Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1885-11-28

One bright spring day, more than a
year after our first meeting, Rudolph
Movitskawere riding through aloneIy
pass in the Sierra Nevada, on our
way to the mine in which our inter-
est was conferred.
We had travelled the same trail
many times before without molesta-
ton, butnot without being constantly
on the lookout for foes. The stage
route led through this pass, and there
were legends connected with it in
which fOotpads, road agents, and as
sassins figured conspicuously.
AS we rode leisurely along my
companion casually remarked:
81 have heard of no stand and de-
liver sensations Occurring in this pass
for some time"
"Nor have l. The march of civili-
cation seems to be thinning out the
outlaws in this region"
The words had scarcely passed my
lips when three figures rode out from
behind a jutting rock and confronted
us. AT the same moment a clear,
silvery, feminine voice cried out:
"Halt !"
We both drew rein. For my part
it was a surprise, more than any other
feeling, that caused me to obey the
mandate so promptly; for the three
riders were WOmeR!
They were dressed in deep black,
and each wore a long impenetrable
veil that effectually concealed her
features. Each held a formidable
looking revolver in a small gauntleted
hand, but the weapons were not
aimed.
There was something that smacked
of the ridiculous in this coup de main,
and | should have been amused had
l not been dumb with amazement.
1t was a novel experience for two
healthy, strong-limbed, muscular men
to be peremptorily commanded to
halt by trio of delicately-formed
women.
turned and looked at my COM
panion. To my surprise, if not dis
gust, he was as pale as a ghost, and
trembling in every limb. Was the
man coward? Was he really strick-
en- with terror by the menancing atti-
tude by these petticoated strangers
had never suspected him of such
weakness.
Recovering my speech / bowed
with mock courtesy to the yelled
riders, and said:
"Ladies, this is an unexpected
honor. Being stopped and robbed by
booted and spurred highwaymen has
grown so mOnotonous that it is a
genuine relief to have the act per-
formed by representatives Of your
adorable sex. Ipresume you want
our moneyor our lives?"
ave want nothing whatever from
yOu," replied the woman who had
first spoken. "You, sir, are at liberty
to go your way; but your friend
Rudolph Movitska, must come with
u.s."
Here was fresh surprise. i saw
Movitska start violently, and ther
straighten up in his saddle and cease
: trembling as suddenly as if he hat
turned to stone.
"Pardon my perverseness, madam
but you will permit me say tina
wherever my friend goes, there mus
: l go, ALSO"
$50 be it" said the woman, almos
sharply; "but we will have no tri
J fling. The gentleman is our prisone
J and must go with us Immediately
) | turned to Movitska with a smile
3 "Well, old boy, what are you goini
/ to do?"
81 will go with them," said he
5 drawing sharp breath. "Let then
r head their way; l will follow"
: 1t was not the answer l expected
g and protested, vigorously, agains
t such an ignominious surrender.
0 told him any fool could see that tn
D object of these female outlaws was
e lead him into an ambush of nal
4 robbers and cut Threats.
e He held firmly to his decision.
r "You can continue your journey
n you like" he said. 81 am prisOne
: and must go with my captors. If
g am mistaken, death will be welcome.
n saw no reason in this observation
s and began to doubt the mans sanity
n Convinced that no amount of argr
ment would dissuade him from hi
T purpose, / gave up the effort and RI