Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1859-01-06
the language of your country, all L have Is

Isl, Scnor, we shall be most happy to
receive anything which so distinguished
traveller may have to bestow."
With this quietly stepped from the We
hicle; and one quick, searching glance, put
me in possession of the whole state of affairs.
The diligencia had been stopped in wild,
gloomy place, and the driver was sitting
carelessly on his box, taking 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
resistance from him-for any attempt of the
kind would certainly bring upon him Sc
we're punishment, sooner or later. glanc-
ed 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 the others stand
ing on their feet holding their mustangcs
by the bride. Looking upon my case as a
desperate one, so far as being plundered was
concerned, I 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 re-
pugnant to my very nature, and | resolved
! to put the least favorable opportunity for
defence and retaliation to the strongest test
"Will you accept this purse % said 1 pro-
ducing one that held several gold coins, and
handing it to the chief of the laezrones.
''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 acceptable
to you, friend ?" I added, as I quietly re-
moved it from the bosom of my shirt, and
handed it to the gentleman on his left, who
received it in the same polite manner
The diamond ring [ trust you will retain as
keepsake p'-I continued, drawing the
jewel from my finger, and presenting it to
third. Il beg your pardon, Senores," I
pursue .glancing at the Senorita Paula,
!. -.
was Quietly standing with the diligencia re-
garding the whole proceedings with one of
her sweetest smiles. Il must not forget this
beautiful lady. have here" went on at
the same time producing. the article, ga very
beautiful gold snuff box-set. as you per-
ceive with diamonds-will your ladyship
honor me by accepting this as a slight to-
ken of my regard for the pleasure afforded
me by your company and conversation 2"
'You are very gallant gentleman, Sc
nor ?" she laughed, taking the two revolvers
in one fair hand, and presenting the other.
[ reached the box towards her-but my
hand trembled little-and just as the pre-
sent was about to touch her fingers, it slipped
and fell between us.
"a thousand pardons, Sonorita, for awk-
wardness p [ said, as bent down to pick it
up.
Now was the all-important moment-the
moment Of life and death! All were in
measure off their guard and one quick, fur
tive glance showed me that the girl still held
my weapons carelessly in one hand, with
the other remaining extended for the prize.
lifted the box carefully: but as I raised
myself gave wild starting yell; and as
the Senorita started back, I, with the quick
ness Of lightning, seized both weapons, and
wrenched them from her
To wheel and commence firing upon the
party was now only the work Of moment.
The first shot, fortunately, stretched out the
chief; the second took effect on the one near
est to him and by the time the third had
been sent on its mission, there arose one 81
multaneous yell of dismay, and the astound-
ed robbers began to scatter in every direc-
ton. had no disposition to follow them,
however; another minute they might rally
and turn upon me; and springing 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
towards bringing their weapons to bear up
on me.
"Adios, Senorita and Senoresp p said I
bitterly; she laughs best who laughs last,!"
The next moment [ was dashing away
down the road, the half-rallied robbers pour
ing after me a volley, but fortunately not
touching their mark. They would doubt
less have followed me in hot pursuit but for
the wholesome dread they had of my still un-
discharged weapon. AS it was [ escaped,
and entered the town of Puebla in triumph
where, it is almost needless to add, mar
rative of my exploit made me a hero and
lion for the time
Here sold my captured mustang and
trappings for enough to indemnify me for
what | had disposed Of in the way of pres
ents, and the next day saw me an inside
passenger of the same diligencia, en- route
for Mexico, where [ arrived in safety, with
out any further event worthy Of note.
What became of the robbers and their
beautiful accomplice l never learned; but
the lesson taught me on that journey have