Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-12-08
THE BEAUTIFUL DECOY.

THE BEAUTIFUL DECOY.
Itis we'll known To all in any degree famil-
lar with the history of Mexico, that regular
system of highway robbery exists in every sec
tion of that miserably governed country and
that through a want of interference by the
authorities, this has grown up in such regu-
lar and formidable shape, that every traveller
must be prepared to put his life at hazard at
every stage, or be provided with suitable
contribution for los cabaLieros deioamiaO (the
knights of the road, } who, in the event Of
finding you prepared and willing, will make
their levy with polteness only equallcd by
the smiling landlord, when he receives your
oYercharged fare for last lights entertainment
Why such systematic boldneSS of robbery is
allowed-if not with the cOnnivance, at least
with rarely any Interference OF the govern
ment or state authoritics-is one of those mys
teal matters which among many others so puZ-
zles and perplexes the intelligent foreigners,
but that such is the disagreeable truth, every
traveller through that wretched country can
bear ample testimony.
Some years ago, having business which first
called me 70 the Capital of Mexico, and thence
through the interior of the country to the
nortbward, met with several thrilling adven-
lures, which have recorded for the benefit
OF whom soever may take an interest therein,
emitting only the dates, they being non essen
tial to the interest of the narratous themselves.
The first of the series occurred on the route
between Vera Cruz and the city of Mexico.
In the regular diligencia running between the
place, Just mentioned, | had taken passage,
and had passed through the beautiful city of
Jslapa, and entered the gloomy town of Pc
rote, without meeting with any unusual incl
dent, though being continually warned to be
ON my guard against the dangers of the road.
At Perote, where we halted for relay and re-
freshments, all my fellow passengers took leave
of me, very solemnly assuring ME that, If as
sailed by the ladrones, or robbers, it would be
much better for me to take matters quietly,
and suffer myself to be generally plundered,
than 10 run the risk OF having my throat cut
;or resistance, as l had somewhat boldly pro-
claimed it WAS my intention of doing. |
thanked them for their advice, and replied
shat | would take the matter into serious con-
sideration.
At Perotc, l repeat all of my companions
took leave, this being the end of their jour
ney in that direction, but there was one new
passenger to go forward, whom. to my agreea-
ble surprise, found to be beautiful lady,
some twenty years of age.
Scnorita Paula, as | subsequently ascertain
cd her uame to be, was indeed one of those
rare beauties seldom met with except in works
Of fiction-tall, graceful, with a profusion of
long, black hair-soft, clear, melting dark
cycs-featurrs as perfect as ever came from
the hands of the sculptor, and with an anma-
Iion the most fascinating, varying in express
sion with every changing mood of the inteliec-
tual possessor. A glance at her bewitchIng
dark eyes showed ME that she was one who
was naturally of social disposition; and as
VIC ratified away from the gloomy town, took
the liberty of opening a conversation.
.sThey tell me,'' said /, ssthat the route be-
tween here and Mexico is 4 very dangerous
one TO travel"
ssThere is little to fear" she replied, with a
sweet smile and in Il melodious tone, ''exccpt
and 1nt
harm any one who makes no resistance"
SIT seems strange to me-" i rejoined, ''that
YOU Mexicans should take such things as a
matter of course, and deem resistance very
impolite way of treating the knights OF the
road, instead of boldly asserting your rights,
and abating the evil by manly spirit OF resis-
sance. For myself, l must consider it the
most cowardly of proceedings, for any respec-
table party to set out prepared to quietly graft
fy the cupidity of the LGdroHes, and unpie-
pared to treat them to their just deserts"
.sErery traveller, Senor," she replied.
"should, before setting out, count the cost OF
his journey, and of course it is natural he
should value bis lite highly, it seems to me
natural that he should pay certain sum for
positive safety rather than put his life in leop-
ardy. For instance, in travelling from Vera
Cruz to Mexico, if he will first reckon that SO
iiuch is fhe Tare by the diligeRcia, and that so
much will be required foF entertainment on
the way, and so much for the contingency you
speak of, he will then have the exact cost be-
tween two points; and if ne VIII look at the
whole as The sum total OF his journey, ne VIII
not seem to be robbed By any one party more
than anOther.o
''That,'' replied, s'may be, believe is,
the Mexican mode of doing business, bnt does
not tally with the preconceiyed ideas OF US
Foreigners
.'But every onc,'' replied the fair speaker.
"shou!d conform to the customs OF the coun-
try he visits"
"And do yor then go prepared for this high
way robber! !! and have you no fear in thus jour.
neying by yourself2''
swell, Senor. what can dol am, IS you
perceive, an unprotected lady who, for Ger.
tain reasons, am required to make the journey
between PerOte and the Capital some twice oil
thrice year, and you could not expect me to
go prepared to resist an armed band As tt
fear, ] will not deny that have my share o.
that > INIT far 7 have neyar with