The Placer herald., 1858-12-11
'Oh, no. it will then be too late!"

bearded men presented themselves to my
view
"Quick, Senoria, for the love of God"
| cried, grasping at her arm.
Hold" she exclaimed, instantly present
ing one of my own reviewers to my head
"Resstance is useess-you are our prisoner,'
'Good Godn' exclaimed l. perfectly aston
ished; "Our prisoner did you say7 1t is not
possible that one SO fair and lovely as YOUR
self, is in any manner connected with these
bandtti.'
ut is even so, Senor," she replied with
one of her most bewitching smiles, still
keeping one of my own weapons turned
agajnt myself, and Significantly pointing the
other to the door. ''You will obge us by
stepping forth and giving yourself into the
care OF these good gentlemen, who will see
that you are treated as brave man should
be, but who will trouble you meantime for
any little change and vauables you might
have to spare,"
There seemed to be no help for 1.-THE
beautiful Senorita Paula Nalerde was spy
and an accomplce of the ladrones. She
had entered the diligencia at Perote for no
other purpose than to ascertain the exact
condition of things inside, and be able to
signaize 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 a 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 il by accident, was the sign to show them
that all was secure
Io,. l. lo.l, Ioino
outwiited," said |, bowling to la Senorita.
Then turning to the robbers, who had now
collected in a body, in front of the door Of
the diligencia, | continued:
"Gentlemen, will you permit me to alight
and make you some valuable presents! In
the language of your country, all have is
yours"
The leader of the party bowed politely
in return, and said with grim smile:
"Si, Senor, we shall be most happy to re-
ceve anything which so distinguished ira
veler may have to bestow."
With this quietly stepped from the vehi-
Gle; and one quick, searching glance put me
in possession of the whole state of affairs
The diligencia had been stopped in a Wild
gloomy place, and the driver was sitting care
lessly on his box, taking everything as a mat
ter of course lie might also be an accom-
plice OF The robbers, or he might not, but
in either case, there was little hope of as
sistance from him-any attempt of the kind
would certainly bring upon HIM severe
punishment sooner or later. glanced mp
and down the road, where it wound between
dark, overshadowing trees, but discovered
nothing to give me hope. The robbers,
some eight or ten in number and all well
armed, were collected around me, part of
them mounted and tie others standing on
their feet, holding their mustangs by the
bridle. Looking upon my case despe
rate one so far as being plundered was con
cerned, still retained my presence Of mind
and did not wholly despair True, had
been outwitted, and disarmed, and now stood
singly between numbers; but the idea of
yielding tamely to this outrage was repu..-
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. pro-
ducing one containing several gold coins,
and handing it to the chief of the ladyones.
'Thank you, Senor; you are very kind"
he said, as he took it in his hand, with
/
"Ihis diamond pin may prove acceptable
to your friend" added, as quietly remov-
ed it from the bosom of my 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 keepsale'
| continued, drawing the jewel from my
finger, and presenting it to third. 81 beg
your pardon, Senores,' pursued, glancing
at the Senorita Paula, who, with my pistols
still in her possession, was quietly standing
within the digenca, regarding the whole
proceedings with one of her sweetest smiles.
81 must not forget this beautiful lady! |
have here" Invent on at the same time pro-
ducing the article, "a very beautiful gold
snuff boX-set, as you perceive, with dia-
monds; will your ladyship honor me by ac-
cepting this as slight token of myregard
for the pleasure afforded me by your com
panv and conversational
"You are very gallant gentleman, Senor.'
one fair hand, and presenting the other.
| reached the box toward her-but my
hand trembed little-and just as the pres
ent was about to touch her fingers, it slipped
and fell between us.
"a thousand pardons, Senorlta, TOR awk-
wardness," said, as bent down to pick it
up.
Now was the all important moment-the
moment of life and death. All were in a
measure off their guard; and one quick,
furtive glance showed me that the girl still
held my weapons carelessly in one hand, with
the other remaining extended for the prize.
| lifted the box carefully, but as | raised my
SELF gave wild, startling yell; and as the