The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1858-10-20

euts! In the language of your country,
all have is yours
The leader of the party bowed polite
ly in return, and said, with q grim smile:
Isl, Senor we, shall be most happy to
receive anything which so distinguished
a traveller may have to bestow.
With this 1 quietly stepped from the
vehicle and one quick, searching glance
put me in possession of the whole state
of affairs. The diligenca had been stop
ped in wild, gloomy place, and the
driver was sitting carelessly on his box,
taking everything as matter of course
He might also be an accomplce 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. I glanced
up 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 num-
ber, and all we'll armed, were collected
around me, part Of 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 pluudered was concerned, still
retained my presence of mind, and did
not wholly despair. True, had been
outwittcd, and disarmed, and now stood
singly bet geen numbers, but the idea of
yielding tamely to this outrage was re-
pugnant to my very nature, and resolv-
to put the least favorable opportunity for
defence and retaliation to the strongest
test.
Will you accept this purse?' said I,
producing one that held several gold coins
and handing it to the chief of the lad
rones.
Thank you Senor! 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 accepta-
be to you friend?' added, as I quietly
removed it from the bosom of my shirt,
and handed it to the gentleman on his left
who received it in the same polite man.
ner.
This diamond ring I trust You will
retain as keepsake!' 1 continued,
drawing the jewel from my finger, aud
presenting it to a third.
1 beg your pardon, Senores,' I pur-
sued, glsncing at the Senorita Paula,
who, with my pistols still in her posses
sion, was quietly standing within the dill
gencia. regarding the whole proceedings
with one of her sweetest smiles. L must
not forget this beautiful lady. I have
here, went on, at the same time produc
ing the article, very beautiful gold snuff
4 box-set as you perceive, with diamonds
will your ladyship honor me by accept
ing this as slight token of my regard fol
the pleasure afforded me by your com
pany and conversational
You are very gallant gentleman
Senor' she laughed, taking the two re
volvers in one fair hand, and presenting
the other.
I reached the box toward her-bu
my hand trembled little-and just a
the present was about to touch her fin
gers, it tslipped aud fell between US.
"A thousand pardons, Senotits, 70
awkwardness!' I said, as I bent down t
pick it up.
Now was the all-important moment
! the moment of life and death! All wer
in measure off their guard; and on
quick, furtive glance showed me that th
7 girl still held my weapons carelessly
one hand. with the other remaining ez
) tended for the prize. lifted the bo
carefully; but as raised myself, CAV
a wild, startling yell; and as the Serorit
started back, /, with the quickness
: lightning, seized both weapons, an
g. wrenched them from her.
: To wheel and commence firing upon IL
party, was now only the work of MI
: ment. The first shot, fortunately, stretcl
ed out the chief; the second took effect {
the one nearest to him; and by the tin
: the third had been sent on its missio
there arose one simultaneous yell of di
II may, and the astounded robbers began
~ scatter in every direction. I had no di
l. position to follow them, however, anoth
} minute they might rally and turn upt
0 me; and springing forward, grasped Il
y reins of freed mustang, and vaulted in
e the saddle. One more glance around q
showed me the Senorita Paula upon Il
= body of the chief, her laughter chang
to grief, and some of the scattered CO,
e ards bringing their weapons to bear up'
d me. r . .
: .Adios Senorita, and Senoresl' said
'e bitterly; he laughs best who laughs las
= = The next moment was dashing aw
- - down the road, the half-rallied robbie
- ~ pouring after me volley, but fortuna,
!" ly not touching their mark; They wou
:. doubtless have followed me in hot pursu
:, but for the wholesome dread they had
- - my still undischarged weapon. As it W
y l escaped, and entered the town of Pu
i bla in triumph; where, it is almost needle
II to add, a narrative Of my exploit ma
" me hero and lion for the time. He
~ l sold my captured mustang and trappin
!. for enough to indemnify me for what