The little man turned his attention to his order of ham and eggs, cut off the first egg, manoeuvred it carefully into position on his knife, and raised it toward a mouth that stretched to astonishing proportions; but at the critical moment the egg slipped and flopped back on the plate.
"Missed!" said Anthony.
He couldn't help it; the ejaculation popped out of its own accord.

The other regarded him with grave displeasure.
"If you had your bead drawed an' somebody jogged your arm jest as you pulled the trigger, would you call it a miss ?" "Excuse me.

I've no doubt you're extremely accurate." "I ne'er miss," said the other, and proved it by disposing of the egg at the next imposing mouthful.
"I should like to know you.

My name is Anthony Bard." "I'm Marty Wilkes.

H'ware ye ?" They shook hands.
"Westerner, Mr.Wilkes ?" "This is my furthest East." "Have a pleasant time ?" A gesture indicated the barren, brown waste of prairie.
"Too much civilization." "Really ?" "Even the cattle got no fight in 'em." He added, "That sounds like I'm a fighter.