had one or two unlucky knocks, made his escape to some distance, where he sat chattering defiance, and picking up some stones, threatened to throw them at his pursuers. “The trunks, boxes, bales, and packages, having by this time been thoroughly ransacked, the next object of the brigands was to burn the carriage, in the hope of obtaining, by this means, all the concealed treasures it contained in its various hiding places which are so difficult to find out. Accordingly, straw, stubble, and dried boughs were procured, and a quantity being placed underneath the old vehicle, it was very soon under the horrifying process, and the flames rose up bravely, throwing a broad red light on the surrounding scenery, and the ungagged ladies uttered many loud screams and interjections. The brigands set themselves quietly down by the fire, and watched the progress of the flames upon each part of the burning carriage, having the satisfaction to see several pieces of gold, in the shape of Napoleons, fly out as the parts separated, which they snatched eagerly from the fire with their daggers, and often burnt their fingers to secure. Just as the blaze was at its proudest height, and the brigands were at the full point of triumph, a tremendous discharge of musketry was heard close behind, and three of the robbers fell wounded. The others sprang up, levelled their carbines, and fired in the direction of the noise. Another rapid but irregular discharge, then an immediate onslaught, for, by the light of the moon which then broke out rather brightly, was seen coming onwards some twenty armed cavaliers, who rushed upon the brigands, sword in one hand and pistol in the other, and immediately a most furious combat between the two parties took place. The brigands fought desperately, and their assailants bravely. The three women screamed lustily. I looked on quietly, as did the Dutchman who had rolled to the bottom of the slope. In less than half-an-hour, five of the brigands had been shot down, the rest had dispersed; in the meantime, the carriage had been carefully consumed, and the cavaliers stood victors over five dead brigands, eight bound men, and three bound women. Of course the bound were soon unbound, and then we discovered to whom we had been indebted for our delivery. [Illustration]