Lolita Lavegne [pp. 552-557]

"A narrow cut just over theZheart".
winner shall be mv choice. If either one
refuses to fight, it clearly proves that his
love is not true, and I shall select the one
who is willing."
Each man. confident of his ability to
win, agreed to the terms, and a day was
set for the contest. Both rivals then began making preparations. News of the
coming contest was heralded among the
tribes, and long before the time hundreds
of Indians were gathered at the Yokio
rancheria, impatiently waiting the day.
Great interest was taken in the chances of
the rivals, and some betting was indulged in.
Finally, the time was at hand. A large
ring was drawn upon the ground, around
which the Indians gathered in large nunibers. Lolita, dressed in all the finery that
she could command, stood at the edge of
the ring. Soon a murmur arose among
the Indians, and all eyes were turned
toward where the crowd had parted and
left a passageway. The fighters were
coming. With nothing but breech-cloths
on, their tawny skins glistened in the sun
like statues of bronze as they strode
55S
through the throng of onlookers. Stepping into the ring, each rival took his
place and faced the other.
Lolita was to give the signal that would
commence the battle. All eyes were
turned upon her. She hesitated a moment,
then stepping forward, waved her hand.
Instantly both men sprang to the center
of the ring. For a moment they glared
into each other's eyes; then closing in,
they rained blows upon head and body,
fast and hard. Over and over they went.
The excited onlookers surged back and
forth in their anxiety to see the fight. Lolita, pale but calm, stood as if fixed to the
spot, watching the battle that was to decide who was to be her lover. Slower and
less frequent became the blows. Blood
was streaming from nose and mouth, and
bruised spots showed where the fists had
landed. There was a break away, and
both men sparred for wind. Again they
closed, and Chiparo, summoning all his
strength, struck the AIexican a powerful
blow upon the neck. Staggering backwards, the stricken Mexican fell senseless
to the ground. Chiparo stood over him