Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1859-01-19

|
Good God!' exclaimed 1 perfectly as
founded. ''Our prisoner did he say? Is it
not possible that one SO fair and lovely as
yourself, can be in any way connected with
these banditti?''
''It is even so, Senor," she replied with
ore ofthe most bewitching smiles, still keep
ing one of my own weapons turned against
myself and signi ficantly pointing the other
to the door. You will oblige me by stepping
forth and giving yourself into the care of
those good gentlemen, who will see that your
| treated as brave man should be, but who
will trouble you in the meantime, for any lit
tic change or valuables you may have to
spare!"
There seemed no help for 1.-THE beaut iful
Sonorita Paula Falerde spy and an ao-
complice of the tadrOnes She had entered
the diligence of Pcrote for no other purpose
than to ascertain the exact state of things in
| side, and be able to signalize her associates
as she passed along, so that they might know
exactly in what manner to conduct them
selves, and make the work sure without risk.
BY simple stratagem she had obtained my
arms, just at the point where she knew the
attack would be made; and the discharge Of
the pistol, if by accident was the signal to
show them that all was secure
Il acknowledged myself conquered by oe-
ing outwitted'' L said bowing to la Senor-
ita.
Then turning to the robbers, who had col
| lected in body, in front of the door of the
dilligencer, l continued:
''Gentlemen will you permit me to alight
and make you some valuable presents? In
the language of your country all L have is
yoursF'
The leader of the party bowed politely in
return, and said with grim smile:
Isl, Senor will be most happy to re-
ceive anything which so distinguished a
travell er 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 dligencia had been stopped in wild,
gloomyplace, and the driver was sitting care
lessly on his box, taking every thing as a
matter of course. He night also be an ac-
complice of the robbers, or he might not, but
in either case, there was but little hope O. as
sistance from him--any attempt of the kind
would certainly bring upon him severe pun
ishment, sooner or later. | glanced up and
down the road; where it wound between dark
oeershadowlug trees, but discovered nothing
to give me any hope. The robbers some ten
or dozen in number, and all armed, were
collected around me. part Of them mounted
and the others standing on their feet holding
mustangs by the bride. Looking upon my
case as desperate one, SO far as being plum
dered was concerned; l still retained my pres
ence of mind. and did not wholly despai
True I had been outwtted and disarmed, and
now stood singly between numbers; but the
idea of yielding tarnely to .his outrage was
t repugnant to my very nature, and | resolved
to put the least favorable opportunity for de-
fense and retaliation to the strongest test.
'Will you accept this purse?" said I, pro-
Al
handing it to the chief of the ladrone
, THANK you, Senior! you are very kindr'
< he said, as he took it IN his hand, with po-
3 lite bow, and chinked the money
e ''This dimond pin may prove acceptable to
. your friend!' added. as quietly removed
i, from the bosom of my shirt and handed it
to the gentleman on his left who received it in
the same polite manner. This dimond ring
Il l trust you viii retain a keepsake!" I con
tinued drawing the jewel from my finger
e aud presenting it to third Il beg your
pardon, Senores," pursued glanciug at Sen
e orita Paula, who with my pistols still in her
+ possession, was quietly standing with the dill
igencia regarding the whole proceedings with
a one cf her sweetest smiles Il must not for
get this beautiful lady; have here,'' went
: on, at the same time producing the article,
"a very beautiful gold snuff box-set, as you
e perceive, with dimonds-wil your ladyship
y honor me by accepting this as slight token
:, of my regard for the pleasure afforded me by
your company and conycrsatonT
You are very gallant gentleman, Sc
= nor!' she laughed, taking the two rovolyers
y in one fair hand. and presenting the other.
Of | reached the box toward her-but my
l. hand trembled a little-and just as the pres
J. ent was about to touch her fingers, it slipped
d and fell between us.
e "A Thousand pardons, Scnorati, for awk-
it ardness!''I SAID, as bent down to pick it up.
Now was the all important moment-the
II moment of life and death. All were in a
measure off their guard, aud one quick, fur
ar tive glance showed me that the girl still held
le my weapons in one hand, with the other re-
A naming extended for the prize. lifted the
r, box carefully; but as | raised myself gave
d a wild, startling yell: and as the Senorita
It started back, 1 with the quickness of light
l. ming seized both weapons and wrenched then
" from her.
m To wheel and commence firing upon the
party was now only the work of a moment
The first shot, fortunately, stretched, out the
" chief; the second shot took effect on the near
he est to him; and by the time the third had beer
,r sent to its mission, there arose one simultane
Gus yell of dismay, and the astounded rob
rs bers began to scatter in every direction,
ct had no disposition to follow them, howeve
lie another minute they might rally and turn up
on me; aud springing forward [ grasped the
reius of freed mustang, and vaulted into tn
n saddle. One more glance around me showet
ly the Senorita Paule, upon the body of tn
ob;of bcr Iauohtar changed To grief AM