He backed away and looked surprised.

"That's Shorty's shootin'-- he allus misses 'bout that much." He looked out and saw Buck standing behind the live oak that Shorty had leaned against, firing at the hotel.

Turning around he made for the rear, remarking to Johnny that "they's in th' Houston." Johnny looked at the quiet figure in the chair and swore softly.

He followed Billy.

Cowan, closing the door and taking a buffalo gun from under the bar, went out also and slammed the rear door forcibly..