Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1867-11-29

- n"u ictt ShtuuanuN Tor the
Rio Grande, with long train Of loaded
mules, having some Indian drivers and
Mexican guide. Near the close of the
second day, just as We had fixed upon our
camp, in pleasant grove, near running
stream, aparty Of six men, armed, sud-
denly made their appearance, coming from
know not where, as / did not perceive
them until they were upon us.
They were all gaily dressed in the fan
ciful costume of the country, and five of
them carried carbines, which they levelIed
at me, as if with the intention of shooting
me down at once. a aG
DO you surrender ?" demanded the
leader Of the party, who was armed with
brace of pistols aud stietto.
Have any choice ?" said /.
Death"
"Then ] surrender"
"Throw down your arms and be blind
folded at once"
May I ask what you intend to do with
me-" said /.
You may ask, but ! shall not tell you"
"Of course l am in your hands and at
your mercy: but as l have never harmed
you, shall venture to hope that you will
not treat me harshly," rejoined.
he did not reply to this, but made
sign to his men, who advanced, gathered
up my weapons and fixed bandage over
my eyes. Two of them took me by the
arm and led me away between them.
To the best Of my judgment we walked
about half mile, not word being spok-
en-. Then we began to descend steps, and
BY the cooler and damper air, / believed
i we were entering some subterraneau place,
perhaps q cave. We went down for
comparatively long distance, and then
through what seemed narrow passage,
with sharp turns-now to the right, and
now to the left. Then we went up few
steps, and down twice as many, and soon
after appeared to enter an apartment.
where several persons were assembled,
chatting and laughing, who sudd emily be-
came silent.
Here I expected my bandage to be re-
moved, but it was not. was still led for
ward to another passage, and then into
some room, the door of which opened With
harshly grating sound.
My sight now being restored TO me, 1
found myself in small rocky cell, whose
dimensions and contents / coull perceive
BY the light Of an iron lamp which one Of
my two conductors held in his hand. The
apartment was perhaps ten feet by six,
and looked as if it had been hewed out of
solid rock. 1t had an iron door with a
very small opening in it TO admit air. 1t
was daylight when left the fresh world
above, but there was no daylight here, and
the air was damp and noisome. A dirty
mattress stretched along the ground on one
side, and an earthern jug stood in one cor
nex,n These were all the room contained,
which had the appearance of prisoners
cell.
Will you tell me why am here ?"
said 10 the men as they stood watching
the expression Of my features.
Because it is the wish of our chief"
answered one.
slave / done anything for which he
wishes to punish me 2"
He had better answer that question
HIMSELF
zspssass Shall 4 see him soon 2"
You may and you may not"
Meantime, what will become of my
property"
g 1t will be cared for"
May hope that it will be restored to
me?"
"You may hope what you WILL.
Will you tell me nothing TO solve this
Mystery"
I. That is not our business here,n said
the spokesman. and then they both turned
to go out.
oh, gentlemen" exclaimed ], as a
horrible suspicion suddenly flashed upon
my mind, pray assure me Of one thing
am not to be locked up here and left te
starve TO DEATH"
" 1t is not for us to say" was the reply
as the heavy iron door was swung to and
locked leaving me in darkness, prey L
fear and despair.
For hours no one came near me; ant
not knowing what better to do, stretched
my weary self out on the mattress, ant
finally fell asleep.
was awakened by the creaking Of the
hinges Of my iron door. / looked up, ant
could scarcely believe my senses, when
beheld, by the light she held in her hand
q young. tall, beautiful lady, with blacl
eyes and hair, very gaily and richly dress
ed; her soft, white, tapering fingers fairl,