Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1859-01-29
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her fingers rrossea the trigger, aud one of
the barrels exploded with sharp report
minute after, and while i was gently
cnlding her, we heard loud, quick tramp
OF horses, and several sharp, rapid excla.
nations. The next moment onr convey.
ance was stopped suddenly and we saw our
selves surrounded by some eight or ten
mounted men, one of whom, in loud voice
exclaimcd:-
Yield, you prisoners, or die %
Quick, Senorita ~ said |, extending
my hand; "quick ! in Heavens name
give me one of those weapons, for now is
the time for decisive action ~
May" she replied putting the weapons
behind her, "you will be too hasty. Let
them suppose we yiold-let them open the
door"
y, no it will then be too late -
AS lspoko, the door was suddenly thrown
open, and three or four swarthy, heavily
bearded men presented themselves to nv
view.
"Quick, Senorita for the love of God ?"
cried, grasping at her arm.
Hold !! she exclaimed, presenting one
ofmy own revolvcrs at my head. " Bosis-
lance is useless-you arc our prisoner -
Good God |" exclaimed, perfectly as
founded "our prisoner, did You saw p
1t is not possible that one so fair and love
~ as yourself, is in any manner connected
with these banditti ~
" 1t is even so, Senor," she replied with
one other most bcwitching smiles, still keep
ing one of my own weapons turned against
myself, and significantly pointing the other
to the door. "You will obligc us by step
ping forth and giving yourscfinto the care
OF these gentlemen, who will sec that YOU
are treated as a brave man should be, but
vino will trouble YOU meantime for any lit
tic change and valuublcs you might have to
spare p
There seemed to be no help for 1.-THE
beautiful Scnorita Paula Yalcrdc was spy
and accompicc of the iaaroucs She had
entered the diligcncia at Pcrote for no 9th
or purpose than to ascertain the exact con
dItlon of things inside, and be able to sig
nalize her associates as she passed along,
80 that they might know exactly in what
manner to conduct themselves, and make
their work sure without risk. By SIM
pie stratagem she lad obtained my arms.
Just at the point whore she knew the at
tack would be made and her discharge
of the pistol as if by accident, was the sign
10 show them that all was secure.
81 acknowledge myself conquered by
being outwittcdY said |, bowling to Ia Sc
norita
Then turning to the robbers, who had
now collected in body, in front of the door
OF the diligence, | continued
Gentlemen, will you permit me to alight
and make you some valuable presents? In
the language Of your country, all have is
yours"
The leader of the party bowed politely in
return, and said, with grim smile -
81, Senior. we should be most happy to
receive anything which so distinguished a
| traveller may have TO bestow"
| With this quietly stepped from the vchi-
Gle; and one quick, searching glance, put me
in possession Of the whole state of affairs
The diligcncia, had been stopped in q wild,
gloomy place, and the driver was sitting care
lessly on his box, taking everything as mat
ter OF course. lie might also be an accom-
p.Icc OF the robbers, he might not, but in
either case, there little hope of as
slstance from him-any attempt of the
kind would certainly bring upon him Sc
we're punishment, sooner or later. | glanced
up and down the road, where it wound he.
tween dark, overshadowing trees, but dis
coNcrcu hotning 10 give me any hope. The
robbers, some eight or ten in number, and all
well armed, were collecting around me. part
OF them mounted, and the others standing on
their feet holding their mustangs by the
Dridie Looking upon my case as desper-
ate one, so far as being plundered was con
ccrned l still &retained my presence of mind,
ana now stood singly between numbers but
the idea of yielding tamely to this outrage
was rcpugnant to my very nature, and re.
solved to put the least favorable opportunity
for defence and retaliation to the strongest
tcst
Will you accept this pursc?" said I, pro-
ducinS one that held several gold coins, and
handing it to the chief of the iaol,oncs.
Thank you, Scnori YOU are very kind"
he said rs he took it in his hand, with DO
lite how, and chinked the money.
This diamond pin may prove acceptable
| to your FRIEND" | added. us quietly rcmov-
cd it from the bosom of my shirt, and han
dcd 1T to the gentleman on his left, who re-
ccivod it in the same polite manner "This
diamond ring | trust you will retain as a
keepsake" | continued, drawing the Jewel
from my finger and presenting it to third.
beg your pardon, Senores," L pursued.
Slancing at tho Scnorita Paula, who, with
my pistols still in her possession, was quietly
standing within the dilgencia, regarding the
whole proceedings with one of her sweetest
smiles. g must not forget this beautiful
lady have here" went on. at the same
time producing the article, "a very beautiful
gold snuff boX--set, Ns YOU perceive with
diamonds-wll your ladyship honor me by
accepting this, as slight token of NV re-
gard for the pleasure afforded me by your