The Red Cloud chief., 1884-04-25

AAoAAS <NS ~ AcAS "
crates as she passed along. so that they
might know exactly in what manner a
conduct themselves and make ..seiI
work sure without risk. BY a simple
Stratagem she had obtained Ciy arms
fu>t 81 the point where she knew the
attack would he made; and her dis
charge of the pistol, Is if b. accident.
was the sign TO show them that all was
secure.
Il acknowledge myself conquered by
being outwiited..' sad l, bowling 10 la
senorita.
Then turning 10 the robbers. who had
now collected in 4 body in front of the
door of the diligencia. l continued:
"Gent.emen, will yoU permit me to
aligl.t and make you some valuable
presents? In the language OF your
country, all | have is yours"
The leader of the party bowed po-
litely in return and said, with I grim
smile:
Isl, senior. we shall be most happy TO
receive anything which SO distinguished
a traveller may have TO be-tow.'
With this | quietly stepped from the
vehicle. and one quick. searching glance
7 lAG ~ FL pc'HNSoAoH "a an "ASAS -
o: affairs.
The di!igencia had been stopped in q
wild, gloomy place, and the driver was
sitting carei ssly on his box. taking
everything as a matter OF course. ite
might also be an accomplice of the rob-
bers, 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 i
severe punishment, sooner or later. !
glanced up and down the road. where
il wound between dark. cvershadowIng
trees, but discovered nothing 10 give
me any hope. The robbers. some eight
or ten in number. and all well armed.
We're collected around me, part Cf them
mounted. and the Others standing on
their feet, holding their mustangs 10y
the bride. Look ng upon my case aS a
desperate n 50 far as being plundered
was concerned. | still retained nv pres
ence of mind, and did no; wholly
despair. True, | hal been outwitucd
and disarmed, and now sto ii sinTiv be-
tween numbers. Tut the idea of y.e.dng
taInc,v to this outrage was repu-naut
10 nv very nature, and | resolved to
put slh oD.i'A tuili-N " NJ
Tense and retaliation to tine strongest
test.
"Will YOU accept this purse said l.
producing n that held several gold
CONS. and handing it to the chief of the
~IddrOneS.
THANK You. senior. you are very
kindr' he said. as he took il in his
hand. with a polite bow, and chinked
the money.
''This diamond pin may prove C
ceptable TO your friend?' l aided. as l
quietly removed il from the bosom of
my shirt. and handed { to the gentle
ngua on the left. who received il in the
same polite manner This damondIring
| trust YOU will retain rs a keepsake
! continued. drawiny the jewe. from NV
finger and presenting it to Il third. Il
beg our pardon, senore>,,' J pursued.
glanc n IT the Senarita Paula. who,
with my pistols stll in her possession,
MS quietly standing within the dill
r,n "a, regarding the whole proceed
ms with II of her sweetest smiles;
~ mus, not forget this beautiful lady,
haze here W nj on. al the same time
producing the article, "a very beauti-
tui gold snuil-boX-Se SET, as Won perceive,
with d.amonds-will your lauvship hon
or me- by accepting TINS a. 4 slight token
of my regard Tor the pleasure Afforded
me by your company and CONVERSE
tion?:"
You are a very gallant gentleman,
senor..' she laugiIe /, taking the w re-
volvers in Ne fair hand and present
Ing the other.
: reached the box toward her. but
ny hand trembled a little-and. just rs
the present was about to touch her
timers. it slipped and fell between us.
a thousand pardons. s-norita. for
down 20 pick it up.
Now was the all-important moment
OF lie and death. All were in 2 meas
ure Of their guard; and one quick. fur |
I've glance. showed M that the Girl still
he'd my weap rs c::re'->Sly in n hand.
with the other remain!n- extended OF
the prize. | lifted the box carefully:
but, a. / raised myself. | gave a wild.
startling veil; and As the senorlta
Started back. 1, with the ~quickneSS of
lightning, seized both weapons and
wrenched them from her.
To wheel and firing upon
the party, was 10Y only the work of a
moment. The fist shot. fortunately. |
stretched out the chief the second took
eject on the u 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 beoan TO scatter in every Girec-
ton. l had no disposition 10 follow
them, however; another minute they
might rally and turn upon me; and.
Springing forward. l graSped the reins
OF a freed mustang. and vaulted into
the saddle. One more glance around
me, showed me the Senorita Paula upon
the body Of the chief. her laughter
changed 10 grief. and I'M of the scat
tered towards bringing their weapons
to bear upon me.
Adde'S, senorita and senores." said
l. bitterly; ''he laughs best who laughs
last
The next moment l was dashing away
down the road, the half rallied robbers
pour ne after me a vol ey, but fortu-
nately not to ching their mark. They
would doubtless have followed me in
hot pursuit, but for the wholesome dread