Louisiana capitolian., 1879-07-12
A Colorado Experience.

from SANTA re, We uleU u iohVW-U"'ON'
in whom we became greatly interested.
The bowling gale and elemental uproar
intensified the cosy cheer Of our snug
littlo parlor. The genial warmth from
the heapcd up ruddy Goals in the grate'
and spicy exhalations streamed from an
earthern mug brewing in front, out OF
which from time to time, We repIished
our glasses, stimulated conversation, and
we were soon launched upon stream of
startling adventure.
Among others, my companion, n timely
built, athletic fellow, narrated an expe-
rience of the previous season, which nc
said made every hair stand on tip-toe.'
"Howi' we asked. "Yon were III
great peril"
"One of those imminent risks that
meet you at every turn. -Four of ns
came in the stage from Santa Fe, the
asst of June, l think. A young lady
governor Of an officers family--her
escort, wealthy merchant, reputable,
with guarantee of honor inscribed on
every line Of his earnest face, myself,
were acquaintances, the other was the
horseshocr Of the company, bound 1or
stables at Denver
"The lady--among the twentes-was
80 happy in the thought of going East
and seeing her widowed mother, was 80
interested and full Of life, that her JOY
rippled through our conversation like
n merry warblc.
"You'd like a personal description !
"Well, rather tall and willowy, eyes
as black and full Of sparkle AZ n frosty
night, and hair commonly called red,
but with CLINT of gold lines and dasl'es
wherever the sunlight glanced across it.
"rm sure you are aware of the brig
andage for which that route is noted
Marvellous tales arc told of the robbers
I suspect tho mountain passes of the
Appcnnines hold no more mystery OF
crime than do the rocky passes of this
fresh continent. Constantly facing
danger, the pioneer acquires hardi
hood that fills him for every freslf en-
counter of peril however unusual. Th'
periodic robbing of stages has become
40 much of fact that the express com
pany will take no more risks, and specie
and treasure have to be takon East b,
private parties.
"As q government expert, | was wei
known to tho bankers of Santa Fc
They never hcstated tS cntrust mo will
large amounts of gold, and this tim
was no exception. So | was loaded
partly by means of an inner belt aronn'
my waist, partly by false bottom, i'm
provised in my valise by cumming wrap
ping paper over the precious parcels
and inner lining of the bag
"The day would have been intolerabl
but for the cool currents that swep
down the declivities, and through tn
mountain ravincs. Frequently durin
the day, up the steep asccnts, wo woul
get out and walk. 1t rested us and RI
lieyed tho tedium of the drive. Th
lady was most charming, rattling he
words like fine shot against our sallio
of wit and wisdom, and turning int
snort our serious fears. She bccam
confidential, and told us she expccte
to return n madame, with military CT
cort-if she returned Mt all. Her fianc
was q lieutenant, stationed in the India
Territory; but when he received h
furloushz5-wc'l, very soon, perhaps
then wc might expect to hear of we'
ding bells.
"T would like to he q little richer
she added with sigh, 'but wc mus
take whatever good God gives us, All
my treasure happens to be not in gold
"How much of dot have you ?
said tho practical merchant.
"She laughed merrily:
"'Are you band in disguise ~ an
then added that the fruits Of her indu
try amounted to the heavy weight
one thousand dollars in gold.
"You havn't it with you'" he inqui
80 quickly and earnestly that wi
surprised.
"Come, you are accounted shrcw
just try and find out! will answer a
relevant questioning
He blushcd and stammcred an apol
gy, and she sat for moment on roc
that projected from tho side of the ro'
over the mountain edge. She had gat
crcd stray flowers on her. walk, divi'
under bushes and behind rocks, and W
fastening them on her hat and mantl
A scarlet creeper ran around the case
the rock and down the side of the mou
tain.
ooh, that suits me, must have it
she said, rising to her feet and droppil
hat and flowers in her excitement. Ju
then sudden eddy of wind came twi'
ing round tho corner of q fishure al
whirled hat and flowers round a
round, lodging them beyond her pow
of recovery, on narrow ledge of p'
pendicular rock jutting out and inacc'
sible from the road
elbow now, what will you do I" | Sc
half in sport at the possibility of ba
headed companion for the rest of
trip.
To nv surprise she looked the ina