But where were they? Engrossed by my espionage I had made no note of the direction, and was now lost in the streets of La Puebla! What was to be done? I stood considering. All of a sudden I felt myself grappled from behind! Both my arms were seized simultaneously, at the same time that a _garota_ was extended across my throat! They were strong men who had taken hold of me; but not strong enough to retain it. I was then in the very vigour of my manhood; and, though it may seem vanity to say so, it was a vigour not easily overcome. With a quick wrench, I threw off the two flankers; and turning suddenly--so that the _garota_ was diverted from its purpose--I got a blow at the ruffian who held it that sent him face foremost upon the pavement. Before any of the three could renew their attempt, I had my revolver in hand--ready to deal death to the first who re-assailed me. The footpads stood aghast. They had not expected such a determined resistance; and, if left to themselves, in all probability, I should have seen no more of them that night. If left to themselves, I could have dealt with them conveniently enough. In truth, I could have taken the lives of all three, as they stood in their speechless bewilderment. I held in my hand a Colt's six-shooter, Number 2; another in my belt; twelve shots in all--sure as the best percussion caps and careful loading could make them. A fourth of the shots would have sufficed: for I had no thought of taking uncertain aim. Despite the cause given me for excitement, I never felt cooler in my life--that is for a combat. For an hour before, my nerves had been undergoing a strain, that served only to strengthen them. I had been in want of something upon which to pour out my gathering wrath; and here was the thing itself. God, or the devil, seemed to have sent the three thieves as a safety-valve to my swollen passion--a sort of target on which to expend it! Jesting apart, I thought so at the time; and so sure was I of being able to immolate the trio at my leisure, that I only hesitated as to which of them I should shoot down first! You may be incredulous. I can assure you that the scene I am describing is no mere romance, but the transcript of a real occurrence. So also are the thoughts associated with it. I stood eyeing my assailants, undecided about the selection. I had my finger on the trigger; but, before pressing it, a quick reflection came into my mind that restrained me from shooting. It was still early--not quite ten o'clock--and the pavement was alive with passengers. I had passed several on entering the little street; and, from the place where I stood, I could see a dozen dark forms flitting about, or loitering by the doors of the houses. They were all _leperos_ of the low quarter. The report of my pistol would bring a crowd of them around me; and, although I might disembarrass myself of the footpads, I should be in as much, or more, danger from the _patriotas_!