Fifteen years of radio. Thirty films. 156 television episodes. Countless comics. 

The Cisco Kid rode across the air waves, the silver screen, and the small screen for a century as the Robin Hood of the Westerns. But his first ride, in the short story “The Caballero’s Way” by the legendary O. Henry, was at odds with how fans would come to know him.

And, like many a dark tale, it starts with a woman.

The Cisco Kid had killed six men in more or less fair scrimmages, had murdered twice as many (mostly Mexicans), and winged a larger number whom he modestly forbode to count. Therefore, a woman loved him.

This baby-faced rider, whom few expected to live to his next birthday, loved Tonia Perez, who O. Henry describes as half-Carmen and half-Madonna. But when Lieutenant Sandridge, in the law’s pursuit of the Cisco Kid, arrives at her house, Tonia is smitten. 

The lieutenant and his beloved scheme to remove the sole obstacle to their love:

The Cisco Kid.

When the Kid discovers Tonia in the arms of a ranger, the Kid watches, waits, and hatches his own scheme. And, for those familiar with O. Henry’s twists, this will not end well for any involved. One case of intentionally mistaken identity later, and the Kid departs, leaving behind a body and a heartrending wail.

For the Cisco Kid might be deadly with his gun, but he is deadlier with his cunning. And betrayal deserves reprisal.

And a wail of despair is a far cry from the laughter that the Kid’s future adventures would end on.

Until then, O. Henry tells the tail with a carefree style, not quite a wink or a nod to the audience, but building up how the heroic Sandridge will win the girl from the wicked Kid. A perfect contrast to the ending, and one that heightens its impact. Coming from a century’s remove, where the Western has codified itself into black hats and white hats, this tale of revenge feels closer to El Mariachi than Silverado. 

How this cunning murderer got elevated into the Robin Hood of the Rockies, I do not yet know. But if you’re looking for a Western morality play that does not end with the routine triumph of the white hats shooting the black hats, remember “The Caballero’s Way”.

And stay away from the Kid’s girl.