Page:Saga of Billy the Kid.djvu/205

"'Don't be silly, Pedro. Why should I do anything so crazy?'

"'But you say you are so brave. Give us some proof of your courage.'

"Paulita shook her head.

"'It would be foolish of me.'

"Pete looked at me with a smile.

"'She's afraid, Manuel,' he said. 'She hasn't the nerve to go.'

"'Well,' I answered, 'I don't blame her. I wouldn't go myself.'

"'There is no reason for such an imbecile performance,' asserted Paulita.

"'I tell you what I'll do.' Pete pulled out his watch and looked at it. 'It now lacks a few minutes of midnight. I'll give you ten dollars if you go out to Billy the Kid's grave right now.'

"'You're only fooling,' replied Paulita. 'You wouldn't pay me the money.'

"'Here,' said Pete, 'I'll put it up in Manuel's hands.'

"He drew a roll of money from his pocket and passed me a ten-dollar Bill. I waved it airily.

"'The money is yours if yours if you win it, Paulita,' I declared.

"'I'll go,' she said.

"'But,' inquired Pete, 'how will I know you have been at the grave?'

"'Why, you'll have to take my word for it, I suppose.'

"'Bring me back something to prove it.'

"'What?'

"'Oh, a weed, a wildflower, a pebble—anything. I will want proof.'

"Paulita marched out the door, through the gate, and on across the old parade ground. Pete and I stood on