"Yu wants to ride easy, hombre.

I ain't no angel, but I don't poison no woman; an' don't yu amble off with th' idea in yore head that she wants to be poisoned.

Why, she near stuck a knife in me!" he lied.
The Mexican's face brightened somewhat, but it would take more than that to wipe out the insult of the blow.

The horse became restless, and when Hopalong had effectively quieted it he spoke again.
"Did yu ever hear of Tamale Jose ?" "Yes." "Well, I'm th' fellow that stopped him in th' 'dobe hut by th' arroyo.
I'm tellin' yu this so yu won't do nothin' rash an' leave Carmencita a widow.

Sabe ?" The hate on the Mexican's face redoubled and he took a short step forward, but stopped when the muzzle of the Colt kissed his nose.