St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1884-05-03
Let them suppose we yield--let them

open the door,
''Oh, no! it will then be too Iate!''
AS | spoke the door was suddenly
thrown open and three or four swarthy,
heavily-bearded men presented them
selves to my view.
Quick, senorita, for the love of Godn'
| cried, grasping at her arm.
Hold"' she exclaimed, Instantly pre-
senting one of my own revovers to my
head. Resistance is useless-you are
our prisoner!"
GRACIOUS Heaven"' exclaimed I,
perfectly astounded. sOur prisoner,
did you say? 1t is not possible that one
so fair and lovely as yourself is in any
manner connected with these ban
ditti!''
1T is even so, senor," she replied,
with one of her most bewitching smiles;
still keeping one of my own Weapons
turned against myself and significantly
pointing the other to the door. "You
will oblige us by stepping forth and
giving yourself into the care of these
good gentlemen, who will see that you
are treated as a brave man should be,
but who will trouble you meantime for
any little change and Valuables you
may have to sparen'
There seemed to be no help for it.
the beautiful Senorita Paula Valerde
was spy and accomplice of the ID
drones. She had entered the diligencia
at Perote for no other purpose than to
ascertain the exact condition of things
inside and be able to signalize her asso-
ciates as she passed along, so that they
might know exactly in what manner to
conduct themselves and make their
work sure without risk. BY simple
stratagem she had obtained my arms
just at the point where she knew the
attack would be made; and her dis
charge of the pistol, as if by accident,
was the sign to show them that all was
secure.
81 acknowledge myself conquered by
being outWitted!' said /, bowling to la
senorita
Then turning to the robbers, who had
now collected in a body in front of the
door of the diligencia, I continued:
Gentlemen, will you permit me to
aligkt and make you some valuable
presentsP In the language of your
country, all have is yours
The leader of the party bowed po-
lftely in return and said. with a grim
smile:
Isl, senior, we shall be most happy to
receive anything which so distinguished
a traveller may have to bestoW.'
With this l quietly stepped from the
vehicle, and one quick, searching glance
put me in possession of the whole state
of affairs.
The diligencia had been stopped in
wild, gloomy place, and the driver was
sitting carelessly on his box, taking
everything as a matter of course. He
might also be an accomplice of the rob-
bers, on he might not; but, in either
case, there was little hope of assistance
from him-for any attempt of the kind
would certainly bring upon him
severe punishment, sooner or later. I
glanced up and down the road, where
it wound between dark, evershadoWing
trees, but discovered nothing to give
me any hope. The robbers, some eight
or ten in number, and all well armed,
were collected around me, part Of them
and the others standing on
their feet, holding their mustangs by
the bride. Looking upon my case as a
desperate one, so far as being plundered
was concerned. I still retained my pres
ence of mind, and did not wholly
despair. True, | had been outwitted
and disarmed, and now stood singly be-
tween numbers, but the idea of yielding
5amely to this outrage was repugnant |
10 my very nature, and | resolved to
put any favorable opportunity for de-
tense and retaliation to the strongest |
test.
"Will you accept this pursep' said l,
producing one that held several gold |
coins, and handing it to the chief of the
tGdT0nes.
'.Thank you, senior! You are very
1ind!' he said, as he took it in his
hand, with polite bow, and chinked
,he money.
.'This diamond pin may prove ac.
,eptable to your friend?o / added, as I
quietly removed it from the bosom of |
ny shirt, and handed it to the gentle |
nan on the left, who received it in the
same polite manner. This diamondiring
trust you will retain as keepsake!n
continued, drawing the jewel from my
niger and presenting it to third II
oeg your pardon, senores!" pursued.
dancing at the Senorita Paula, who,
With my pistols still in her possession,
vas quietly standing within the dill
,encia, regarding the whole proceed
ngs with one of her sweetest smiles;
4 must not forget this beautiful lady!
have here, . / went on, at the same time
producing the article, "a very beauti-
I'll gold snuff-box set, as you perceive,
With diamonds-will your ladyship hon.
II me by accepting this as slight token
i my regard for the pleasure afforded
ne by your company and converse
ion?'f
You are a very gallant gentleman,