Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-08-11
Fighting Bandits by Her Husbands Side

IN my wife and had been living in the
HH Sierra Madre. Mexico. for more
Hk than two years, managing q small
silver and gold mine. Our future
had been carefully planned for
years ahead, when suddenly our plans, our
lives. and those of others were changed because
of raid by drink-crazed bandits.
had just informed Ell Viejo to saddle the
horses. My wife and planned an hours ride
up and around the trail While standing In the
doorway waiting for my wife, noticed my
revolver handles were slightly loose, and, with
out thinking frightened them.
It is necessary for every foreigner in Mexico,
any distance from the protection Of city, to
carry arms and to know how to use them My
wife carried an automatic and leather at
tachment on her belt holding six extra clips My
defense weapons consisted of a large revolver
q cartridge belt holding IS shells. ami 10
inch Stiletto sharpened on one edge. This last
named weapon seemed useless to many, but
mad proved its value to me many times.
Information came to us the day before con-
Corning band of Is men who were camping
some 10 hours ride across the river valley from
our mining location. These men were said to
be drinking their courage up to attack our
camp. We paid very little heed to this warning,
;as it was q very common occurrence for few
rancheros to form into band and turn bandits
for while.
Turing their short run, they would sack
few pueblos carry OF, several senoritas
make threats against the Federal Government
and perhaps become confident enough to plan
to attack us. AS general rule, the meScal
gave out before their courage reached the point
necessary TO lead them on to the attack. In
such instances the men would 60 back to their
adobes and become rancheros again.
knew most Of the men in that section of
the country and by the grapevine system of
telephones knew the name Of every man said
to ne planning the attack. Knowing their char
acter. doubted that they would ever gain cour-
age enough to fulfill their mission. At any
rate. We had lived In such parts Of the world
too long to give up q refreshing ride for the
sake of few "locos." Therefore to my wife:
Hurry. Don, let's get away quick SO that
we can go up to the top Of the trail and return
before dark" While saying this, stood in the
doorway holding my pet parrot on my left fore
finger, stroking its head with my right, ami
calling it pet names. "Bronito" loved affection,
and we stroye to satisfy his craving
My wife replied that just another dash OF
powder. an order to Carmelita as to what she
should prepare for our dinner, and away we
would go.
It may be plainly seen just how serene was
EVERY outward sign. Suddenly, without warn.
ing. q group of men walked from behind a
storage adobe dnto the patio, not IS feet from
our door.
"Buenas, Senor," the spokesman said. I'VE
hope that you and your wife are in the best
t0f health. II you please, come out here, as we
have little business TO talk Of to YOU"
The others grouped around the speaker. All
were smiling and dangerously drunk. In that
country every sort Of matter to be discussed
Is called a negocio (business), 50 this request
did not surprise me.
"Sorry, JUAN" answered; " II you have any
ever, leave your gun with one Of your con1pan-
;ieros. as I do not discuss business with armed
men"
They exchanged glances at this reply and
at the same time lost every trace of smile.
During this talk had continued stroking the
head OF the parrot but watched every move
the men made. My wife had silently backed
into the house. without turning to see, could
ten by the sounds that she was laying out
shells rifles and pistols from our store of arms.
She had never had the same experience be-
fore. but was as cool, outwardly, as the arroyos
water of melted snow. She was going about
her arrangements as though laying out clothes
for q dinner In New York City, and not as a
woman preparing to wage battle. We had
talked Of just what she should do in such a
case, and that is exactly what was being done.
BY leaning against the door-frame I was
gradually pushing my gun against the door
and more TO my front. Many thoughts raced
through my mind. Where were all my men,
my workers, ONCE force, store men and watch
men?" I never realized until later that they
were all afraid, except q very few and those
few happened to be away from the camp at that
time. When they did return, it was too late.
Juan, the leader and spokesman, seemed to
have reached decision, 80 he spoke, Come
here Senorl'
was not accustomed to being ordered, but
felt should not press the issue. With much
politeneSs, refused the curt invitation.
Juan repeated his order, this time with more
emphasis. Once more refused and suggested
that should he have company business to trans
act, he should return on the morrow this be-