The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-15
Unusual and Nerve STanng Experiences Brought About
bu TTedCheTouS Guides Desire to Be Revenqed for a
Thrashnq Which Was Justly Administered.

me to employ him. I explained 10 him
that had no need for his services. The
poor creature looked so miserabIy down
cast at my refusal TO hire him that
set him down to the best meal.
venture to say. he ever had in mis- life.
He ate like a starving man, or, rather,
like a famished wolf. When he had
finished l gave him blanket and a few
pesos In money. The poor wretch's graft
tude was almost as cxtravagant as his
appetite. He knelt before me. placed
my hand upon his head, and murmured
some words in the Magyar tongue. which
1 took to be a VOW that he would one
day repay my kindness. Then he arose
and stole silently away into the forest
and I speedily forgot the incident.
On the first night We encamped in an
open, park-like space. carpeted with
short. thick turf. A few yucca palms
were distributed here and there over the
plain Vasquez built a fire and with
wonderful dcxterity prepared a pot Of
chocolate. together with a portion OF
our supply OF tasajo. or dried beef. 1
was worn out with the day tramp and
when 1 had eaten my supper. I wrapped
myself in my blanket. with my feet to-
ward the FIRE, and fell sound asleep al
most Immediately.
may have slept two hours when 1 was
awakened by an uneasy sensation.
could not make out whether it was
mental or physical. 1t was rather a
/ sense OF something wrong than aught
| else. l lay awhile looking up at the
| tar-sprinkled vault above. wondering
/ vaguely what it could have been that
| had disturbed me, when 1 became aware
OF a slight, an almost imperceptibie tus
at my watch chain. 1t ceased, and 4
dark object. outlined against the starry
! space above. bent over me 1t was :
mans head. Then came another gentle
ting at my chain. and now understood
what was going on. Some one was try
ing 20 rob me.
For another moment I lay quiet
drawing a full breath and collecting all
my energies; then suddenly and swift
Iy I hit out at the silhouette Of the
head. There was a crashing fall and
a wild yell OF dismay and pain. In ar
instant I had leaped upon the fallen
rObber. and clutching him by the throat
dragged him closer to the fire. which !
aroused with my foot. The red far,
shOne upon the covering and terrified
ngure OF Nasquez. the guide!
$50 it was you. you scoundrei'' I said
sternly You add stealing 10 your
other modes Of income. do your You
were not satisfied with the loss of your
ears. but must get yourself killed"
drew my revolver and cooked #. II
you know any prayers. say them quick
The wretch cIasped his hands and held
them imploringly toward me.
Mercy" he whined. Il beseech you
senior. out OF your goodness Of heart. Il
spare me. Indeed e is mistake. or
my soul / did not mean 10 deprive yoJ
OF your watch. I merely desired {,
know the time without disturbing YOU
rest"
"Liar,' I replied You are a thieI
by nature. and IL / did justice I should
shoot you. But have need Of your ser
vices yet, and FOR that reason only
spare your vile life"
Instantly he began to pour forth {
stream OF thanks. and blessings in IN,
name Of every saint known TO him. Rut
cut HIS vOluble gratitude short viii
a hearty kick.
Silence. you rascal" 1 said. NO
| another word. or 1 shall repent OF ny
] clemency. Up with you,' and 1 admin