The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1858-11-13
because never met with violence. )

strain for some time longer-my fair compan-
ion gradually changing the sub bject, and SEEM
ing much interested in myself learned that
her family name was valerde, that she was
unmarried, that her father and brother were
officers in the army, and SO forth, and so on;
and in return gave her my own name, and
stated something Of my history, business and
prospects, and, altogether became more
communicative than | would advise any
friend to be with stranger of either sex in
strange country.
As we continued our journey, the conver.
sation gradually changed from one thing to
another. Senorita Paula suddenly brought
it back to the point where it first opened.
I'VE are coming upon dangerous part of
the road she said; 'Are you still resolved
to defend yourself if assailed?'
sWith your permission, Senorita7'
y don't think it advisable she replied,
but still if such is your intention, think it
no more than right that you should give me
chance to take 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?' inquired.
IF had the means.'
Il have two PISTOLS said I; if you vii ac-
cept one Of them it is ut your service!'
'You are very kind, Senor-but can fire
it?'
with ease, Senorita;' and producing one
Of my revolvers, explained to her the man.
nor in which it was to be used.
'And this, you say, will shoot some half a
dozen times?'
Il think it safe to calculate that five
charges of six will explode, Senorita.'
"A very formidable weapon, indeed y she
replied; 'and with such can almost fancy
we are safe. You have another, you say, like
this?'
produced it.
sWhat beautiful invention!' she observ-
ed reaching over and taking it from my
hand. Then extending her hands, one Of
the revolvers in each, she continued. 'Arm-
ed like this, one might almost count him
self safe against host! You say this is
fred in this manner?' she proceeded, cock
ing 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, when
her finger pressed the trigger, and one of
the barrels was exploded with sharp re-
gently chiding her, we beard loud, quick,
tramp of horses, and several sharp, rapid
exclamations. The next moment our con-
veyance was stopped suddenly, and We saw
ourselves surrounded by some eight or ten
mounted men, one of whom, in a loud voice
exclaimed:
yield you prisoners, or dep
'Quick, Senorita!' said l, extending my
hand; 'quick! In heavens name give me one
of those weapons, for now is our time for
decisive action
Nay she replied, putting the weapons
behind her, 'you will be too hasty! Let them
suppose we yield-let them open the door,
'Oh, no, it will then be too late.'
As spoke, the door was suddenly thrown
open, and three or four swarthy, heavily
bearded men presented themselves to our
view.
'Quick, Senorita, for the love of God!'
cried, grasping her arm.
'Holdn she exclaimed, instantly present
ing one of my own revolvers to my head.
Resistance is useless-you are our pris-
oner.'
IL
tonished; Our prisoner did you say? 1t i.
not possible that one so fair and lovely, al
yourself, is in any manner connected with
these bandittip
1T is even SO, Senor,' she replied with one
Of her most bewitching smiles, still keeping
one of my own weapons turned against my
self, and significantly pointing to the door
You will oblige US by stepping forth ant
giving yourself into the care Of these good
gentleman, who will see thatyou are treated
as brave man should be, but who will
trouble you, meantime, for any little change
and valuables you might have to spare
There seemed to be no help for 1.-THE
beautiful Senorita Paula Valerda was a
spy and accomplice of the ladrones. She
had entered the diligencia at Perote for nc
other purpose than to ascertain the exac,
condition of things inside, and be able to
signalize her associates as she passed along.
so that they might know exactly in wha,
manner to conduct themselves and make
their work sure withou. risk. BY strata.
gem 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 tha,
all was secure.
Il acknowledge myself conquered by being
outwittedH said !, bowling to Ia Senorita.
Then turning to the robbers, who had
now collected in body in front of the door
of the diligencia, continued:
Gentlemen, you will permit me to sligh'
and make you some valuable presents? In
the language Of your country, all have is
yours:'
sThe leader of the party bowed politely in
return and said:
Sir, Senior, we shall be most happy to re-
ceive anything which so distinguished a
traveller may have to bestow.'
With this quietly stepped from the We
hicle, and one quick searching glance put
me in possession of the whole state of af-
fairs. The diligencia had been stopped in
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, OF ne n. ght
not, but in either case, there was but little
hope of assistance from him, for any at.
tempt of the kind would certainly bring up
on him n severe punishment sooner or later.
glanced up and down the road, where 1t
wound between dark, -shadowing trees,
but discovered nothing to give me any hope.
The robbers, some eight or ten in number,
and we'll armed, were collected around me,
part of them mounted and the others stand
ing on their feet, holding their mustangs by
the bride. Looking at my case as des-
perate one, and so far as being plundered
is concerned, 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 re-
pugnant to my very nature, and | resolved
to put the least favorable opportunity for
defence and retaliation to the strongest test.
will you accept this purse?' said |, pro-
ducing one that held several gold coins, and
handing it to the chief of the ladrones.
sThank you, Senor, you are very klnd!'
he said, as he took it in his hand, with po-
lite bow, and chinked the money.
sThis diamond pin may prove acceptable
to YOU, friend?' | added, as quietly re-
NOV 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 l trust you will retain as
L,,, oj, coptipued drawing the level