Saint Paul weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1858-1859, 1858-11-06

ScTVeu, IcdCiuiS OVcT dLu CahhiS IL HOAAA -
hand. Then extending her hands, one OF the
revolvers in each, she continued Armed
like this, one might almost count himself sale
against host /! You say this is fired IN thus
manner ?" she proceeded, cooking one OF the
weapons as she spoke, and pointing 1t 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 bar
rels was exploded with sharp report: A
minute after, and while was gently Gliding
her. we heard loud, quick tramp OF horses,
and we saw ourselves surrounded by some
eight or ten mounted men, one Of whom, in a
loud voice, exclaimed
Yield you prisoners, or die"
Quick, Senorita y said l, extending my
hand; ''quick In heavens name give me one
of those weapons, for now is our time for de-
cisive action"
may, 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 be too late"
As spoke, the door was suddenly thrown
open, and three swarthy, heavily bearded men
presented themselves to my view.
"Quick, Senorita, for the love Of God " l
cried grasping at her arm.
" Hold ~ she exclaimed, instantly present
ing one Of my own revOlvers at my head
" Resistance is useless-yOu are our prls-
oner"
Good God r' exclaimed l, perfectly as
founded; g Our prisoner, did you say 1t
is not possible that one so fair, and lovely as
yourself is in any manner connected with
these banditti y
at is even so, Senor," she replied, with
one of her most bewitching smiles, still keep
ing the pistols with one hand and significant
ly pointing the other to the door. "You will
oblige us by stepping forth and giving your
self 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 valuables
you might have to spare"
There seemed to be no help for 1.-THE
beautiful Senorta Paula Valerde was spy
and accomplice of the lddrOnes. She had en-
tered the deligencia at Parote forno other pur-
pose than to ascertain the exact condition of
things inside, and be able to signalize her as
sociates as she passed along so that they
might know exactly in what manner to con-
duct 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 was made; and her discharge
of the pistol, as if by accident. was the sign
to show them that all was secure.
q acknowledge myself conquered by
being outwitted ~ said |, bowling to la Seno-
rita.
Then turning'to the robbers, who had now
collected in a body in front of the door OF the
diligencia, l 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 trave-
lor may 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 diigencia had been stopped in a wild, gloo-
my place, and the driver was sitting careless
ly on his box, taking everything as matter. of
course. He might also be an accomplish OF
the robbers, or he might not, but in either case,
there was little hope of assistance 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, OvershadOwine
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 of them mounted and the
others standing on their feet, holding theil
mustangs by the bride. Looking at my case
as desperate one, so far as being plundered
is concerned, l still retained my presence O
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 repug
nant to my very nature, and | resolved to pu
the least favorable opportunity for defense
and retaliation to the strongest test.
"Will you accept this purse ?" said ,'pro
ducing one that held several gold coins, ant
handing it to the chief of the ladrOnes
Thank you, Senior! you are very kind!
he said, as he took it in his hand, with polite
bow, and chnkled the money.
This diamond pin may prove acceptable
to you, friend - added, as quietly remov
ed it from the bosom of the shirt, and hand
ed it to the gentleman on his left, who receiv
ed it III the same polite manner. 'This dia
sake! ~ l continued, drawing the jewel from
my finger, presented to third. 81 bes
your pardon, SenOres," pursued, glancin;
at the Senorita Paula, who with my pistols
still in her possession, was quietly standing
within the diligencia, regarding the whole pro
ceedings with one of her sweetest smiles
81 must not forget this beautiful lady have
here" | went on at the same time producing
the article, "alvery beautiful gold snuff box
set, as you perceive, with diamonds-wil
your ladyship honor me by accepting this as
slight token of my regard for the pleasure
afforded me by your company and converse
ton ~
You are a very gallant gentleman, Sen
orr' she laughed, taking the two revol
vers in one fair hand, .and presenting the 9th
cr.
reached the box towards her, but my
hand trembled little and Just as the pre-
sent was about to touch her fingers, it Slipped
and fell between us.
a thousand pardons, SenOrita, for my
awkwardness." | said, as l 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, fur
tive 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 1 raised my
self, ! gave wild, startling yell /; and as the
Senorita started back, | with the quickness
oflightnng, seized both weapons, and wrench
ed them from her.
To wheel and commence firing upon the
party, was now only the work of a moment
The first shot, fortunately, stretched out the
chief the second took effect on the nearest to
him, and by the time the third had been sent
on his mission, there arose one simultaneous
yell Of dismay, and the astonished robbers
began to scatter in every direction. had nc
disposition to follow, them, however; another
minute they might rally and turn upon me
and..spring forward, grasped the reins of a
mustang, and vaulted into the saddle. One
more glance around me showed me the Sen
orita Paula upon the body of the chief her
laughter changed to grief and some of the