Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1861-03-29

collected in body, in front of the door o
| the diligencia, continued.
Gentlemen, will you permit me to aligh'
and make you some valuable presents? In
the language ofyour country, all have is
yours"
The leader Of the party bowed politely in
return, and said, with grim smile:
81, Senor, We should be most happy to
receive anything which SO distinguished a
traveller may have to bcstow."
With this quietly stepped from the vehi-
Gle; and one quick, searching glance, put
me in possession of the whole state of affairs.
The diligencia had been stopped in wild,
gloomy place, and the driver was sitting
careless|y on his box, taking everything as a
matter of course. He might also be ac-
complice of the robbers, or he might not,
but in either case, there was little hopes OF
assistance 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 ran between
dark, overshadowing trees, but discovered
eight or ten in number and all we'll armed,
were collecting around me, part of them
mounted and the others standing on their
feet. holding their mustangs by the bridle.-
Looking upon my case as desperate one,
so far rs being plundered was concerned, |
still retained my presence of mind, and did
not wholly despair. True,T had been out
witted and disarmed, and now stood singly
between numbers; but the idea of yielding
tamely to this outrage was repugnant to my
very nature and resolved to put the least
favorable opportunity to the strongest test
"Will you accept this purse ?" said I, pro
ducing one that held several gold coins, and
handing it to the chief of the ladrones
Thank you, Senior! you are very kind"
he said as he took it his hand, with polite
bow, and chinked the money.
"This diamond pin may prove acceptable
to your friend" added, as quietly re-
moved it from the bosom of my shirt and
handed it to the gentleman on his left, who
received it in the same polite manner
This diamond ring trust you will retain
as Keepsake" | continued, drawing the
jewel from my finger and presenting it to a
third. II beg your pardon Senores," |
pursued, gancing at the Senorita Paula, who
with my pistols still in her possession, was
quietly standing within the diligcnca, regar-
ding the whole proceedings with one of her
sweetest smiles must not forget this
beautiful lady! have here" went on, at
the same time producing the article, "a very
beautiful gold snuff box-set, as you per
ceivc, with diamopds---will your ladyship
honor me by accepting this, as a slight token
Of my regard for the pleasure afforded me
by your company and conversation ?"
You are a very gallant gentleman, Sc.
nor,' she laughed, taking the two revovers
in one fair hand, and presenting the other
reached the box toward hcr-but my
hand trcmbled little, and just as the pres.
ent was about to touch her fingers, it slipped
and fell between us.
"a thousand pardons, Senorita, for awk-
wardness,' said, as bent down to pick it
up.
Now 'vas the all important moment--thc
moment of life and death All were IN a
measure off their guard and one quick, fur
tive glance showed me that the girl still held
my weapons carelessly in one hand, andwith
the other remaining extended for the prize.
! lifted the box carefully but as raised my
self gave wild, startling veil; and as Sc
norita started back, |, with the quickness of
lightning seized both weapons. and wrench
ed them from her.
To wheel and commence firing upon the par.
ty, was only the work of a moment The
first shot fortunately stretched out the chief
the second took effect on the one nearest to
him; and by the time the third had been
sent to its mission, there arose simultanc-
Gus yell of dismay, and the astonished robbers
began to scatter in every direction. had
no disposition to follow them, however, mi /.
other minute, they might rally and turn up
on me; and springing forward, graspcd
the reins OF freed mustang, and vaulted in
the saddle. One more glance around me
showed me the Senorita Paula upon the body
OF the chief, her laughter turned to grief, and
some OF the scattered towards bringing their
weapons to bear upon me.
Adios Senorita and Senoresw I said
bitterly, He laughts best who laughs last p'
The next moment | was dashng away
down the road, the half-ralied robbers pour.
ing after me volley, but fortunately not
touching their mark. They would doubtless
have followed me in hot pursuit, but for the
wholesome dread they had of my still unds-
charged weapons As it was escaped, and
entered the town of Peuba in triumph ;
where it is almost needless to add, nara
tive of my exploits made me hero and
lion for a time. Here | sold my captured
''e''6 "'aa tioPPHiES IOI W IiiueIll-
nifty me for what had disposed of in the
way Of presents, and the next day saw me
the inside passenger of the same diligencia,
en- route for Mexico. where arrived in SAFE
tv, without any further event worthy of
note.
What became Of the robbers and their
beautiful accomplice l never learned; but
the lesson taught me on that journey have
never forgotten; and during the remainder
OF my stay in that country no pretty woman
had the honor to be my business conlidate,
or of getting possession of my trusty and ur-
failing rcvolvers.
PROPER view OF DOMESTIC DoGs.-The
dogs in family are study. We cannot
help comparing their conduct with human
beings; thinking of them as such, in fact,
if not loving them as WE'LL
With open doors and gates to go away if
they please, they stay with us, and take what
treatment we choose to give them-invited
indoors, or left in the cold; fed with what is
left from our table, or perhaps carclessly for
gotten-working or PLAYING with-noticcd
in return for an expression Of Joy, or perhaps
beaten back and neglected They watch for
us at night, give us bountful welcome when
we return after an absence, arc happy at be-
ing let to stay with us without talking to. and