“He will never learn anything. Just look at that! missed it four meters.” David knew that the voice belonged to Miguel, without turning to look at the speaker. “I told you he was a _caboclo_,” the latter continued. David pretended not to hear. He whipped up the noose with a snap and prepared it for another throw. “And he’s worse than that. If anybody called me a caboclo I’d fight.” Miguel had been encouraged by David’s silence and was adding insult to injury. That was too much for David. He dropped the rope and in a few quick strides reached the man who had so openly challenged him. “Look here,” he said very quietly, “don’t you ever get the idea that I’m afraid of you--or anyone else either. This is not the first time you tried to make trouble; but it’s going to be the last time. Understand?” The even tones deceived Miguel. The only kind of fighting he knew was always preceded by loud, fiery arguments. The American was clearly evading the issue. “Well,” he said with a sneer, “what are you going to do about it?” “This!” David’s right fist shot out like a bolt and sent the troublemaker flat on his back. CHAPTER XII A BATTLE WITH A CROCODILE A gasp escaped the circle of onlookers as Miguel struck the ground. And the first feeling of surprise was followed by one of expectancy, of curiosity to see what would happen next. According to the rules of the game as they knew it David should have immediately pounced upon the prostrate man and given him a good mauling, but he did nothing of the sort. That puzzled them. He stood over him, however, with clenched fists, ready for instant action when Miguel regained his feet. After a moment the man opened his eyes. “Now take back what you said,” David demanded. “I was only joking,” Miguel answered, rising to a sitting position and holding one hand to his head. “Well, I was not joking,” David replied. “You know that by this time. I was in dead earnest. I’ve stood for a good many things to keep from hurting anybody, but there’s a limit. Take back your words or you won’t stay on your feet very long when you get up. I’ll knock you down every time you try it. What you’ve had so far is only a sample.” The man looked appealingly to the circle of his companions. But the look in their faces gave him no encouragement to expect help in that direction. First one, then another face was scrutinized. The onlookers, if anything, were afraid the fight would stop too soon; they wanted to see more of it. “Hurry up!” David’s voice rang out clear and sharp. “Do what I told you to unless you want to spend the whole afternoon down in the dirt.” “I said I was only joking,” Miguel persisted. “I said I didn’t mean anything.” He stopped short. “All right. And I said I am not joking. Now continue. Say you’re sorry and take it all back.” After a short hesitation the man did as he was directed.