"A beeh," said the man.

Pete drew a foam-topped glassful and set it dripping upon the bar.
At this moment the light bamboo doors at the entrance swung open and crashed against the siding.

Jimmie and a companion entered.

They swaggered unsteadily but belligerently toward the bar and looked at Pete with bleared and blinking eyes.
"Gin," said Jimmie.
"Gin," said the companion.
Pete slid a bottle and two glasses along the bar.

He bended his head sideways as he assiduously polished away with a napkin at the gleaming wood.