The gulches, sinks, and claims that had been the scene of busy labor all the day were now deserted, and the gold just wrenched from the bowels of the earth was scattered on the gambling table, or poured into the drawer of the busy rumseller.
At this same hour, a man rode into the edge of the town on a noble black horse, leading a tired mustang.

Both of these animals he staked out in a patch of grass, leaving the saddles on, and the bridles hanging to the saddle-bow of each.

Then he placed his rifle against a tree near by, took the old cartridges out of a six-shooter and put in fresh ones.

This done with the greatest deliberation, he pulled his slouch hat well over his face, entered the nearest saloon, threw down a silver dollar, and called for brandy.
A bottle and glass were set before him.

He filled the glass to the brim, drank it off, and walked out.
"Here, you red-haired cuss, here!" cried the bar-keeper.