"Arden, William - The Three Investigators 26 - The Mystery of the Headless Horse" - читать интересную книгу автора (Arden William)

"Hey, someone get this little punk--"

Jupiter and Pete started towards them. The burly cowboy, laughing, jumped off the truck bumper.

"Okay, Alvaro," the cowboy said. "Cut it out. You'll get hurt."

"NO!"

Everyone froze. The sharp command came from a man who seemed to appear from nowhere. He looked like an older version of Diego. Though much taller, he had the same slim, compact build and the same dark hair and eyes. He, too, wore old riding jeans, scuffed western boots and a decorated shirt--a faded black one with red and yellow stitching. On his head was a black sombrero banded with conchos--circular pieces of silver. His face was haughty, and his eyes were cold and hard.

"No one will interfere," the newcomer snapped. "It is for the boys to settle between themselves."

The cowboy shrugged and leaned back against the ranch wagon. Intimidated by the newcomer's fierceness, the Investigators could only watch. Skinny glared at them all and turned to face Diego. In the street, the smaller boy raised his fists and moved forward.

"Okay, you asked for it!" Skinny snarled, stepping off the kerb.

The two boys grappled with each other in the space between the ranch wagon and the next parked car. Suddenly Skinny leaped backwards to get more room for a final, crushing blow at Diego.

"Look out!" screamed Bob and Pete together.

Skinny's backward leap had put him directly in the path of an oncoming car! Still watching Diego, Skinny didn't see the danger he was in!

Brakes squealed, but the car would never stop in time!

Diego dived wildly at Skinny and struck him full force with his shoulder, trying to hurl him out of the way of the car. Both boys fell to the road as the skidding car passed and screeched to a stop fifteen feet away!

Two still figures lay in the street. The bystanders rushed forward, filled with dread.

Then Diego stirred and slowly got up, smiling. He was untouched! And Skinny was unhurt, too. Diego's tackle had shoved him across the path of the car to safety.

Grinning, Bob and Pete pounded Diego on the back as the driver of the car hurried up to them.

"That was quick thinking, son! Are you all right?"

Diego nodded. The driver thanked him, and made sure that Skinny was unhurt before driving away. Skinny was still lying in the street, pale and shaken.

"Lucky! Darn lucky!" muttered Skinny's cowboy friend as he helped the boy to his feet.

"I . . . I guess he saved me," Skinny said.

"He sure did!" Pete exclaimed. "You better thank him."

Grudgingly, Skinny nodded. "Thanks, Alvaro."

"You thank me?" Diego said. "That's all?"

Skinny looked confused. "What?"

"I have not yet heard an apology," Diego said evenly. Skinny stared dumbfounded at the slim boy.