The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1858-10-20
Because l have never met with vio-

lence'
We continued to converse in similar
strain for some time longer-my fair COM
panion gradually changing the subject,
and seeming much interested in myself.
l learned that her family name was Val
erde, that she was unmarried, that her
father and brother were officers in the ar
my, and SO forth, and SO on; and in re-
turn I gave her my own name, stated
something of my history, business and
prospects, and altogether became more
communicative than would advise any
friend to be with any stranger Of either
sex in a strange country
AS we continued our journey, the con-
versation gradually changing from one
thing to another, Senorita Paula sudden
ly brought it back to the point where it
first opened.
1--WE are coming upon dangerous
part of the road she said; are you still
resolved to defend yourself if assail-
ed?' -
With your permission, Senorita?'
i don't think it advisable, she replied,
'but still if such is your intention, I think
it no more than right that you should
give me chance to take a part in my
defense, since my risk Of danger will be as
great as yours!'
"And have you really the nerve, after
all, to defend yourself?' I inquired.
III had the means, Senor.'
L have two pistols, said I, if you will
accept of Que of them, it is at your SER
vice?'
You are very kind, senor-but can
fire it?'
With ease, Senorita;' and producing
one of my revolvers, l explained to her
the manner in which 1t was be used.
and this, you say, will shoot some half
dozen times?'
I think it safe to calculate that Eve
charges out ofsix will explode, Senori-
ta'
"a very formidable weapon, indeed
she replied and with such can almost
fancy we are safe. You have another,
you say, like this!'
/ produced it,
What beautiful inventionv she OBJ
served, reaching over and taking it from
my hand Then extending her hands,
Que of the revovers in each, she contin-
ued: "Armed like this one might almost
count himself safe against host! You
say this is fired in this manner?' sbe pro-
ceeded, cooking one of the weapons as
she spoke, and pointing it toward the
road
Have care, Senorita; or you will dis.
charge it,
The words were scarcely uttered, wher
her finger pressed the trigger, and one o
the barrels was exploded with sharp re
port A minute after and while 1 wa
gently chiding her, we heard loud
quick tramp of horses, and several sharp
rapid EXPLANATIONS. The next momen
~ our conveyance was stopped suddenly
and we saw ourselves surrounded by som'
eight or ten mounted men, one Of whom
in loud voice exclaimed: |.-.
Yield you prisoners or die!'
, Quick, Senorits!' said l, extendin,
t my hand; quick in Heavens name Civ
me one of those weapons! for now is on
; time for decisive action!' .s
: Nay she replied, putting the weap
ons behind her, you will be too hasty J.
n Let them suppose we yield-let ther
: open the door.
J, oh, no, it will then be too late:
2. As I spoke, the door was suddenl
thrown open and three or four swarth,
: heavily bearded men presented themselve
to my view. r"
Quick, Senorita, for the love of God
: 1 cried grasping at her arm.
'Hold!'she exclaimed, instantly presen
: ing one of my own revolvers to my heat
# Resistance is uscless-you are our pri
d oner!'
It Good Godn exclaimed I, perfectly a
u founded; Our prisoner did you say?-
|, 1t is not possible that one SO fair an
lovely as YOURSELF is in any manner col
It nected with these banditti?'
= 1T is even so, Senor,' she replied wi,
e one of my own weapons turned again
myself, and significantly pointing the ot
e er to the door, You will obiige us
!; stepping forth and giving yourself in
t. the care of these good gentlemen, WI
Is will see that you are treated as bra
! man should be, but who will troubles ye
E. meantime for ary little change and valu
le bles you might have to spare.
There seemed to be no help for It'll
J; beautiful Senorita Paula Vale:de was
spy and accomplice of the Ladrones.
She had entered the diligencia at Pero
b for no other purpose than to ascerta
the exact condition of things inside, al
< be able to signalize her associates as 81
IS passed along. so that they might knc
,s exactly in what manner to conduct ther
J. selves and make their work sure witho
to risk. By simple stratagem she hi
obtained my arms, just at the point whe
10 she know the attack would be made; al
her discharge of the pistol, as if by act
@. dent, was the sign to show them that 1
ut was secure.
~ i acknowledge myself conquered
tr;ttnJI, c,;I Gou,inr