The Three Godfathers
1913
The Three Godfathers is a 1913 short story by American author Peter B. Kyne, originally published in The Saturday Evening Post. The narrative follows three outlaws who, after a bank heist, encounter a dying mother in the desert who entrusts them with her newborn child. As they navigate the harsh terrain while evading lawmen, the men experience personal growth and moral dilemmas, ultimately transforming their lives through acts of compassion and responsibility. This tale explores themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the power of love, and has inspired multiple film adaptations.
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“Cut out the crooked work, son. Nobody has anythin' on you yet”
— Peter B. Kyne
“I've done a heap o' ornery things in my day," he growled, "but I ain't stealin' the water that belongs to my godson. Don't you insult me no more, Tom Gibbons.””
— Peter B. Kyne
“Here, I ain't carryin' an ounce o' weight," he expostulated. "Bill's carryin' th' water an' the airtight milk an' the feedin' bottle an' the camp kettle and our grub, an' you're carryin' the baby an' a bundle of extra clothes. Lemme spell you a few miles, Bill. You're in bad shape with that sore shoulder, an' you're goin' to wear yourself out too soon.””
— Peter B. Kyne
“Well, that's up to the last of the godfathers," said The Wounded Bad Man. "Mind you learn him hoss-sense, Bob. Don't let him grow up to wear eyeglasses before he's twenty-one years old, an' make him say 'sir' when he speaks to you. Teach him hoss-sense and respect, Bob. Them's the two great requirements to a man's education””
— Peter B. Kyne
“Death is a terrible thing, Tom," he sobbed. "Life's worse," said The Wounded Bad Man gently. He was seated apart, with the baby in his arms, shielding it from the sun with his broad sombrero. "Death can only get you once, but Life is a ghost dance. I wonder what it has in store for you, kidlets. I wonder.””
— Peter B. Kyne
“What is your name?" she asked wearily. "Tom Gibbons." "And yours?" turning to The Wounded Bad Man. "Bill Kearny." She glanced inquiringly at The Youngest Bad Man. "Bob Sangster," he replied. "Will you save my baby?" Slowly, searchingly, the wonderful eyes confronted each Bad Man in turn.””
— Peter B. Kyne
“So he stuck in his stick o' dynamite an' it's only a fool's luck he didn't blow himself up doin' it. I wisht he had; but he didn't. He just put Terrapin Tanks out o' business forever”
— Peter B. Kyne
“The four galloping horsemen were abreast The Three Deuces when the cry of "Robbers!" aroused all Wickenburg. It awoke the man in the chair; and he came to his feet with the suddenness of a ferocious old dog, filled both hands and cut loose at one of the four horsemen. There was a reason for this. The elderly citizen had a deposit of three dollars and seventeen cents in the Wickenburg National.””
— Peter B. Kyne
