Dodge City times., 1884-04-24


theirs"
Do you know said |, THAT l am
resolved to emulate their example. let
TIE consequences be what they may?''
"Holy saints defend us!' she ex-
claimed; ''you are not in earnest.
senor:"
" Seriously so, assure you.'
You would only bring certain death
upon us both. -
Say, rather. l should tighten the
expenses of the journey-for your
knights Of the road understand retreat
as well AS advance-and you yourself
have acknowledged that firm resistance
put them 10 fight for once
But there were numbers opposed
to them. senor, and you are only one -
6 But, fortunately, l have couple
of revoivers, which, in two good hands,
amount to some ten or dozen shots.
and my friends have repeatedly told
me l am not bad marksman.'
All, Santa Maria. you will think
better of this, senor?- the very idea of
resistance terrifies me!'
But not the idea of robbery?''
DCCduSc L nave never WIFI
violence"
We continued TO converse in SINH
lar strain for some time longer-m my
fair companion gradually changing the
subject, and seeming much interested
in myself. l learned that her family
name was Nalerle, that she was un-
married, that her father and brother
were officers in the army, and so forth,
and SO on; and in return gave her my
own name. stated something of my
history, business and prospects, and,
altogether, became more cOmmUnica-
tive than | would advise any friend to
be with any stranger Of either sex in a
strange country.
AS we continued our Journey, the
conversation gradually changing from
one thing to another, Sanorita Paula
suddenly brought it bac!, to the point
where it first opened.
ave are coming upon a dangerous
part of the road, she said; "are you
still resolved to defend yourself if as
sailed?''
with your permission, senorita."
Il do not think it ADVISABLE she re-
piled: "but still, if such is your nten-
ton, think it no more than right that
you should give me 4 chance TO take 4
part in my defense, since my risk OF
danger will be as or at as yours
'And have you really the nerve, aft
er all. to defend yOurstlf?' inquired.
"If had the means. senor.'
Il have two pistols said |; :" if you
will accept Of one OF them, it is at your
service"
"You are very kind, senor-but can
fire it9''
with ease. senorita:'' and producing
one of my revolverS, l explained to her
the manner in which it was to be used
"And this. you say, will shoot some
half dozen times?'
Il think it safe to calculate that fiva
charges out OF the six will explode,
senorta."
Avery formidable weapon, inleed:'
she replied; "and with such can al
most fancy we ar safe. You have an
other. YOU say, Ike this?"
| produced it.
"What 4 beautiful invention' she
Observed, reaching over an taking it
from my hand. Then extending her
hands, one of the reyoivers in each. she
continued: "Armed like this, one
m ght almost count h mself safe against
a hos! You say this is fired in this
manner?' she proceeded, cooking one
o. The weapons rs she spoke, and point
ing it toward the road.
Have Il care, senOrita, or you will
dis 'harge it.
The words were scarcely uttered,
when her finger pressed the trigger. and
one of the barrels was exploded with
sharp report. A minute after, and
while ] was gently chiding her, we
heard load, quick tramp of horses,
and several sharp, rapid eXclamations.
The next moment our conveyance was
stopped suddenly, and we saw ourselves
surrounded by some eight or ten mount
ed men, one of whom, in loud voice,
exclaimed:
Yield you prisoners, or die.'
Quick, senorita.'' said I. extend
ing nay hand; quick. in Heavens
name give me one OF those weapons.
for now is the time for decisive action -
Nay" she replied, putting the weap-
onS behind her. ''yOu will be too hasty.
Let them suppose we yield let them
open the door"
''Oh. no. it will then be too later
As | spoke the door was suddenly
thrown open and three or four swarthy,
men presented them
selves TO my view.
"Quick, senorita, for the love of Cod
| cried. gra>ping at her arm.
Hold" she exclaimed. Instantly pre-
semting one of my own revovers to my
head. Resistance is useless s-you are
our prisoner
"tracious iieavrn.' exclaimed |,
perfectly astounded :. Our prisoner.
did YOU say? 1t is not possible that one
SO fair and lovely as yourself is in any
manner connected with these ban
dittir'
ut is even so, Senor." she replied.
with one OF her most bewitching smiles;
still keeping one of my own weapons
turned against m yself and significantly
pointing the other to the door. You
will obllge Us by stepping forth and
giving yourself into the care OF these
good gentlemen. who will Ser that Won
are treated rs Il brave man should he,
but who will trouble you meantime for
any little change and valuables you
may have TO spare!
There seemed TO be no help for it
lhe beautiful Senorita Paula Valerde
was spy and aceomplice of the Ia
ironcs. She had entered the diligencia
at Perote for no other purpose than to
ascertain the exact condition of things
inside and be able 30 signalize her asso-
ciates rs she passe;; along. so that they
might know exactly in what manner to
conduct themselves and make their
work sure without risk. BY simple
4 l.at 1r.,r,, Sho bod .,hta;nol o,.,,,c