University of Virginia Library

Chapter II.

—H. W. Faxon.

—Anon.

—President Buchanan's instructions to the Collector
of Toledo.

—George N. True.

—C. R. Dennett.

Seventeen years have become ingulfed

in the vast and moist ocean of eternity
since the scene depicted in the last chapter
occurred. We are in Mexico. Come with
me to the Scarlet Banditti's cave. It is
night. A tempest is raging tempestuously
without, but within we find a scene of dazzling
magnificence. The cave is spacious.
Chandeliers of solid gold hang up suspended
round the gorgeously furnished
room, and the marble floor is star-studded
with flashing diamonds. It must have cost
between two hundred dollars to fit this cave
up. It embraced all of the modern improvements.
At the head of the cave lifesize
photographs (by Ryder) of the bandits,
and framed in gilt, were hung up suspended.
The bandits were seated around a marble
table, which was sculped regardless of expense,
and were drinking gin and molasses
out of golden goblets. When they got out
of gin fresh supplies were brought in by
slaves from a two-horse wagon outside,
which had been captured that day, after a
desperate and bloody struggle, by the bandits,
on the plains of Buena Vista.

At the head of the table sat the Chief.

His features were swarthy but elegant. He
was splendidly dressed in new clothes, and
had that voluptuous, dreamy air of grandeur
about him which would at once rivet the
gaze of folks generally. In answer to a
highly enthusiastic call he arose and delivered
an able and eloquent speech. We
regret that our space does not permit us to
give this truly great speech in full—we can
merely give a synopsis of the distinguished
speaker's remarks: “Comrades! listen to
your chief. You all know my position on
Lecompton. Where I stand in regard to
low tolls on the Ohio Canal is equally clear
to you, and so with the Central American
question. I believe I understand my little
Biz. I decline defining my position on the
Horse Railroad until after the Spring Election.
Whichever way I says I don't say so
myself unless I says so also. Comrades!
be virtuous and you'll be happy.” The
Chief sat down amidst great applause, and
was immediately presented with an elegant
gold-headed cane by his comrades, as a
slight testimonial of their respect.