Page:Fighting Back (1924).pdf/145

 "Ah!" says Pancho, still smilin', "that is how I will have revenge on those six devils who ruin me!"

Then whilst me and the Kid listen in open-mouthed amazement, Pancho tells us that he lured his six enemies to the hacienda with the promise that they would see Kid Roberts and Bob Young fight there for the heavyweight championship of the world! They had traveled thousands of miles to reach Tia Juana for the big battle, and when it was apparently called off there they eagerly accepted his invitation.

"I must confess that I don't see the point of all this," says Kid Roberts. "As I understand the situation, you have used Bob Young and myself as decoys to bring your enemies here. Well, what is next on your interesting program, and in what way do you think we could help you settle accounts?"

"You and Señor Young will fight for me!" says Pancho promptly.

"You mean thrash those men? Absurd!" says the Kid. "I told you I would do nothing that was—"

"A moment, señor!" butts in Pancho. "You misunderstand. It would indeed be absurd as you say, for you and Señor Young to attack those scoundrels. You will fight each other!"

Me and Kid Roberts just stares at him, thunderstruck.

"What—here?" exclaims Kid Roberts. "You—why, you're joking!"

"I never jest, Señor Roberts!" says Pancho earnestly. "I have wagered those six devils half a million