The Lucky Rabbit's Foot

The difference in a gunfight.

Jose Gregorio Cortez De La Mancha, III, knew it was a bad idea to go up against Felipe Antonio Robles De Castillo’s cousin, “Chuy” in a gunfight. But, as he slowly walked out into the town street for the shoot out, he patted his left vest pocket.

Si, eet ees dere.

“Chuy” was known all over the county as a sharpshooter. He claimed he had gunned down 24 vatos (guys).

Mentiras! (lies)

Jose Gregorio Cortez De La Mancha, III walked out into the middle of the Street and stopped. He spit out a straw he had been chewing on so that he could look tough. He squinted one eye hoping to intimidate “Chuy” with his tough-guy look. But, as Jose Gregorio Cortez De La Mancha, III noticed, “Chuy” wasn’t looking too intimidated, which worried him a bit.

“Chuy” also walked out into the street, threw open his own vest, giving him easier access, and patted his pistola to indicate he was also ready. As he did this, a hush fell over all the people who were watching and, Jose Gregorio Cortez De La Mancha, III, thought he even heard a gasp from one of the ladies who was watching.

“Are ju ready. Ese?” asked Jose Gregorio Cortez De La Mancha, III.

“Orale! Les do eet!” shouted “Chuy.”

The hand of each man hovered slowly over the handle of their pistolas, when someone in the crowd sneezed, startling both “Chuy” and Jose Gregorio Cortez De La Mancha, III. Both men immediately whipped their pistolas and fired.

When the smoke had cleared, the only man standing was Jose Gregorio Cortez De La Mancha, III.

He patted his pocket again, and said, “Gracias a Dios for my luky rabbis foot.”