predicted Dr. Tisco.

"Wait until you have seen my good Gato tame them!" chuckled Don
Luis, softly.




CHAPTER III

GATO STRIKES THE UP TRAIL


"When you speak to me, Gringo," bellowed Pedro Gato, "you will--"

"Stop, Greaser!" shot back Tom, sternly, though he did not even stir
or raise his hands.

"Greaser?" bellowed Pedro Gato. "That is foul insult!"

"Not more so than to call me a Gringo," Tom Reade went on coolly.
"So we are even, though I feel rather debased to have used such
a word. Gato, if you make the mistake, again, of using an offensive
term when addressing me, I shall--well, I may show a somewhat
violent streak."

"You?" sneered Gato. Then something in the humor of the situation
appealed to him. He threw back his head and laughed loudly.

"Gringo," he began, "you will--"