The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1880-03-06
A COLORADO EXPERIENCE.


bound at a small hotel on the stage.
route from Santa Fe, we met a fellow
traveller in whom we became greatly
interested. The bowling gale and ele-
mental uproar intensified the coy cheer
of our snug little parlor, while the
glowing Goals in the CRATE and the spicy
exhalations steaming 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 stream
of startling adventure.
Among others, my companion, a
finely-built, athletic fellow, narrated
an experience of the previous season,
which he said "made every hair stand
on tiptoe."
L" How?'' we asked. You were 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, | think. A young lady
governess in an officers family-her
escort, a wealthy merchant, reputable,
with guarantee of honor described on
every line of his earnest face, and N.Y.
self, were acquaintances; the other was
the horse-shoer of the company, bound
for the stables at Denver.
"The lady-among the twenties-
was so happy in the thought of going
East and seeing her widowed mother
was so interesting and full of life that
her Joy rippled through our converse
ton like merry MARBLE.
you'd like personal description
"Well, rather tall and willowy, eyes
as black and full of sparkle as frosty
night, and hair commonly called red,
but with CLINT of gold in lines and
dashes wherever the sunlight glanced
across it. 1 saw it fully when, she
dropped her hat, and stylish, neat
affair it was, too-but have not come
to that yet.
"Pm sure you're aware of the
brigandage for which that route is
noted. Marvellous tales are told of the
robbers. suspect the mountain passes
of the Apenines hold no more mystery
of crime than do the rocky passes of
this fresh continent. Constantly facing
danger, the pioneer acquires hardi-
hood that fits him for every fresh en-
counter of peril, however unusual. The
periodic robbing of stages has become
so much of fact that the express COM
pany will take no more risks, and spe-
Gle and treasures have to be taken East
by private parties.
AS a Government expert, I 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. So was loaded,
partly by means of an inner belt around
my waist, partly by false bottom I'M
provised in my valise by cumming
strong wrapping paper over the pre-
cious 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 day, up the steep ascents, 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, and turning into
sport and jest our serious fears. She
became confidential, and told us she
expected to return madame, with a
military escort-if she returned at all.
Her tiancee was a lieutenant, stationed
now in the Indian Territory; but when
he received his furlough-well, very
soon, perhaps-then we might expect
to hear of wedding BELLS
"' would like to be little richer
she added, with sigh, but we must
take what the good God gives us, and
my treasure happens to be not in goldr
"'How much of dot have you?'
said the practical merchant.
"She laughed merrily. Are you a
bandit in disguiseP' then added, the
fruits of my industry amount to the
heavy weight of one thousand in goldr
"'You haven't it with youp' he in
quired so quickly and earnestly that
was surprised.
Come, you are accounted shrewd;
just try and find out. will answer all
relevant questioning
"He blushed and stammered an
apology, and she sat for moment on a
rock that projected from the side of the
road over the mountain edge. She had
Satnereu stray MOWERS on her walk,
diving under bushes and under rocks,
and was fastening them to her hat man.
tie. A scarlet creeper ran round the
base of the rock down the side of the
mountain.
$50, that suits me; must have it,
she said, rising to her feet and dropping
hat and flowers in the excitement. Just
then a sudden eddy of wind came twist.
ing round the corner of assure, and
whirled them beyond her power of re-
covery, on narrow ledge of perpen.
dicular rock, jutting out and inaccessi.
BILE from the road.
"How, now, what will you doP'
said, half in sport at the possibility Of
bareheaded companion for the rest Of
the trip.
"To my surprise, she looked the i'm
age of despair and grief; the color hat