Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1858-11-18
You are very kind, senor-bu. can FIRE

dozen tiutS-
II think it safe to calculate that five charges
out of six will explode. Senorita.' A-
"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 inventionr' she ehserv-
ed, reaching over and taking il from my hand.
Then extending her hands, one of the re-
volvers in each. she continued: Armed like
this, one might almost count himself safe
against host You say this is fired in this
manner?' she proceeded. 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 when
her finger pressed the trigger. and one OF the
barrels was exploded with sharp report. A
minute after and while was gently Gliding
her. we heard a loud. quick tramp of horses,
and several sharp. rapid ordinations. The
next moment our conveyance was stopped
suddenly and we saw ourselves surrounded
by some eight or ten mounted men, one of
whom. in 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 de-
cisive actiOnp'
NAY, she replied. putting the weapons
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 my
view.
Quick, Senorita for the love of Godn' l
cried. grasping her arm.
Hold" she exclaimed. instantly present
ing one of my own revolvers to my head.
Resistance is useless-you are our prisoner!''
Good Godl'' exclaimed l. perfectly as
founded; "ow prisoner did you say? 1t is
not possible that one SO fair and lovely as your
self is in any manner connected with those
banditii,"
st is even so, Senor." she replied. with
one of her most bewitching smiles. still keep
ing one of my own weapons turned against
myself, and significantly pointing the other
to 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 treated as brave man should be. but
who will trouble you. meantime. Tor any
little change and valuables you might have
TO sparei''
There seemed to be no help for 1.-THE
beautiful Senorita Paula Valerde was spy
and accompice of the l0drones. She had
entered the dligencia at Perote for no other
purpose than to ascertain the exact condition
of things inside, and be able to signaiiZe her
ASSOCIATES as she passed along. so that they
might know exactly in what manner 10 con-
duet 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 if by ac-
cident, was the sign to show them that all was
secure.
Il acknowledge myself conquered by
being outwitted!" said |, bowling to la Sen
Orita.
Then turning to the robbers. who had now
collected in body, in front of the door OF
the diligcncia, | 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:
Isl. Senior, we shall be most happy to re-
ceive anything which so distinguished ira
velor NAV have to bestow."
With this I quietly stepped from the We
hicle: and one quick searching glance put me
in possession of the whole state OF affairs,
The diligencia had been stopped in wild.
gloomy place, and the driver sitting
carelesslv on his box. takin9every thing as a
matter of course. He might also be an &C
complice of the robbers, or he might not, but
in either case. there was little hope of assist
ance from him-for any attempt OF the Kind
would certainly bring upon him severe
punishment sooner or later. glanced up
and down the road, where it wound between
dark overshadowing trees. but discovered
nothing to give me any hope. The robbers,
some eight or ten in number. and all well
armed. were collected around me, part vi
them mounted and the others standing on
their feet holding their mustangs by the
bride Looking upon my case as desperate
one. so far as being plundered was concerned,
| still retained my presence OF mind, ana ana
not wholly despair True, had been out
wtted and disarmed, and now stood slngiy
between numbers; but the idea OF yielding
tamelv TO this outrage was repugnant to my
very nature. and resolved to put the least
favorable opportunity for defence and retalia-
ton to the strongest test.
..WilI YOU accept this PURSE" said |, pro-
ducing one that held several gold coins, and
handing it to the chief of the L0drones.
THANK YOU, Senior. you are very kind!' he
said. as he took it in his hand, with a polite
bow. and chinked the money.
This diamond pin may prove acceptable
TO you, friend?" / added, as Iquietly removed
it from the bosom Of my shirt. and handed il
to the gentleman on his left, who received II in
the same polite manner. This diamond
ring trust YOU will retain "a keepsake?'
continued drawing the jewel from my finger
and presenting it to a third. Il beg your
pardon Senores." pursued glancng ut the
Senorita Paula, who. with my pistols still in
her possession, was quietly standing within
the diligrncia. regarding the whole proceed
ings with one Of her smiles. Il Must not Tor
get this beautiful lady. | have here / went
on, at the same time producing the article, "a
very beautiful gold snuff boX-set, as you
perceive, with diamonds-will your ladyshiT
honor me by accepting this as slight token
of my regard for the pleasure afforded me by
your company and conversations"
"Yon are a very gallant gentleman, Senor!'
she laughed. taking the two revolvers in one
fair hand. and pres 'nting the other.
reached the box towards her-but my
! hand trembled litila-and just as the pre-
sent was about to touch her fingers, il slipped
and fell between us.
"a thousand pardons. Senorita. for awk
wardness." / sand, as bent down to pick il
up.
Now was the all-important mOment-the
moment of life and DEATH All were in q
measure of their guard; and Ons quick. fur
tive glance showed me that the girl still h ID
nv weapons careiess1y in one hand. with thu
other remaining extended for the pIIze.
lifted the box carefully; but as l raised my
self. gave a wild, startling yell; and the
Senorita started back. l. with the quickness
of lightning. seized both Weapons, and
wrenched them from her.
To wheel aud commence firing upon the
party waS now only the work Qf "A NONE mt
The first shat, fortunately, stretched out the
chief; the second took effect on the one near
est to him; and by the time the third had
been sent on its mission. there arose one sim
ultaneous yell of dismay. aud the astounded
robbers began To- scatter in every direction.
had no disposition TO follow them, however;
another minute they might rally and turn
upon me; aud springing forward, grasped
the reins Of a freed mustang, and vaulied in
TO the saddle. One more glance around me
showed me the Senorita Paula upon the body
of the chief. her laughter changed 10 grief
aud some of the scattered towards bringing
their weapons to bear upon me.
.Adios Senorita aad Senoresv " said | bit
terIy ..h,. laufslls best who laughs last ~