The Hillsborough recorder., 1859-05-25
THE BEAUTIFUL DEcoY.

liar with the history oil mexico. that regu-
lar system of highway robbery exists 10
every section Of that miserably governed
country and that through want of interfer-
ence Of the authorities, this has grown up
into such regular and formidable shape.
that every traveller must be prepared to put
his life at hazard at every stage, or be pro-
vided with suitable contribution for los
cabaiisros deloammo (the knights of the roaL, }
who, in the event Of finding you prepared
and willing, will make their levy with a
poiteness only equalled by the smiling land
lord. when he receives your oyercharged
fare for last nights entertainment Why such
systematic ooldness Of robbery is allowed
ifnot with the connivance, at least with rare-
Ily any interference Of the government or
state authorities--is one Of those mystical
matters which among many others so puzzles
and perplexes the intelligent foreigners, but
that such is the disagreeable truth, every
traveller through that wretched country can
bear ample testimony.
Some years ago. having business which
first called me to the capital Of Mexico, and
thence through the interior of the country to
; the northward. met with several thrilling
adventures. which have recorded for the
benefit Of whomsoeyer may take an interest
therein, omitting only the dates. they being
non-cssential to the interest of the variations
themselves.
Il The first Of the series occurred on the route.
between Vera Cruz and the CITY OF Mexico,
In the regular diligencia running between the,
places just mentioned. had taken passage,
and had passed through the beautiful city Of
Jalapa, and entered the gloomy town Of Pc
rote, without meeting with any unusual incl
ldent, though being continually warned to be
on my guard against the dangers Of the road.
At Perote, where we halted for relay and
refreshments, all my tellow-pa passengers
took leave OF me, very solemnly assuring me
that, If assailed BY the iadrones, or robbers,
il would be much better for me to take mat
, tiers quietly. and suffer myself to be general
ly plundered. than to run the risk OF having
! my throat cut for resistance, as had some
what boldly proclaimed il was my intention
Of doing. thanked them for their advice.
and replied that would take the matter
into serious consideration.
At Perote, repeat. all who had been my
companions from Vera Cruz took leave ol
me, this being the end of their journey N
that direction, but there was one new pas.
! senger to 70 forward, whom, to nv agreeable
surp ise, ! found to be beautiful young
{ lady, sume twenty years of age.
Senoriia Paula, as | subsequently ascer-
: tanned her name to be. was indeed one o
those rare beauties seldom met with excepl
in works of tiction-tall. graceful, with I
profusion Of long, black hair-sott, clear
: melting dark eyes--features as perfect 81
4 49,. ~. - fha tpfn
and with an animation the most fascinating
varying in expression with every changing
, mood Of the intellectual possessor. glance
!. at her bewitehing dark eyes showed me thai
she was one who was naturally ola social dis
!. position. and as we ratified away from tht
: gloomy town. took the liberty Of opening !
conversation.
"Ihey tell me-" said I, . that the route
between here and Mexico is very danger
: ous one 60 travel"
" There is little to fear" she reglied. witt
n sweet smile and in melodious tone, "ex'
e cept from the professional robbers, and they
seldom harm any one who makes no resis
taRce."
! "It seems strange to mr." rcjoined
!, that you Mexicans should take such thing,
\ as matter Of course. and deem resistance ;
very impolite way Of treating the knights o
.he road instead Of boldly asserting YOU
: rights and abating the evil by manly spiri
: ofresistance. For myself, must consider
ii the most cowardly Of proceeding, for an,
d respectable party to set out prepared 4
: quietly crafty the cupidity oi the ladrones
y and unprepared to treat them to their jus
deserts"
Every traveller, Senor," she replied
: "should, before setting out, count the CO,
Of his journey, and as Of course il is natura
% he should value his life highly, il seems I
me natural that he should pay a certain sur
Cor positive safety rather than put that life i
: jeopardy. For instance, in travelling froT
N Vera Cruz TO Mexico. il he will first rccko
d. that so much is the fare by the diligencia
/. and that so much will we required for en-
"a tertainment on the way, and so much for th
contingency you speak Of. he will then hay
the exact cust between the two points; and
lie will look AZ the whole as the sum total I
his journey. he will not seem TO be robbie
by any one patty more than another"
That" replied, may be, believe u
: the Mexican mode of doing business, bu
st does not tally with the preconeelsed idea
Us tOrelgners.
But every one,' replied the fair speake
- should conform 20 the customs Of the cOur
II try he visits"
"And do you then 70 prepared for III
highway robbery aud have you no fear
thus journeying by yourselfs"
: well, Senior, what can ] do! ] am. ;
you precei,e, an unprotected lady; VIII
Tor certain reasons, am required TO make u
N journey between Peroie and the Capital SOU
twice or thrice year, and you cbuld not e,
pcet me 10 20 prepared TO resist an armC
- band! A 10 fear. will not deny has
- my share Of that but, SO far, have new
lso met with any rough treatment, and Of cour,
y" trust TO the saints that my fortune vi
ever be as propitious."
= "And you have really been robbed .
-- your journey back and forth = ] inquire
/. "Tthink have paid NY share % Che