Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1884-04-09

alight and make you some valuable pre-
sents? In the language of your country,
all | have is yours"
The leader of the party bowed po-
litely in return and said, with a grim
smile:
ISL, senior, we shall be most happy
TO receive anything which SO dis
tinguished a traveller may have to be-
stow.n
With this 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 accompliee of the
robbers, or 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 Sc
we're punishment sooner or later. |
glanced up and down the road, where
it wound between dark, overshadowing
trees, but discovered nothing to give
me hope. The robbers, some eight or
ten in number, and all well armed,
were collected around me, part of them
mounted, 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, L still retained my pre-
sence of mind, and did not wholly deS
pair. True, had been outwitted and
disarmed, and now stood singly between
numbers, but the idea OF yielding
tamely to this outrage was repugnant
TO my very nature, and [ resolved to
put any favorable opportunity for de-
fence and retaliation To the strongest
| test.
"Will you accept this purSe?'' said L,
producing one that held several gold
CONS, and handing it to the chief of the
LddrORes.
Thank you, senior, you are very
kind!'' he said, as he took il in his
the money.
This diamond pin NAV prove accep-
table to your friend?" L added, is |
quietly removed it from the bosom of
my shirt, and handed it to the gentleman
on his left, who received it in the same
polite manner. This diamond ring |
trust you will retain as keepSakel" l
continued, drawing the jewel from my
hnger and presenting 1t To third. Il
beg your pardOns, senors, L pursued,
glancing at the Senorita Paula, who,
with my pistols still in her possession,
was quietly standing within the diligen-
ella, regarding the whole proceedings
with one of her sweetest smiles; 81
must not forget this beautiful ladyl /
have here" L went on, at the same
time producing the article, "a very
beautiful gold snuff box-set, as you
perceive, with diamonds will your
ladyshlp honor me by accepting this as
4 slight token of my regard for the
pleasure afforded Inc by your company
and conversation"
You are very gallant gentleman,
senOTl" she laughed taking the two re-
volvers in one iaIr hand and presenting
| the other
/ reached the box toward her-but
my hand trembled little-and, just as
the present was about TO touch her
fingers, it slipped and fell between us.
"a thousand pardonS, senorita, for
my awkwardnesS.' said, as L bent
down to pick it up.
Now was the all important moment
of life and death! All were in meas
ure off their guard; and one quick,
furtive glance showed that the girl still
held nv weapons carelessly i'll one hand
with the other remaining extended for
the prize. | lifted the box carefully;
but, as l raised myself, L gave a wild,
startling yell; and as the senorita started
back, L with the quickneSs of lightning
seized both weapons and wrenched them
from her.
To wheel and commence firing upon
the party was now only the work OF a
moment. The first shot, fortunately,
stretched out the chief; the second took
effect Oh the one nearest to him; and
by the time the third had been sent on
its mission, there arose one simultane-
Gus yell of dismay, and the astounded
robbers began to scatter III every dlrec-
tion. l had no disposition to follow
them, however; another minute they
might rally and turn upon me; and,
springing forward, L grasped the reins
of freed mustang and vaulted into the
saddle. One more glance around me
showed me the Senorlta Paula upon the
body of the chief. her laughter changed
to grief, and some of the scattered cow
ards bringing their weapons to bear
upon me.
"AdiOs, senorlta and sencres!" said
/, bitterly; ''he laughs best who laughs
laStl"
The next moment l was daShing
away down the road, the halt-rallIed
robbers pouring after me yolley, but
fortunately not touching their mark.
They would doubtless have followed
me In hot pursuit, but for the whole
some dread they had of my still undis-
charged weapon.
AS 1t was, escaped and entered the
town of Pueblo in triumph, where, 1t IS
almost needless to add, narration OF
my exploit made me a hero and lion
for the time.
Here sold my captured mustang and
trappings for enough to indemnify me
for what had disposed of Ill the way
of presents; and the next day saw Inc
an inside passenger of the same dlllgen-
cia en- route for Mexico. where L ar
rived in safety, without any further
event werthy or note.
What became of the robbers and their
beautiful accomplice L never learned,
but the lesson taught me on that jour
ney l have never forgotten; and during
the remaindel of my stay in that country
no pretty woman ever had the honor OF
being my business conidante, or OF get
ting possession of my trusty and un-
failing revolvers.
Palestine.