The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1859-01-26
The Beautiful pecov.

Of that mserably governed country; and that
through want of interference of the authori-
ties, this has grown up into such regular and
formidable shape, that every traveller must be
i prepared to put his life at hazard at every
stage, or be provided with suitable contribu-
lion for los caballeros del camino the knights
of the road who, in the event of finding You
prepared and willing, will make their levy with
a politeness only equaled by the smiling land
| lord, when he receives your overcharged fare
for your last nights entertainment Why such
systematic boldness of robbery is allowed-if
not with the conniyanee, at least with rarely
any interference of the government or State
authorites-is one OF those mystical matters
which, among many others, SO puzzles and per-
plexes the intelligent foreigner but that such
is the disagreeable truth every traveller through
that wretched country can bear ample testi-
mony.
Some years ago, having business which first
called me to the capital Of Mexico, and thence
through the interior Of the country to the north
ward, met with several thrilling adventures,
which have recorded for the benefit of whom
soever may take an interest therein, emitting
only the dates, they being nonessentiai to the
interest of the narrations themselves.
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
Jalappa, and enterd the gloomy town of Perote,
without meeting with any unusual incident,
though being continually warned to be on my
guard against the dangers of the road. At
Perote, where we halted for relay and re-
freshments, all my fellow passengers took leave
of me, very soemnly assuring NE that if as
sailed by the ladrones or robbers, 1t would be
much better for me 10 take matters quietly,
and suffer myself to be genteely plundered,
} than to run the risk of having my throat cut
for resistance, as l had somewhat boldly pro
claimed it was my intention of doing thanked
them for their advice, and replied that would
take the matter into serious consideration.
At Perote, l repeat, all who have been my
} companions from Vera Cruz took leave of me,
this being the end of their journey in that
direction, but there was one new passenger
here to 90 forward, whom to my agreeable
E surprise, | found to be a beautiful young lady,
e some twenty years of age.
e Senorita Paula, as subsequently ascertained
her name to be, was indeed one OF those rare
beauties seldom met with except in works o.
fction-tall, graceful, with profuson Of long
e black hair-sof, clear, melting dark eyes
. featuress as perfect as ever came from tho
: hands of the sculptor, and with an animation
e the most fascinating, varying in expression with
: every changing mood of the intellectual pos
= SCISSOR. A glance at her bewitching dark eye:
t showed me that she was one who was naturally
n of social disposition; and as we ratified away
7 from the gloomy town, l took the liberty o
i opening a conversation.
Y They tell me" said l, 'that the route be
e tween here and Mexico is a very dangerous
. one to travel
I There is little to fear" she replied, with {
sweet smile and in meodious voice, "excep
d from the professional robbers, and they seldom
!, harm any one who makes no resistance
! ! at seems strange to me-" | rejoined, "tha
d YOU Mexicans should take such things as
n matter of course. and deem resistance yer,
/ impote way of treating the knights of TIN
|, road, instead of boldly asserting your rights
/. and abating the evil by manly spirit of ress
tance. For myself, must consider it the mos
!: cowardly of proceedings, for any respectable
!, party to set out prepared to quietly crafty tn
e cupidity Of the ladrones, and unprepared Il
Il treat them to their just DESERTS
: :, every traveller, ,Senor," she replied, "shoult
. before setting out count the cost Of his journe,
i and as of course it is natural he should valu
e his life highly, it seems to me natural that h,
should pay certain sum for positive safet,
!. rather than put life in jeopardy. For instance
% in travelling from Vera Cruz to Mexico if h
will first reckon that so much will be required
IL for entertainment on the way, and so much 70
the contingency you speak of, he will then hav
the exact cost between two points; and If h
% will look at the whole as the sum total OF hi
% Journey, he will not seem to be robbed by an.
Q one party more than another"
o "That," l replied "may be, believe is
II the Mexican mode of doing business, but doe
not tally with the preconceiyed idea Of us for
u eigners."
!. !. but every one,'' replied the fair speaker
e "should conform to the customs of the countr.
he visits"
=. .And do you then 90 prepared for this high
way robbery? and have you no fear IN thu
5. iourneying by yourgelR
"WelI, Senor, what can do? I am as yo
perceive an unprotected ladys who, for certa
,, reasons. am requested to make the Journey be
n tween Perote and the capital some twice
thrice year, and you certainly could not tex
pect me 10 De prepared 70 leeIo1 on '
band! As to fear, l will net deny have m
d share of that; but so far, have never me
with any rough treatment and of course
!. trust to the saints that my fortune will ever b
. as propitious.'
i "And have you really been robbed on you
Journey back and forth?' inquired.
e 81 think l have paid my share to the ladrone
70 for my transit through their coUntry?' sh
Il laughed.
y sAnd YOU expect to continue repetition c
$. the same for the rest of your lie?''
ID "Who knows" she replied. At least
hope TO be always prepared. "
|, " "And your fellow travellers" SAID |; "haE
I YOU never seen any disposed to resistthese IN
lawful acts!" -,
man, who were in the same diligeneia With m
fred upon the robbers, killing one and wound
ing two" 40,
J eyes, but fled Immediately, and fortunatel
J. injured none of our party"
Gas should have expected" returned
eYou were not robbed on that occasion, SUI