Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1879-06-17
A COLORADO EXPERIENCE.

One tempest tossed night. weather
bound al "a small hotel on the stage route
from Santa Re. We met tellow-traveller
in whom we became greatly interested
The howlug gale and elemental uproar
intensified the cosy cheer Of our snug
little parlor. The genial warmth from
the heaped-up Goals in the crate and spicy
cNhalationS stcaming from an earthcn
mug brewing in front, out of which, from
time TO time, We rcplenished our glasses.
stimulated conversation, and We were
soon launched upon stream of startling
adventure.
Among Others, my companion, finely
bult. athletic fellow, narrated an cxpcri-
eucc Of the previous season, which, he
said made every hair stand on J!ptoc.
How" We asked. You were in
great pcr.l;"
"One OF those imminent risks that
meet YOU at every turn. -Four of Us came
in the stage from Santa Fc, the last of
June. think. 4 Young lady-govemeSS
in an officers famny-her escort, a
wealthy merchant, reputable, with a
guarantee Of honor described on every
line OF his earnest face. and myself, were
acquaintance: the other was the horse
sheer of the company, bound for the sta
bic at Denver.
The lady-among the twenties-was
so happy in the thought Of going East
and seeing her widowed mother, was so
interested and full of life, that her JOY
ripplcd through our conversation ike a
merry warble.
You'd Ike personal description :
"Wen. rather. tall and willowy, eyes
as black and full Of sparkle as a frosty
night, and hair commonly called red, but
with a CLINT of gold in lines and dashes
wherever the sunlight glanced across it.
| l saw it full when she dropped her hat,
and stylish, neat affair that was, too,
but have not come to that vet
I'm sure you're aware Of the brigand-
age for which that route is noted Mar
velous tales are told of the robbers. l
suspect the mountain passes Of Apcnnines
hold no more mystery of crime than do
the rocky passes of this fresh continent.
Constantly facing danger, the pioneer ac-
uuires hardih0od that ttS him for every
| fresh encounter of peril, however unusual.
The periodic robbing of stages has be-
come 50 much of fact that the express
company Will take no more risks, and
specie and treasure have to be taken east
/ by private parties.
As a government expert, | was well
known TO the bankers of Santa Fe. They
never hesitated TO intrust me with large
amounts of gold, and this time was no
exception. 50 | was loaded, partly by
means of an inner belt around my waist,
partly by false bottom, improyised in
my yalse by cumming strong wrapping
paper over the precious parcels and inner
lining of the bag.
The day would have been intolerable
but for the cool current that swept down
the decliyitieS, and through the mountain
rayines. Frequently during the day, up
the steep aScentS, we would get out and
walk. 1t rested Us and relieved the
tedium of the drive The lady was most
charming, rafting her words like fine shot
against our sallies Of wit and wisdom,
and turning into sport and jest our serious
fears. She became confidential. and told
us ''she expected to return madame,
with a military e>cort-if she returned at
all. Her fancee was a lieutenant, sta
toned now in the Indian Territory; but
when he received his furlough-well, very
soon, perhaps-then we might expect to
hear Of wedding bells"
Il would like to be a little richer" she
added, with a sigh, but we must take
what the good God gives us, and my
treasure happens to be not in gold!!'
How much of dot have you:" said
the practical merchant.