The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1858-10-28
From the Neac York Mercury.
SIX TO ONE,
THE RANCHERO's MISTAKE.

Our scene is laid on the banks of tha
magnificent western river. the Rio Grande
on the Mexican side, aud about fort,
miles above point Isabel. IT. date is
few years after Texas had declared he
independence. and but brief period-i
few months-after a certain peculiar in
vcDtion, made known in the sequel, had
been regularly entrre! in the Patent or
fee at Washington by an ingenious Yam
kee.
About two miles from tie river. and
situated on the road leading to Mattamo-
ras, was a long low built rancho, surroun-
ded with It's picket-feh aud oat huts,
and such acco IL nod ations as travelling
public would be likely to need. 1t was
divided and subdivided into numerous
departments, formed by thin board parti-
tions. the largest. however, and that to
which the entrance door led. being devo.
ted TO drinking and smokins room, sim
liar to a hotel bar
1t was early evening. and this room
was pretty we'll fillc1 with lot Of rough
looking Mexican-, OF various vOcations
and calIiuss. Soue appeared to be mule
drivers from their skul! caps and loose
check shirts; others lounseIs and lazaril-
10, while fFc were dressed in yellow
skirts with blue bojie-, closely tuttoned
TO the throat, and a belt in which was
plainly revealed long dirk knife and
pistol.
Ia ,f.aro nj,
ial atteution. lie was tall, square quilt
man, with light Creole CowPlexiou-
ranging betweca the Spanish and the
Mexican-with handsome features, re-
lieved by large black mou<tache and .
naughty diStinsUe air. He was dressed
in blue jacket, atli>tically Ornanented
with bah sling or mantle, which de.
scended but little below the waist, and
eonce 4lcd the wea 9ons which glittercd in
bis polished belt beneath. He wore
trunks of the sane hue and material,
which descended only TO tue top Of his
russet boots. A white rufied shirt was
visible between bis open jacket. and
spotle,s broad collar xteaded over the
blue cloak. 4 short sabre huDk at his
ride with diamond setting gliltcring in
the hilt. A range OF dark curls was yisi-
tle below his dark sombrero, which was
adorned with long Ostrich p!ue. His
air was mixture ofthe refined e eEtleman
and desperate sdventurer, while his dress
barring his weapons, was tAst OF Span
nish coxconb D tbe days of chivalry.
well, MartaDi,' be said, as be threw
himself lessly in CHR by small
table aud addressed blooming, volup.u-
aous. aud brisht-eyed Mexican girl be-
hind the bar, give US bottle OF C@cle@
cStfagaaca, and pack o. yolr best cigar-
ettos!" then turning to the five banditti
looking men, who were louDging upon a
brnch, he addei Order your liking,
nv purse is full TO night
..Grofio Clgtiaa0.2 exclaimed the men,
In boisterous maBBer, and they procee-
ded to call FOR their respective drinks.
The signora behind the bar possessed
the endowment of two large. black, liquid
eyes, and a Yo.uptuousness Of lorD, which
seemed to gain high favor With the knight
ly leader of the rancheros-a as the i've
meu evidently were-apd when she brot
forth the wiuc, met her With sH.iie of
approval, and epcireled bcr waist with his
arm.
..Now, by St Mark he exclaimed, 81
have not seen so pretty face siace the
last time | visited old Borgeo's raDche.--
/ fesr shall have to make war against
old Borgeo and carry you OF as PrIze,
Martani.'
The men laughed and hulzaed attbelr
masters wit like very slaves; but the
black eyes of the young girl seemed to
melt in liquid fervOr, aud the blood
mounted hot to ber cheeks, as she replied:
"Perhaps it may be unnecessary, seu-
or!v
"Indeedl'' he replied. "Weil. | be-
licye. Martani, you always did look with
favor on NE, but it is the fate OF all gay
cssialicrs like myself, to have all the fair
dsmsels of kingdom in love with them.
However, | shall keep you 10 my mind,
and you may pay visit to captain no
rian's house before you think OF tt
There now, one kiss!
The young girl gave it with a flushed
cheek and her eyes sparkled, as she re-
turned to ber station behind the bar, to
attend to some other customers.
Snow, boys, health to our next JoO,
and success 10 the capture OF the mata-
moras mails to night" said the leader as
be raised his glass.
The Eve others drank with bolster
Gus cheer.
nMartsni. distribute a glass round a.