“Bravo!” cried the Don, “and shame on any of my countrymen who will not say likewise.”
This had its effect on those within hearing of the Don, but on the outskirts of the crowd, where the lower element of the town predominated, low hootings and expressions of dissatisfaction were heard.
On the next round several of the Mexicans failed, but Walt, Ralph and Jack each got one of the rings. This placed Jack and the three Mexicans who had succeeded on an even basis.
The crowd began to shout encouragement to its representatives. One of them, a tall fellow on a splendid horse, turned to Jack as they stood awaiting their turns once more.
“A bet of twenty pesos on the Mexican team, senor,” he said.
“I don’t bet,” rejoined Jack, “but I hope the best man wins.”
The Mexican, with a glance of contempt, replied:
“Peste! You are only boys. Mocho chico. What chance have you to win? You had better withdraw before you are covered with shame by your failure.”
“Guess we’re not worrying,” rejoined Jack easily, “but it’s your turn, senor.”
“So it is. Behold, and you shall see with what ease I will get zee ring.”
He thundered confidently off. Alas, for the caballero’s hopes! It is true that he “got it” in one sense, but instead of getting the ring he got the bag with a force that sent his sombrero spinning into the crowd.
“Not so easy as it looks, eh?” laughed Jack, as the discomfited Mexican came riding back with a black frown on his face.
“Santa Maria, it was my horse’s fault,” he declared, “the brute is no good. He is a beast; what you Gringoes call a ‘skate.’”
He began spurring the animal savagely, making the poor creature jump and caper about in its agony.
“I wouldn’t do that, senor,” said Jack quietly, but with a gleam in his eyes. “By the way, we’ve a proverb in our country that might interest you.”
“Why, they say a bad workman always complains of his tools,” rejoined Jack, looking the other straight in the eye. “Think it over.”
Before the other could reply it was Jack’s turn once more, Walt and Ralph both having scored failures. Once more the Border Boy succeeded, thus getting one point ahead of the rest. On the next round, however, he missed the mark, while the three Mexicans still in the contest all scored.