Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1859-01-06

strain for some time longer-my fair COM
panion gradually changing the subject, and
seeming much interested in myself. learn
ed that her family name was Ealerde, that
she was unmarried, that her father and bro
ther were officers in the army, and so forth,
and SO on; and in return [ gave her my own
name, stated something of my history, busi-
ness and prospects, and altogether became
more communicative than [ would advise
any friend to be with any stranger of either
sex in strange country,
AS we continued our journey, the CONVEX
sation gradually changing from one thing to
another, Senorita Paula suddenly brought it
back to the point where it first opened.
eve are coming upon dangerous part
of the road, she said; 'are you still resolv-
ed to defend yourself if assailed?'
"With your permission, Senorita."
II don't think it advisable" she replied.
''but still. if such is your intention, think
it no more than right that you should give
me chance to take part in my defence,
since my risk of danger will be as great as
yours. %
"And have you really the nerve, after all,
to defend yourself?' [ inquired.
eff had the means, Senor."
Il have two pistols" said [ !; elf you will
accept of one of them, it is at your service. }"
''You are very kind, Senor-but can l
fire it?"
"With ease, Scnorita," and producing
one of my revolvers, explained to her the
manner in which it was to be used.
"And this, you say, will shoot some half
dozen timcs?'
Il think it safe to calculate that five
charges out of six will explode, Senorita. %
"a very formidable weapon, indeed, she
replied; "and with such can almost fancy
like this?"
produced it.
"What beautiful Invention she observ-
ed, reaching over and taking it from my
hand. Then extending her hands, one of
the revolyers in each, she continued: ''Arm-
ed like this, one might almost count himself
safe against host You say this is fired
in this manner p she proceeded, cooking one
toward the road. :
''Have care, Senorita, or you will dis
charge it,
The words were scarcely uttered when her
finger pressed the trigger, and one of the
barrels was exploded with sharp report
A minute after, and while [ was gently
Gliding her, we heard loud, quick tramp
of horses, and several sharp, rapid exclama-
tions. The next moment our conveyance
was stopped suddenly and we saw ourselves
surrounded by some eight Or ten mounted
men, one Of whom, in loud voice exclaim-
| ed:
yield your prisoners, or die :"
"Quick, Senorita, said [, extending my
hand; ''quick! in Heavens name! give me
one Of those weapons, fokhow is our time for
decisive action! p
may" she replied. putting the weapon
behind her; ''you will be too hasty. Let
them suppose we yield-let them suppose
we yield-let them open the door"
ooh, no; it will then be too late.''
As [ spoke, the door was suddenly thrown
open, and three and four swarthy, heavily
bearded men presented themselves to my
view.
"Quick, Senorita, for the love of God %
I cried. grasping her arm
"Hold!'' she exclaimed, instantly pre-
senting one of my own revolvers to my head
''Reslstance IS useless-you are our prison
erw
GOOD God!'' exclaimed I, perfectly as
founded; ''our prisoner, did you say? 1t
is not possible that one so fair and lovely as
yourself is in any manner connected with
those bandtt!''
1T is even 50, Senor," she replied, with
one Of her most bewitching smiles, still
keeping one of my own weapons turned "a
gainst myself, and 81 gnifcantly pointing the
other to the door. ''You will oblige US by
stepping forth and giving yourself into the
care of these good gentlemen, who will see
that you are treated as brave man should
be, but who will trouble you, meantime, for
any little change and valuables you might
have to spare"
There seemed to be no help for 1.-THE
beautiful Senorita Paula Valerde was spy
and accomplice Of the ladrones. She had
entered the diligencia at Perote for no other
purpose than to ascertain the exact condi-
ton of things inside, and be able to signal
ize her associates as she passed along, so
that they might know exactly in what man
ner to conduct themselves and make their
work sure without risk. By simple stra-
tagem she had obtained my arms, just at the
point where she knew the attack would be
made; and her dischargeof the pistol, as if
by accident, was the sign to show them that
all was secure.
Il acknowledge myself conquered by be-
ing outwitted?' said [, bowling to la Senorita.
Then turning to the robbers, who had COL
lected in body, in front of the door of the
diligencia, I continued:
"Gentlemen, will you permit me to alightI
and make you some valuable presents In!