The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1858-12-23

uOflLd.
Then turning to the Iaarones, who bad
now collected in body, in front of the
door of the diligencia, continued:
Gentlemen will you permit me to a.
light and make you some valuable pres
entsl In the language of your country
all | have is yours
The leader of the party bowed politely
10 return, and said with grim smile:
Isl Senor,' we shall be most happy to
receive anything which SO distinguished
traveller may have to bestow'
With this l quietly stepped from the
vehicle; and one quick searching glance
put me in possession of the whole state ot
affairs The dilligencia had been stop.
ped in wild, gloomy place, and the dri.
yer was sitting earelessly on his box, ta-
king everything as matter of course
He might also be an accomplice of the
robbers, or he might not, but in either
case, there was little hope of assistance
from him-any attempt of the kind would
certainly bring upon him severe pun
ishment, sooner or later. glanced up
and down the road, where it wound be-
tween dark, overshadowing trees, but dis
covered nothing to give me any hope
The robbers some eight or ten in num-
Der, and all well armed were collected a.
round me part of them mounted and 9th
ers standing on their feet, holding their
mustangs by the bride Looking upon
my case desperate one, SO far as being
plundered was concerned I still retained
my presence of mind, and not wholly des-
paired. True, l had been outwitted, and
disarmed, and now stood singly between
mum bers; but the idea of yielding tamely
to this outrage was repugnant to my very
nature, and I resolved to put the least
favorable opportunity for defence and re-
taliation to the strongest test.
will you accept this purse = said |, pro-
ducing one that held several gold coins,
and handing to the chief of the ladrones.
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-
BILE to your friend 7 Iadded, as quiet
ly removed it from the bosom of my shirt,
and handed it to the gentleman on his
left, who received it in the same polite
manner. This diamond ring trust you
will retain as a keepsake 7 l continued,
drawing the jewel from my finger, and
presenting it to third. Il beg your par.
don, Senores,' pursued, glauciug at the
Senorita Paula, who, with my pistols still
in her possession, was quietly standing
within the diligencia, regarding the whole
proceedings with one of her sweetest
smiles. L must not forget this beautiful
lady, I have here vent on, at the same
time producing the article, "a very beau.
tiful gold snuf-box-set as you perceive
with diamonds-will your ladysbip honor
me by accepting this slight token of
my regard for the pleasure afforded me
by your company and conversation 7
You are a very gallant gentleman,
Senor, she laughed, taking the two revol-
vers in one fair hand, and presenting the
other.
| reached the box toward her-but my
hand trembed little-and just as the
present was about to touch her fingers, it
slipped and fell between rs.
"A thousand pardons, Senorita, for
awkwardness 2 | 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 furtive glance showed me that the
girl still held my weapons carelessly in
one hand with thelother remaining exten.
ded tor the prize. lifted the box care
fully; but as raised myself, l gave a
wild, starting yell; and as the Senorita
started back, | with the quickness Of
lightning, seized both weapons, and
wrenched 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 one nearest to him; when
the third had been sent on its mission
there arose one simultaneous yell of dis
may, and the astounded robbers began to
scatter in every direction. had no dis
position to follow them, however, another
minute they might rally and turn upon
me; and springiDg forward, grasped the
rains of freed mustang, and vaulting
into the saddle. One more glance around
me showed me the Senorita Paula upon
the body of the chief, her laughter had
been changed to grief, and some of the
scattered towards bringing their weapons
to bear upon me.
'Adios Senorita, and Senores 7 said |
bitterly; he laughs best who laughs lastP
The next moment | was dashing away,
down the road, the half rallied robbers
pouring after me volley, but fortunately
not touching their mark. They would
doubtless have followed me in hot pursuit,
but for the wholesome dread they had Of
my still undischarged weapon. As it was
l escaped, and entered the town of Pue-
bla in triumph; where it is almost need
less to add. narrative of my exploit
made me a hero and lion for the time.
!