Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1868-12-17
MISCELLANY.
Wol.! and Lost.
By LIsETTE.

form OF mounted rliiemen, and were mounteu
on full-blooded American horses They were
evidently upon +" pas" as no officer was with
them. and bound upon some jolly excursion
into the country. They had reached the cross
road, leading from the Town of Tucuhay to
Penyan, when single horseman was observed
advancing rapidly towards them from the Pen
van side, his form upraised in his stirrups' and
his whole demeanor betokening extreme haste
"I say, Abe, that fellow is making for US
something has happened, and he wants our
assistance" said one of the party, tapping a
young man Of some twenty-three summers
upon the shoulder, "what say you ?" 500
The person addressed as Abe, took long
look at the horseman, and then replied
'If that isn't old Ricardo, am very much
mistaken"
"Wbat the old Spaniard who owns the large
hacienda near San Antonia, and who has such
pretty daughter2' p asked the other.
I" The same; bat see the old man beckons us
to meet him-let us GO And putting spurs
to his horse, he bounded swiftly forward to
meet him.
"Lets after him, boys, and If there's any
fun on hand well have share in il, ," shouted
the other, and the whole party dashed on after
him. In few moments they we're alongside
the old man, and having reined in their steeds,
Abbott said
"What's the matter, Ricardo-is anything
wrong2 ?"
"Senors Amcricanosi my child, my daugh-
ter ~ replied the old man in tones Of anguish.
"What Of her speak, tell me- |" exclaimed
Abbott with startling energy, and his eyes
flashed as be grasped the Spaniard's arm.
"yentell, the guerrilla" Gnsped the old man
in reply.
ale has not dared" began the fiery youth
but he was cut short by the old man, who
said
"IIe has robbed my house, and carried of
my child Oh if you are men, fly to her res
cue" ...
"When was 1t done 2" exclaimed half a
dozen voices, and all eyes were eagerly bent
upon Ricardo as he replied
"Not two hours sincc-thcy can be easily
overtaken." M
Chow many were they?" demanded Abbott
core hundred in number, ,"-and the Span.
lard gazed with despairing look on the littlc
party before him.
Boys" said Abbott, in a firm tone, "whC
of You will go with me2 For myself | vii
rescue her or die in the attempt"
al" was tho response of every member o
the little band as they caught the daring spir
of Abbott.
"Then lead on, old man, and ere the SUI
sets, your child shall be restored to your arms.
The Spaniard needed no second bidding, bu
wheeling his snorting charger he buried hi
spurs in his fianks, and the gallant steed bor
him swiftly onward Over the cross-roac
leading to San Antonio they few on their er
rand of mercy. Down the giant causeway o
Antonio, and over the fatal bridge Of Churu'
busco they went, and the spires Of San Angus
tine glittered in the distance-but no foe wal
yet to be seen. The old man rode before, BIZ
grey locks streaming in the wind, and his darl
eye fixed with an eagle glance before him
scanning the wide plain, aud the rock bound
sides Of Contreras. Suddenly raising his Ions
bony arm, he pointed far on before him, Il
where the road assembled the mountain height
Of Cholacino and shouted
"Ihere they are-forward forward "
A suppressed yell burst from twenty lipI
and as many bands sought their sabre hilts
and loosened the shining blades in their scab
bards, while stern resolve rested upon tn
flushed and heated brow Of each. Across th'
outskirts of San Augustine, and down by tb'
placid lake of Choloo they sped, and the mex
moment they are mounting the rugged height
Of Cholacino. On the top they pause, an'
down in the vale beyond, not over half mill
off they discovered the robbers, riding slowly
along. unconscious of pursuit.
Fall back, Ricardo, and leave the work e
US, said Abbott, addressing the Spaniard.
"Never," burst from the pallid lips Of th'
father
But you are unused to scenes Of strife; yor
mirbt fall and then what would become o
your daughterl"
No more, said the old man. "Ifa parent
strikes not for his child, who viii y
The enemy now discovered the approach O
the little party, and began to hasten thei
speed but as the large horses Of the Americans
rapidly outstnppcd the Mustangs, it became
evident that few minutes must end the race
Finding escape impossible, the guerrillas wheel
cd about and hastily forming a line, came thun
dering on to meet them.
Now, boys, let them have good wolfe,
from the rifles, and then throw them down am
trust TO the sabre and pistol for the victory
/ Forward, and God defend the right
: A deafsning yell burst from the little ban
as Abbott concluded, and unslingiDg their ri
fes, they poured in a murderou' fire as the
closed with the enemy, which brought many
stalwart foe TO the earth, and drawing the gilt
tering blade they fought for victory or death
| Terrible indeed, was that bloody encounter, be
it was not Of long duration. A dozen Of tb
guerrilIas sank before the first fatal FIRE; an