The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1858-11-23
HILLsDALE, MICH, TUESDAY NOV. g. 1853

at is even 80, Senor." che replied with
one Of her most bewitching smiles, still keep
ing one Of my own weapons turned against
myself and significantly pointing the other
10 the door.
"You will oblige US by stepping forth and
| giving yourself into the care Of these good
gentlemen, who will see that YOU are urea.
| ted as a brave man should be, but who will
trouble you meantime for any little change
and valuables you might have to spareT
There seemed TO be no help for 1.-THE
beautiful Senorita Paula Valerde was spy
and accomplice of the ladrones. She had
entered the diligencia at Perote for no
other purpose than to ascertain the exact
condition Of things inside, aud DO able to
| signalize her associates as she passed along.
so that they might know exactly in what
manner to conduct themselves and make
their work sure without risk. By simple
stratagem she had obtained my arms, just
at the point where she knew the attack
would be made; and her discharge Of the
pistol, as if by accident, was the signal to
show them that all was secure.
~ acknowledge myself conquered by
being outwitted !" said ], bowing TO la Sc
norite. a 4--4a@s14
Then turning 10 the robbers, who had
now collected in body, in front Of the
door Of the diligencia,, continued:--
"Gentlemen, will you permit me TO
alight and make you some valuable pres
ent.' In the language of your country,
all l have is yours"
The leader Of the party bowed politely
in return, and said, with . grim smile -
"Sir, Senor, we shall be most happy to
receive anything which so distinguished a
traveller may have to bestow."
With this quietly stepped from the ve-
hicle; and one quick. searching glance put
me in possession of the whole state of af.
fairs. The diligencia had been stopped in
a wild, gloomy place, and the driver was
sitting carelessly on his box, taking every
thing as a matter of course. He might
also be an accomplice of the robbers, or he
might not, but in either case, there was
little hope of assistance from him-any at
tempt of the kind would certainly bring
upon him severe punishment, sooner or
later. l glanced up and down the road,
where it wound between dark, overshadow-
ing trees, but discovered nothing to give
me any hope. The robbers, some eight
or ten in number, and all well armed, were
all collected around me, part Of them
mounted and others standing on their feet
holding their mustangs by the bridle.-
Looking upon my case as desperate one,
SO far as being plundered was concerned, l
still retained my presence of mind, and
did not wholly despair. True, | had been
outwitted, aud disarmed, and now stood
singy between numbers; but the idea of
yielding tamely to this outrage was repug-
nant to my very nature, and resolved to
put the least favorable opportunity for de-
fence and retaliation to the. strongest test.
"Will you accept this purse?" said l,
producing one that held several gold coins,
and handing it to the chief of the ladronss.
"Thank you, Senor! you are very kind !"
he said, as he took it in his hand, with a
polite bow, and chinkcd the money.
"This diamond pin may prove accepta-
bic to your friendl" / added, as quietly
removed it from the bosom of shirt, and
handed it to the gentleman on his left,
who received it in the same polite manner.
"This diamond ring | trust you will retain
as a keepsakep | continued, drawing the
jewel from my finger, and presenting it to
third. ~ beg your pardon, Senores," "
pursued, gancing at tho Senorta Paula,
who, With my pistols still in her possession,
was quietly standing within the diligencia,
regarding tho whole proceedings with one
of her sweetest smiles, 81 must not forget
this beautiful lady have here" / went
on, at tho same time producing tho article,
"a very beautiful gold snuff box-set, as
your perceive, with diamonds-wil your
ladyship honor me 10y accepting this as a
slight token of my regard for the pleasure
afforded me by your company and convcr-
sation 2"
"You are very gallant gentleman, So-
nor" she laughed, taking the two revolv-
ers in one fair hand, and presenting the
other.
/ reached the box toward her-but my
hand trem5led lttle--and just as the
present was about to touch her fingers, il.
slipped and fell between us.
"a thousand pardons, Scnorita, for awk-
wardnessm said, as bent down to pick
it up.
Now was the all-important moment
the moment of life and death! All were
in measure off their guard; and one
quick, furlive glance showed me that the
girl still held my weapons in one hand I,
with tho other remaining extended for the
prize. | lifted the box carefully; but, as
raised myself, gave wild, startling yell
and as the Senorita started back, /, with
tho quickness of lightning, seized both
weapons, and wrenched them from her.
To wheel and commence firing upon the
party, was now only the work of mo.
ment. The first shot, fortunately, stretch.
cd out the chief; tho second took effect on
the ono nearest TO him; and by the third
had been sent to its mission, there arose
one simultaneous yell of dismay, and the
astounded robbers began to scatter in every
direction. l had no disposition to f,low
them, however, another minute they
might rally and turn upon me; and spring
ing forward, grasped the reins of freed
mustang, and vaulted into the saddle