It made a report like the spat of a forty-five; heavy footsteps approached, a door flung open, and a cross-eyed slattern stood in the opening.

At the sight of Buck Daniels sitting with his hands on his hips and his sombrero pushed back to a good-natured distance on his head the lady puffed with rage.
"What in hell d'you think this is ?" bellowed this gentle creature, and the tone echoed heavily back from all four walls.

"You're three hours late and you get no chuck here.

On your way, stranger!" Buck Daniels elevated himself slowly from the chair and stood at his full height.

With a motion fully as deliberate he removed his sombrero and bowed to such a depth that the brim of the hat brushed the floor.
"Lady," he said humbly, "I was thinkin' that some gent run this here eatin' place.