They were as yet busily engaged in recognising acquaintances.

Later they would drink freely and gamble, and perhaps fight.

Toward all but those whom they recognised they preserved an attitude of potential suspicion, for here were gathered the "bad men" of the border countries.

A certain jealousy or touchy egotism lest the other man be considered quicker on the trigger, bolder, more aggressive than himself, kept each strung to tension.

An occasional shot attracted little notice.