The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1858-10-20

the sculptor, and with &C animation the
most fascinating, varying in expression
with every changing mood of the intel
lectual possessor. A glance at her be-
witching dark eyes showed me that she
was one who was naturally of social dis
position; and as we ratified away from the
gloomy town, took the liberty of open
ing conversation.
"They tell me-" said I, "that the route
between here and Mexico is very dan
gerous one to travel"
There is little to fear" she replied,
with sweet smile and in melodious
tone, except from the professional rob-
bers, and they seldom harm any one who
makes no resistance"
at seems strange to me-" 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 resistance. For
myself, must consider it the most cow
ardly of proceedings, for any respectable
party to set out prepared to quietly graf
ify the cupidity of the ladrones, and un-
prepared to treat them to their just des-
erts."
Every traveller, Senor," she replied,
should before setting out, count the cost
of his journey, aud as of course it is nat
ural he should value his life highly, it
seems to me natural that he should pay
a certain sum for positive safety, rather
than put that life in jeopardy. For in
stance, in travelling from Vera Cruz to
Mexico, if he will first reckon that so
much is the fare by the diligencia, and
that 10 much will be required for enter
tainment on the way, and 50 much for the
contingency you speak Of. he will then
have the exact cost between the two
points; and if he will look at the whole
as the sum total Of his journey, he will
not seem to be robbed by any one party
more than another
| THAT" I replied, "nay be, believe,
is, the Mexican mode of doing business,
but does not tally with the preconceived
loeas OF uS IOfelSners
"But,every one," replied the fair speak.
er, SHOULD conform to the customs of the
eoantry he visits"
"And do. you then go prepared for this
highway robbery? and have you no fear in
thus journeying by yourself?"
well, Senor, what can do? I am, al
you perceive, an unprotected lady, who
for certain reasons, am required to make
the journey between Perote and the Cap
ital some twice or thrice year, and yo'
certainly could not expect me to go pre-
pared to resist an armed band! AS tt
fear, / will not deny have my share o
that; but, so far, [ have never met witt
any rough treatment, and of course
{ trust to the saints that my fortune vii
: over be as propitious."
And have you really been robbed o.
/, your journey back and forth?' inquired
l I think 1 have paid my share to tn
. lodronss for my transit through thei
countryv she laughed.
Q And You expect to contil-ue repet
' ton of the same for the rest of your life
|. who knows?' she replied. AT Leaf
I I hope to be always prepared"
e .And your fellow-trayeiers;' said
E have you never seen any disposed to IT
q sist these unlawful acts?'
e Once, Senor, an American and q
e Englishmau, who were in the same dill
h genca with me, fred upon the robber
Q killing one and wounding two"
And did the robbers fire back?'
b Yes, but fed Immediately, and fort'
, nately injured none of our party
e AS l should have expected returne
!. III. You were not robbed on that occ
e sion, suppose?'
,r we we're not, Senor; but the two 70
y eigners subsequently paid dearly for the
Ie resistance; for in journeying back ar
forth, both were killed., separate and
e different times, near the same spot. "
Of see these crosses by the side of the roa
!. Senor?'
II i have observed them frequently. b
II here they seem to be much more hume
d ous,' 1 replied, looking forth from Il
t. vehicle. .... ..t. p.
D. Each stands on the spot where sor
d one has met violent DEATH she rejoine
t and as we go along, 1 will call your g
d tention to those which mark the plac
rs where the foreigners met theirs
q DO you know said /, that I am 7
" solved to emulate their example, let t
% consequences be what they may?' =
If Holy saints defend us!' she exclaime
,e you are not in earnest, Senor!'
.e Seriously so, assure you
it You would only bring certain dea
ID upon us both.' DsI usu
/ Say rather, I should tighten the e
H. penses of the journey-for your knigf
of the road understand retreat as well
IN advance-and you yourself have acknov
* edged that firm resistance put them
ir fight for once.' a . Z 1853
as But there were numbers opposed
d, them. Senor, aud you are only one.'
I'd But fortunately have couple of
ty volvers, which, in two good hands, anon
to some ten or a dozen shots, and I