il acknowledge myself conquered by he
ing ou,witted.' said |, bowing to la Senorita.
Then turning to the robbers, who had
now collected in a body, in front Of the door
OF the diIigcncia, | continued:
"Gcn,lcmcn. will YOU permit ME to ai.ht
aud make you some valuable presents? In
the language Of your country, Ill have is
yours"
The leader Of the party bowed politely in
return, anl sail, with grim smile:
! "Sr, Scnor, we shall be most happy TO re-
traveller may have to L,s.ow"
! With this qnir:ly stepped from the
vehicle; and one quick glance put me in
, possession ot the whole state of affairs. The
, diligencia had been stopped ina wild,
! gloomy place, and the driver was sitting
carclcssIy on his box, taking everything as
a matter OF course. He might also be an
accomplcc Of the robbers, or he might not,
! but. i'll either case, there was little hope OF
assistance from him-any attempt Of the
kind would certainly bring upon him Il
severe punishment, sooner or later. [glanc-
el up and down the road, where it wound
between dark, ovcrshadowing trees, but dis
covered nothing to give Inc any hope. The
robbers, some eight or ten in number, and
all well armed, were collected around me,
part OF them mounted and the others stand.
ing on their feet, holding their mustangs by
the bride. Looking upon my case as dcs.
perato one, SO far as being plundcred was
concerned, still retained my presence Of
mind, and did not wholly despair. True,
had been outwittc,l, and dsarlncd, and now
stood singly between numbers; but tho
idea of yielding talneIy to this outrage was
repugnant 10 my very nature, and Ircsolved
to put the least favorable opportunity 70,
defence and retaliation to the strongest tes,
"Will you accept this purse 7" said I
producing one that held several gold coins
and handing it to tho chief of the lad,ones
"Thonk you, Senior! you are very kind =
he said, as he took it in his hand, with
polite bow. and chinkel the money.
"This diamond pin may prove acceptable,
to your friend7" added, rs quietly re
moved it from the bosom of my shirt, ant
handed it to the gentleman on his left, wIlt
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