Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-12-18
Of this, seno1-the very idea of resistance ter

We continued to converse in q similar strain
for some time longer-my fair compsni pradu
ally changing the subject, and seeming much
interested in myself. Learned that her family
name was Valerde, that she was unmarried.
that her father and brother were officers in the
army, and 30 forth and 30 on ; and in return
gave her my own name, stated something of nay
history, business and prospects, and altogethe
became more communicative than would ad.
viss any friend to be with any stranger of either
sex In q strange country.
:, As We con tinued our journey. the conversa-
other, Senorits Paula suddenly broughtit back
to the poin. where it first opened.
NE are coming upon dangerous part Of
the road, she said :" are You still resolved
to defend yourself if assailed?"
With your permission, Senorita.' -
don't think it advisable" she replied,
" but still, II such is your intention, think it
no more than right that you should give me
chance to take part in my defence, Since nv
risk of danger will be as great as yours
And have you really the nerve, after all
to defend yourself!' inquired
II have the means, Senior"
II have two pistols" said I off you will
accept one Of them, it is at your service"
lou are very kind, Senior; butcan FIRE it?'
with ease, Sonorits," and producing one
OF my revolvers, l explained to her the man
nsr in which it was to be used.
And this, you say, will shoot some half a
dozen times?"
u think It safe to calculate that Eve charges
out OF SIX will explode, Senorita' -
"A very formidable weapon, indeed, (" she re-
piied; "and with such l can almost fancy we
are safe; You have another, you say like this?''
produced it.
reaching over and taking it from nv hand
Then extending her hands, one of the reyoly-
ers In eacn, she continued, "Armed like this,
one might almost count himself safe against n
most. You say this is fred in this mnnner?'
she proceeded, cooking one Of the weapons as
she spoke. and pointing it toward the road.
:. nave care, Senorita, or you will discharge
The words were scarcely uttered when her
hnger pressed the trigger, and one of the bar.
reis was exploded with a sharp report, A min
ute after, and while I was gently cbidinp her
we heard loud, quick tramp of horses, and
several sharp, rapid exclamations The next
conveyance was stopped suddenly.
and we saw ourselves surrounded by some
eight or ten mounted men, one of whom. in a
die :"
"Quick, Senorita,' said /, extending nv
hand; "Quick, in Heavens name give me one
of those weapons, for now is our time for deois-
i've action ~
Nay" she replied, putting the weapons bs.
nind her, you will be too hasty. Let them
suppose we yield-let them open the door"
''Oh, no. it will then be too late'
As spoke, the door was suddenly thrown
open, and three or four swarthy, heavily beard
ed men presented themselves to my view.
Quick, Senorita, for the love Of Cod"
cried, grasping her arm.
Hold" she exclaimed, instantly presenting
one OF my own revolvers to my head s'Resist.
ance Is useless-you are our prisoner ~
"GoOd God exclaimed /, perfectly astound
ed; "our prisoner, did you say? 1t is not Dos
slbly that one SO fair and lovely as yourself is
In any manner connected with those bauditti -,
=" It'll even so, SenOr," she replied, with on
Of her oewitching smiles, still keeping one of M
own weapons turned against myself, and signif-
,antly pointing to the other door "You will
ooige as by stepping forth and giving yourself
into the care OF these good gentlemen, who will
see tnat your are treated az q brave men should
be, but who will trou BILE you, meantime for any
little change and valuables you might have to
spare"
There seemed to be no help for 1.-THE beau
tiful Senorita Paula Valerde was a spy and an
lee0mplice Of the LadroneS. She entered the
at PerOte for no other purpose than
70 acertain the exact condition of things inside,
and being able TO signalize her associates as
'he passed along, so that they might know ex
and make their work sure without risk. By a
simple stratagem she had obtained my arms,
lust at the point whore she knew the attack
would be made; and her discharged pistol, as if
by accident, was the sign to show them that all
" 81 secure.
II acknowledge myself conq 1ersd by being
outwitted, " said L, bowling to Ia Senerita
Then turning to the robbers, who had now
collected in body, in front Of the door of the
diligencia, continued
"Gentlemen, will you permit me to alight
aud make you some valuable presents? In the
language OF your country, all have is yours"
The leader of the party bowed politely in re-
turn, and said, with grim smile
"Si, Senior, we shall be most happy to re-
ceiVe any thing which so distinguished trav-
eler may have TO bestow."
With this quietly stepped from the vehicle.
and one quick, searching glance put me in DOS.
session OF the whole state of affairs. The dill
gencia had been stopped In wild, gloomy place,
and the driver was sitting carelessly on his
box, taking every thing as a matter Of course
He might also be an accomplice of the robbers,
Or he migat not, but, in either case there was
little hope Of assistance from him-for any at
tempt OF the kind would certainly bring upon
him severe punishment, sooner or later.
glanced up and down the road, where it wound
between dark, overshadowing trees, but dis
covered nothing to give me any hope The
robbers, some eight or ten in number, and all
we'll armed, were collected around me, part of
them mounted, and others standing on their
.eet, holding thci- mustangs by the bridlc |
Looking upon my case as a desperate one, so
lar as being plundered was concerned, still |
retained my presence of mind, and did not
wholly despair. True, had been outwitted
and disarmed. and now stood singly between
numbers; but the idea Of yielding tamely to
this outrage was repugnant to my very na-
Iure, and resolved to put the least favorable
opportunity for defence and retaliation to the
strongest test
"Will you accept this purse ?" said produc-
ing one that held several gold coins, and hand |
ing il TO the chief Of the kalyones
Thank you, Senior you are very kind" =" he
said, as be took it in his hand, with polite bow
and chinked the money
This diamond pin may prove acceptable 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 manner. " his diamond ring
L trust you will retain as a keepsake con-
tinued, drawing the jewel from my finger, and
presenting it to a third. Il beg your pardon,
Senores, Ipursued, looking at Senorita Pauls,