Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1859-01-15

complcc OF the tddrOHeS. she had entered the
diligenca at Perote for no other purpose than
to ascertain the exact condition of things in
side and be able to signaize her associates as
she passed along so that they might know ex-
actly in what manner to conduct themselves and
make their work sure, without risk. BY sim
pie stratagem she had obtained my arms, Just
at the point where she knew the attack would
be made and her discharge of the pistol, as if
by accident, was the sign to show them that all
was secure.
81 acknowledge myself conquered by being
outwitted" said |, bowling to la Senorita.
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 and
make you some valuable presents In the Ian
guage of your country, all have is yours"
The leader of the party bowed politely in re-
turn, and said, with grim smile:
Isl, Scnor we should be most happy to re-
ceive anything which so distinguished a travel
Ter may have to bestow."
With this quietly stepped from the vehicle
and one quick, searching glance, put me in pos
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 everything as a 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 punishment, sooner or later. | glanced
up and down the road where it wound between
dark, overshadowing trees, but discovered moth
ing to give me any hope. The robbers, some
eight or ten in number and all well armed,
were collecting around me, part of them mount
ed and the others standing on their feet, hold
ing their mustangs by the bride. Looking up
on my case as desperate one, far as being
plundercd was concerned, l still retained nv
presence of mind, and now stood singly be-
tween numbers; but the idea of yielding tame
ly to this outrage was repugnant to my very ma
ture, and l resolved to put the least favorable
opportunity FOR defense and retaliation to the
strongest test.
"Will you accept this pursep" said produc-
ing one that held several gold coins, and hand
ing it to the chief of the iadrones.
Thank you, Senior you are very kind" he
said, as he took it in his hand, with polite
bow, and chinked the money.
"Ihis diamond pin may prove acceptable to
your friend," | added, as 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. This diamond ring /
trust you will retain as a keepsake" continued,
drawing the jewel from my finger and present.
ing it to third. 81 beg your pardon, Senores,"
| pursued, glancing at the Senorita Paula, who,
with my pistols still in her possession, was qui-
etly standing within the diligencia, regarding
the whole proceedings with one of her sweetest
smiles. IL must not forget this beautiful lady !
have here" went on, at the same time pro-
ducng the article, "a very beautiful gold snuff
box--set, as you perceive, with diamonds-will
your ladyshlp honor me by accepting this, as n
slight token of my regard for the pleasure af-
forded me by your company and conversation"
"You very gallant gentleman, Senor,"
she laughed, taking the two revolvers in one
fair hand, and presenting the other.
l 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.
"a thousand pardms, Senorita, for awk-
wardness," | said, as 5cnt down to pick it up.
Now was the all-important moment-the mo-
ment of life and DEATH All were in measure
off their guard; and one quick. furtive 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 care
fully; but as | raised myself, | gave wild
startling yell and as the Senorita started back,
l, with the quickness of lightning, seized both
weapons, and wrenched them from her.
To wheel and commence firing upon the par
" was now the WORK oil moment. The first
I shot fortunately stretched out the chief; the
second took effect on the one nearest to him /;
and by the time the third had been sent to its
mission, there arose one Simultaneous veil of
dsmay, ano the astounded robbers began to
scatter in every direction. had no disposition
TO follow them, however; another minute, they
7 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 Senorta Paula upon
the body of the chief, her laughter changed to
grief, and some of the scattered towards bring
ing their weapons to bear upon me.
"Adios, Senorita and Senores !" said |, bitter
ly che laughs best who laughs last"
T 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 needless to
add narrative of my exploit made me hero
, and lion for the time. Here l sold my cap
tured mustang and trappings for enough to in
demnify me for what had disposed of in the
way of presents, and the next day saw me an
inside passenger of the same diligencia en- route
, for Mexico, where arrived in safety, without
, any further event worthy of note.
What became of the robbers and their beau
tiful accomplce never learned; but the lesson
, taught me on that journey have never forgot
tenj and during the remainder of my stay in
, that country no pretty woman had the honor to
be my business confdant, or of getting posses
sion OF my trusty and unfaiing revolvers.