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

4
change and valuables you might have to
spare 20
There seemed to be help for 1.-THE
| beautiful Senorita Paula Falerde was spy
and accompice of the ladrones. She had en-
| tered the diligencia at Perote for no other
| purpose than to ascertain the exact condition
| of things inside, and be able to signalize her
associates as she passed along, so that they
| might know exactly in what manner to conduct
| themselves, and make their work sure, with
| out risk. By simple stratagem she had OBJ
! tanned my arms, just at the point where she
/ knew the attack would be made; and her
| discharge of pistol if by accident, was
the sign to show them that all was secure.
"I acknowledge myself conquered by being
| outwtted ~ said l, bowling to la SeEerita.
| Then turning to the robbers, who had now
| collected in body, in front of the door OF
the diligencia, continued:
ssGentiemen, will you permit me to alight
and make you some valuable presents? In
the language OF your country, all L have is
yuors.'
The leader of the party bowed politely in re-
turn, and said with grim smile:
| ssSir SenoT, we would be most happy to re-
ceive anything which distinguished tray
eler may have to bestow.'
| With this quietly stepped from the vehi-
| Gle and one quick, searching glance, put me
| in possession of the whole state of affairs.
| The digencia had been stopped in wild,
| gloomy place. and the driver sitting care
| leSSly on his box, taking verything as mat
ter of course. He might also be an accom-
| plice of the robbers, he might not, but in
either case, there was little hope for assistance
| from, him-any attempt of the kind would
certainly bring upon him severe punishment,
| sooner later. l glanced up and down the
| road, where it wound between dark, oyer
shadowing trees, but discovered nothing to
| give me any hope. The robbers, some eight
or ten in number, and all well armed, were
| collecting around me, part of them mounted
and the others standing on their feet, holding
| their mustangs by the bridle- Looking upon
| my case as desperate one, so far as being
! plundered was concerned, 1 still retained my
| presence of mind, and now stood singly be-
| tween numbers; but the idea of yielding
| tamely to this outrage was repugnant to my
very nature, and resolved 20 put the least
| favorable opportunity for defense and retalia-
| tion to the strongest test.
| 6wifi you accept this purse ~ said l, pro-
ducng one that had several gold coins, and
handing it to the chief of the ladrones.
s'Thank you, Senori you are very kind,
he said, as he took it in his hand, with po-
| lite bow, and chinked the money.
ssThis diamond pin may prove acceptable
| to your friend - l added, as quietly remoy-
ed it from the bosom of my shirt and handed
it to the gentleman his left, who received
it in the same polite manner. ''This diamond
ring trust you will retain as keepsake"
continued. drawing the jewel from my finger
| d
don, Senores,'' 1 pursued, glancng at the
| SenOrta Paula, who, with my pistols still in
| her possession, quietly standing within
the diligencia, regarding the whole proceed
| ilgs with cone of her sweetest smiles. 81
must not forget this beautiful lady have
! here" went on, at the same time producing
the article, ssa very beautiful gold snuff box
set as you perceive, with diam onds-wli your
| lady ship honor me by accepting this, as a
| slight token of my regard for the pleasure
afforded me by your company and conver-
| sation ?''
sYou are a very gallant gentleman, Senor,''
she laughed, taking the two revolyers in one
| fair hand, and presenting the other.
| / reached the box toward her--but my hand
trembled little, and just as the present was
about to touch her fingers, it slipped and fell
| between us.
ssA thousand pardons Senorita for awkward
ness,'' said, as bent down to pick it up.
Now was the all important moment-the
moment of life and death 4! All were in
measure off their guard and one quick, fur
tive glance showed me that the girl still held
my weapons carelessiy in one hand, with the
other remaining extended for the prize. |
lifted the box carefully but as raised my
| self, gave a wild, startling yell and as the
Senorita started back, /, with the quickness
of lightning, seized botL weapons, land wrench
ed them from her.
To wheel and commence firing upon the
party not the work of a moment. The
first shot fortunately stretched out the chief;
the second took effect on the one nearest to
him and by the time the third had been sc Mt
to its mission, there arose one simultaneous
yell of dismay, and the astounded robbers be-
gan to scatter in every direction. l had no
disposition to follow them, however; another
minute, they might rally and turn upon me
and sprnging forward grasped the reins of
freed mustang, and vaulted into the saddle.
One more glance around me showed me the
Senorita Paula upon the body of the chief,
her laughter changed to grief, and some of
the scattered cowards bringing their weapons
to bear upon me-.
"Adois. Senorita and Senorsl'' said ], bit
terly, :she laughs best who laughs last"
The next moment was dashing away down
the road, the half-rallied robbers pouring af-
ter me a volley, but fortunately not touching
their mark. They would doubtless have fol-
lowed me in hot pursuit, but for the whole
some dread they had of my still undischarged
weapon. As it was escaped, and entered
the town of Pueba in triumph; where, 1t is
almost needless to add, narrative of my ex-
plot made me hero and lion for the time.
Here 1 sold my captured mustang and trap
pings, for enough to indemnify me for What
had disposed of in the way of presents, and
the next day saw me an inside passenger OF
the same dilgenca, en- route 1or MeSioo'
where arrived in safety, without any iuf-
ther event worthy of note.
| What became of the robbers and their beau
tiful accompce 1 never learned; but the les
son taught me on that journey have never
forgotten; and during the remainder OF my
} stay in that country no pretty woman ever
! had the honor to be my business confdante,
! or of getting possession of my trusty and un-
!, failing revolyers. -
4 r1.