He politely backed away, shifting his position so that Denver Ed faced Calumet at a distance of several feet, with no obstruction between them.
Calumet's eyes met Denver's, and he answered the latter's question, Garvey having apparently withdrawn from the conversation.
"Friend of _his_ ?" sneered Calumet, grinning shallowly.

"I reckon not; I'm pickin' my company." Denver Ed did not answer at once.

He moved a little toward Calumet and shoved his right hip forward, so that the butt of his six-shooter was invitingly near.

Then, with his hands folded peacefully over his chest, he spoke: "You do," he said, "you mangy -- ----!" There was a stir among the onlookers as the vile epithet was applied.
Calumet's right hand went swiftly forward and his fingers closed around the butt of the weapon at Denver Ed's hip.

The gun came out with a jerk and lay in Calumet's hand.