Ashtabula weekly telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1880-1886, 1880-03-12
A COLORADO EXPERIENCED

A COLORADO EABERlENCEs
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 howling gale and ele-
mentaluproar 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 re-
plenished our glasses, stimulated con-
yersation, and we were soon launched
upon a stream Of startling adventure.
Among others, my companion, a finely
built, athletic fellow, narrated an ex-
perience of the previous season, which
he said "made every hair stand on tip
toe.n
"How2" we asked. "You were in
great perilP'
lone Of those imminent risks that
meet you at every turn. -Four of us
came in the stage from Santa Fe, the
last of June, l think. A young lady
governess in an officers family-+her
escort, wealthy merchant, reputable,
with guarantee of honor described on
every line Of his earnest face, and my
self, were acquaintancesi 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 conversation
like "A merry warble.
You'd like personal description
"Well, rather tall and willowy, eyes
rs black and full of sparkle rs a frosty
night, and hair commonly called red,
but with CLINT of gold in lines and
dashes wherever the sunlight glanced
across it. | saw it fully when she
dropped her hat, and stylish, neat
affair it WAS, to0-but have not come
to that yet,
Ppm sure You're aware of the
brigandage for which that route is
noted. Marvellous tales are told of the
robbers. Isuspect 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 Il hardi-
hood that fits him for every fresh en-
counter Of peril, however unusual. The
periodic rohbing of stages has become
so much Of o fact that the express com
pany will take no more risks, and specie
and treasures have to be taken Eas. 10y
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 exceptions So / was loaded
partly by means of an inner belt around
my waist, partly by false bottom i'm.
provised in my yalise by cumming
strong Wrapping paper over the pre-.
cious parcels and inner lining of the
bag.
"The day would have been intolera'
bic but for the cool currents that swept
down the declivties, and through the
mountain ravines Frequently daring
the day, up the steep ascents, we woulC
get out aud walk. Ii rested us and re
lieved the tedium of the drive. Tn,
lady was most charming, rafting hel
words like fine shot against our salliel
Of wit and wisdom, and turning int
sport and Jest our serious fears, Sht
became confidential, and told us shI
expected TO return madame, with !
military escOrt-if she returned at all
Her fiancee was lieutenant, stationed
now in the Indian Territory; but wher
he received his furlough-well, very
soon, perhaps-then we might eXpee
to hear Of wedding bells.
"'I would like to be a little richer,
she added, with a sigh, but we mus
take what the good God gives us, anC
my treasure happens to be not in goldl
"'How much of a dot have youp
said the practical merchant.
"She laughed merrily. Are you
bandit in disguiseP then added, the
fruits Of my industry amount 10 the
heavy weight of one thousand in goldl
"'You haven't il with youP he in
quired, so quickly and earnestly that
was surprised,
"'Come, you are accounted shrewd
just try and find out. will answer al
relevant questioning ..
"Hs blushed aud stammered al
apology, and she sat for moment on
rock that projected from the side o
the road over the mountain edge. Sh,
had gathered stray flowers on her walk
diving under bushes and under rocks
and was fastening them to her hat man
tle. A scarlet creeper ran round tn,
base of the rock down the side of tn,
mountain.
'''Oh, that suits me; must have II,
she said, rising TO her feet and drop
ping hat and flowers in the excitement
Just.then sudden eddy of wind CAM
twisting round the corner of a tissure
and whirled them beyond her power o
recovery, on narrow ledge of perpen
dieular rock, iutting out and inaccessi
BILE from the road. rI. ..I.
"'HOw, now, what win you dop'
said, half in sport mt the possibility O
b1Feheaded companion for the rest O
the "trip.
"To my surprise, she looked the i'm
age Of despair and grief; the color ha