Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1858-12-16

Judging from the strength OF the escort, and
the precautions observed by the officer in COM
mand to avoid Surprise-precaution which
were not Of much avail for, on reaching a
spot where the road winded considerably, and
was traversed by broad ravne, the party was
suddenly charged on either flank by double
their number of guerillas. The dragons made
q gallant resistance, but it was q short one for
they had no room or time to form in any order,
and were far overmatched in the hand-to-hand
contest that ensued With the very first who
fed was gentleman in q civilians garb, who
sprang out of one of the most elegant of the
two carriages, and mounting o fine Andalusian
horses led by groom, was of like wind, dis
regarding the shrieks of his travelling compa
Mon, female, two or three and twenty years
old, of great beauty, and very richly attired
The cries and alarm of the lady thus deserted
were redoubled when in an instant later, gu
erilla of fierce aspect presented himself at the
carriage door.
Have no fear, senora," said the Empecina-
do, you are the hands Of honorable men, and
no harm shall be done you" And having by
such like assurances succeeded in calming her
terrors, he obtained from her some information
as to the contents of the carts and carriages,
as well as regarding herself and her late COM
panion.
The man who had abandoned her, and con-
suited his own safety by flying with the escort,
was her husband, Monsieur Barbot jeweler and
diamond merchant to the late King Charles
the Fourth Alarmed by the unsettled state
Of things in Spain, be was Fastening to take re-
fuge in France, with his handsome wife and
his great wealth of the latter OF which no in
considerable portion was contained in the car
risge, in the shape of casketS of jewelry, dia
monds and other valuables.
Repairing to the neighbOring mountain, the
guerllas proceeded to examine their booty
which the Empecinado permitted them to di-
vide among themselves, with the exception of
the carriage and the contents, including the la
dy, which he reserved for himself.
On the following day came '2tters from the
French military governor of Arando dol Duero,
and from Monsieur Barbot, who had taken re-
fuge in that town, and offered large sum as
ransom for his wife. To this application the
Empecinado did not vouchsafe any answer, but
marched off to his native village of Castrllo,
taking with him his jewels, carriage and lady
The latter he established in the house Of his
brother Manuel, recommending her to the care
of his SiSter-in-law, and commanded that she
should be treated with all possible respect, and
her wishes attended to on every point.
The Empecinado's exultation at the success
of his enterprise was great, but he little fore
saw oil the danger and trouble that his rich
capture was hereafter to occasion him. He
had become evidently enamoured OF his fair
prisoner, and in order TO have leisure to pay his
court to her, he sent of his partida on distant
expedition under the command of Fuentes, and
himself remained at CASTILLO, doing his utmost
to find favor in the eyes of the beautiful Mad
ame Barbot He was then in the prime of
life, remarkably handsome man, and notwith-
standing that the French affected to treat him
as o brigand, his courage and patriotism were
admitted by the unprejudiced among all par
ties, and his bold and successful deeds had al
ready procured him degree Of renown that
was an additional recommendation of him to
the fair sex. 1t may not, therefore, not deem
ed very surprising that, after the first few days
of her captivity were passed, and she had be-
come little used to the novelty of her posi-
ton, the lady began to consider the Empecin-
ado with some degree of favor, and seemed not
altogether disposed to be dIsconsolate in her
wdowhood He, on his part, spared no pains
10 pie1Se ueT. Ills
ed by the violence Of his new passion and so
great was the metamorphosis that his best
friends scarcely recognized him for the same
man. He seemed totally to have forgotten
the career to which he had devoted himself,
and the hatred and war of determination he
had vowed against the French. The restless
activity and spirit of enterprise which formed
such distinguished traits in his character, were
completely lulled to sleep by the charms of
fair Barbot Nor was the change in his exter-
nal appearance less striking Aware that tha
rude manners and attire of guerilla were not
likely to please the faStidious taste OF a town
bred dame, he haSteRed to discard them. His
rough, buShv beard and muStaches were care
fully trimmed and adjusted by the most expert
barber in the neighborhood; /; his sheep-skin
jacket, heavy boots, and jinglng double-rowel-
led spurs thrown aside, and in their place he
assumed the national garb, so we'll adapted to
show off o handsome person, and which, al
though now almost disnsed throughout Spain,
far surpasses in elegance the prevailing costumes
of the nineteenth century short light jacket
of black velvet O waistcoat of the richest silk,
both profusely decorated with gold and fligree
buttons purple velvet breeches fastened st
the knees with lunches of ribbons silk stock
ings, and falling boots of chamois leather by
the most expert maker in Cordova a crimson
silk sash around his waist, and around his neck
a silk handkerchief, of which the ends we're
drawn through magnificent jeweled ring. A
green velvet cap, oruamented with sables and
silver, and an ample cloak trimmed with silver
lace, the spoil of a acommandant of French gend-
armes, completed this picturesque costume.
Thus attred, and mounted on splendid
horse. the Empecinado escorted the object Of
his new fame to all The ftles and meFry-mak-
ings Of the surrounding country. Not 70
r.sr.4 in the ueigAbouUg villages, fsj7, or q
bu,l-fsht in the valley ot the Ducro, but were
graceI By the presence Of Martin Dic7 and his
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