The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 1 — page 117: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A CUBAN HOLD UP. oa treacherous driver cracked his whip, the mules started into a trot, and seon the whole outfit was lost to view in a cloud of dust. - The distinguished and dignified Cuban waved his hand just before he disappeared, as though to bid us farewell; and we shook our fists in return, promising ourselves that we would get even with him if, in the orderings of Providence, our paths ever crossed again. : ‘The scurvy scoundrel !’’ muttered Tom. ‘‘I remember he said to you that there was no danger, and advised us to put our revolvers out of sight. I see his motive, now; he was in league with these rascals.’’ ‘“ No doubt of it,’’ I rejoined, recalling several suspicious expressions. I should mention perhaps that while there were but two principal performers in this sad affair, yet they were supported by some half a dozen other horse- men, who stood a little aloof, yet ready to give assistance if desired. We were not maltreated, nor even sirapped to our saddles ; but on each side of us rode a well armed horseman, a glint of warning in his eye, and in one hand a loaded rewolver. Our own weapons the highwaymen had carefully tucked into their belts, where they displayed them, with rather more of osten- ‘tation than the occasion warranted. It could not be denied that it was a humiliating capture ; and though we gnashed our teeth, and vowed all sorts of vengeance, we went along peaceably in the direction indicated by our guides. Close behind us rode the supernumeraries, and in this order we crossed the plain towards a range of hills. When we had accomplished about half the distance, I saw the diligence, not far away, swinging around a circle, of which we had traversed the diameter. Our escort spoke but rarely, except to wari us now and then against at- tempting to escape. They asked us where we were going, and what we were going to do when we had got there, but offered no information as to their own intentions. ‘They did not interdict our conversing and we had the slight satisfaction of abusing them roundly, and telling each other what we would do when we got our liberty, etc. They paid no attention to our ~ ravings, save to smile exasperatingly, showing the whitest of teeth. At last, after an hour’s riding, we reached the summit of the hill towards which we had been aiming, and found it to be in the midst of a vast estate, surrounded on all sides by fields of sugar cane. The tall chimneys of an ingenio stood out black against the sky not far away, and near it was the § dwelling of the proprietor, 'set in the midst of gardens and groves of fruit trees. On the hilltop where we halted, was a hut of palm leaves, so thickly thatched that it appeared more like a heap of wind drifted trash than an arti- ficial shelter. It had an aperture at one side for a door, but was devoid of windows. An old negro came out of the hut as we rode up and saluted us respectfully, and after the rear guard had formed around us, we were com- manded to dismount. ‘‘ Breakfast is ready, gentlemen,’’ said the old man, as he stood aside, while we filed into the hut. There, in the dim light, we saw a long table, loaded with a substantial repast. It was not a hilarious party which gathered around the primitive board, but there was no mistaking the hos- pitable intent of our hosts. After the meal was over, coffee and cigarettes +9 (Eo) =) a iDOOKS S|