Soldiers from the garrison on pass, idle plainsmen, bull-whackers, adventurers of all kinds stranded here because of Indian activity, stray cowboys from the nearby valleys, thronged the numerous dives, seeking excitement.

Women, gaudy of dress, shrill of voice, flitted from door to door through the jostling crowds.

Lamps blazed over the motley assembly, loud-voiced barkers yelled, and a band added its discords to the din.

The "Poodle Dog" glared in light, resounded with noise; lamps gleamed from the hotel windows, and the huge dance hall stood wide open.

Out from the shacks and tents crept the day's sleepers for a night of revelry; along the trails rode others eager for excitement; it was the harvest-time of those birds of prey in saloon and gambling hell.
Hamlin saw all this, but gave the surroundings little thought.