What we want to do is, when the next man comes waltzin' along--" A distant clatter from the rocky hillside here mingled with the puff of damp air through the window.
"Looks as ef we might hev a show even now," said Tom Rollins, removing his feet from the stove as we all instinctively faced toward the window.
"I reckon you're in with us in this, Mosby ?" said Briggs, turning toward the proprietor of the grocery, who had been leaning listlessly against the wall behind his bar.
"Arter the man's had a fair show," said Mosby, cautiously.

He deprecated the prevailing condition of things, but it was still an open question whether the families would prove as valuable customers as his present clients.

"Everything in moderation, gentlemen." The sound of galloping hoofs came nearer, now swishing in the soft mud of the highway, until the unseen rider pulled up before the door.

There was no shouting, however, nor did he announce himself with the usual salvo of firearms.

But when, after a singularly heavy tread and the jingle of spurs on the platform, the door flew open to the newcomer, he seemed a realization of our worst expectations.