Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1879-09-05
A Colorado Experience.

One tempest-tossed night, weather.
bound at small hotel on the stage
route from Santa Fe, we met fellow.
traveller in whom we became greatly
interested. The bowling gale and ele-
mentary uproar intensified the cosy
cheer of our snug little parlor. The
genial warmth from the heaped-up rud-
dy Goals in the CRATE and spicy exhala-
tons steamipg from an earthen mug
brewing in front, out of which, from
time to time, We replenished our glasses,
stimulated conversation, and we were
soon launched upon O stream of start
ling adventure.
Among others, my companion, q
finely-built, athletic fellow, narrated an
experience of the previous season,
which, he said, made every hair stand
on tiptoe."
How" we asked. "You we're in
great peril?"
Zone of those imminent risks that
meet you at every turn. -Four of us
came in the stage from Santa Fe, the
last of June, I think. A young lady
governess in an officers family-her
escort, wealthy merchant, reputable,
with a guaranty of honor inscribed on
every line of his earnest face, and nv
self, we're acquainted; the other was the
horseshoer of the company, bound for
the stables at Denver.
"The lady-among the twenties-
was 80 happy in the thought of going
east and seeing her widowed mother
was SO interested and full of life that
her Joy rippled through our converse
ton like merry MARBLE.
"You like personal description?
Well, rather tall and willowy. ewes
as black and full of sparkle as q frosty
night, and hair commonly called red.
but with a CLINT of gold lines and
dashes wherever the sunlight glanced
across it. I saw it fully when she
dropped her hat, and stylish. neat
affair that was too-but have not come
to that yet.
I'm sure you're aware of the bri
gandages for which that route is noted.
Marvellous tales are told of the robbers.
! suspect the mountain passes of the
Apennines hold no more mystery of
crime thar. do the rocky passes of this
fresh continent. Constantly facing dan.
ger, the pioneer acquires hardihood
that hts him for every fresh encounter
OF peril, however unusual. The periodic
robblng OF the stages has become so
much OF fact that the express COM
pany will take no more risks, and specie
aud treasure will have to be taken east
by private parties.
AS government expert, 1 was we'll
known to the bankers of Santa Fe.
They never hesitated to intrust me with
large amounts Of gold, and this time
was no exception. So was loaded.
partly by means Of an inner belt around
my waist, partly by false bottom, inn
provlsed IN my valise by cumming
strong wrapping paper over the precious
parcels and inner lining of the bag.
The day would have been intolera.
BILE but for the cool currents that swept
down the declivities and through the
mountain ravines. Frequently during
the Gay, up the steep ascerts, we would
get out and walk. 1t rested us and re-
heved the tedIum of the drive. The
lady was most charming, rafting her
words like fine shot against our sallies
OF wit and wisdom. aud turning into
sport and jest our serious fears. She
became confidential, and told us she
expected to return a NADINE, with a
military escort-if she returned at all.
Her fancee was IA lieutenant stationed now
II Indian Territory; but when lie re
ceived his furlough-well, very soon.
perhaps--then We might expect to hear
OF wedding bells.
~ would like TO be little richer
She said, with n sigh, but We must
take what the good God gives us. and
my treasure happens 10 be not in goldr
Hos much If Cot have you?' said
the practical merchant.
49,. laughed merrily Are Won a
bandit IA dlsgulso?' tnen saving. The
fruits tf my industry amour; TO the
heavy weight OF :! 40 il cular
You haven't II with yo.y' he il
quifed, so quickly and earnestly that
Wac surprised.
Come, you are accounted sirewd.
Just Try and find out. Iwi!l answer ali
relevant questioning.