Year: 1861

thought that my time had come. l bitterly re-
gretted my fool-hardiness in venturing so far
away from the city alone. The ridiculous is
often nearly blended with the sublime; for,
while regretting my unpleasant position there,
came the thought that the greasers would get
my grme, and that hurt my feelings


But had not long to greive. When they
saw that was fully aware they ordered me
with sundry kicks and curses, TO get up, add
ing that was prisoner.


l was soon rifed of what little change Ihap-
pened to bave with me; then l was tied to the
horse of one of the party and warned that if
made any resistance would be cut down in
stantly. l thought it best to take the advice
and submit, though it went awfuy against the
grain; but | knew that to resist would be mad
ness as l would be knitted on the spot where
as if took things quietly | might find an
opportunity to escape. We rode off toward the
mountains, taking what appeared to be cat
tie trail, and following it, about as near as
could judge, ten miles, when we came into a
broad road.


About sundown we arrived at a large haci-
enda and the leader of the party called halt.


| was satisfied that the place was kind
of headquarters for guerrillas, for there were
some fifty or sixty as viainous looking cut
throats lounging round as ever had the luck
to meet with. My capturers were soon dis
mounted, and then | was assisted off the horse
in no very ceremonious or gentle manner.


l had been puzzling my brain trying to solve
the reason why they, instead of killing me on
the spot, had brought me all that distance.
could arrive at no other solution than that they
wanted to exercise some of their cruel ingen-
uity in torturlng me, and that | had been
brought there that they might have no inter-
ruption in their amusement. But to proceed.
After l was dismounted they dragged me to a
door through which l was thrust into small
room with one other opening-a window strong
ly barred. AS they turned to leave me, they
told me that l would be settled with in the
morning.


After about half an hour, the door was un-
barred and the guard passed in to me some
tortilas, a dish of friloles and calabash of
water and l was told to eat and enjoy my
supper, as it would be the last meal l would
ever eat. | asked how | was to eat with my
L. 4, o; LoL,r Col
by asking a question. He asked me how a dog
ate; as the dog had no hands | should have to
manage as the dog. Had it not been for the
pityng angel, Womanl-O Woman! Let her
be ever so greatly outraged, if she sees her en-
emy suffering, she instantly forgets her wrongs
and will smooth his pillow with as gentle hand
as though she had never received anything but
kindness from him. Through the persuasion Of
the woman who had brought the food, my
hands were loosened. And homely as the food
was and although my situation was so pre-
carious, | ate with keen relish, for | had not
tasted anything since early morn and made a
very light meal then. After had satisfied
my huDgerI commenced looking round my pris-
on to try and find some weak place where
might attempt to get out and make an escape;
bat very few moments survey served to show
me that had no hopes Of getting out by any
other way than through the door which l had
entered.


For couple of hours my thoughts were
very sad and bitter. l thought of my mother
aud sister. | thought of their agony of hopes
deferred. l thought their grief at my loss
would be less if they knew that l had died
while fighting the battles of my country, but
that they would never know how l had perish.
ed. To me that was worse than the bitterness
of death. But regrets for what could not be
helped we're useless, that knew for l was
something of a philosopher, always, so l
thought that l would put away such disagree
able companions as my thoughts by sleep, and
coiled myself away in one corner for that
purpose. But had not got fairly settled be-
fore the door of my prison was opened again,
and l was ordered to get up and follow, as the
captain had come and wished to dispose Of me,
they being about to leave early in the morning.
and he did not wish to furnish a horse for a
prisoner to ride.


Let any one imagine themselves in the posi-
ton then was, and they can form some idea
of my feelings. My hands had been again tied
so that was utterly helpless could not
have that satisfaction of even injuring one of
my murderers. Had they left my hands free,
should have watched my opportunity and fast
ened to the throat of one Of the hounds l
knew that before my gripe would loosen he
would have passed to eternity. But it was not
to be-


1 was soon in the presence of the commander
of the force. He put to me few questions
aud wound up by asking me if had any pref
erence as TO how | whould die He said that
he would give me my choice between shooting
and hanging.


Let me die by the bullet, then" was my
answer.


BY the bullet be it then, and allow me to
assure you that admire you for your choice, y
replied be, in as cool voice and with as un-
concerned manner as if he was arranging the
slaughter of an OK. And with the order to the