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62 rush he jerked his head aside and grinned as he knew he had timed things properly, and the fist of the Mexican only grazed his shoulder. Padilla's right got to his ribs, but he countered simultaneously with a short-arm jolt to the side of Padilla's jaw that sent the Mexican staggering back, off his balance for the second. Instantly Stone was after him with a hard smash to the lower ribs. Padilla turned savagely and Stone uppercut him. The place was in an uproar. Padilla leaped and was straightened out with a punch that cut Stone's knuckes [sic] where they split the other's lip and jarred against his teeth. With the blood dripping the Mexican fought desperately. Stone herding him back. A drive under the heart left Padilla groggy, his guard drooping. Stone set himself for the punch and the gong sounded.

Padilla turned and groped back to his corner, crestfallen, shaky. Stone walked to his and Lefty pulled him down into his chair.

"You 'ad 'im goin'," he said. "But 'e won't be caught again. They 'elped 'im hout wif the gong." He worked fast as he spoke, kneading away at Stone's arm muscles. They were a little tired already but he was breathing easily. Over by the gong Jim Grimm was standing in an angry argument with the time-keeper. Like his brother, he had taken off coat and vest. An automatic showed in his hip pocket. He made one warning gesture with his finger and walked away. His brother nodded to him.

"Look hout this trip," warned Lefty, "that beggar can fight. 'E didn't fink you could. Now 'e knows."