Then he removed the cartridges from the weapon in the holster at his hip, smiling mirthlessly as he replaced it in the holster and made his way up the street.
With apparent carelessness, though keeping an alert eye about him, he went the rounds of the saloons.

Before he had visited half of them there was an air of suppressed excitement in the manner of Lazette's citizens, and knowledge of his errand went before him.

In the saloons that he entered men made way for him, looking at him with interest as he peered with impersonal intentness at them, or, standing in doorways, they watched him in silence as he departed, and then fell to talking in whispers.

He knew what was happening--Lazette had heard what Taggart had been saying about him, and was keeping aloof, giving him a clear field.
Presently he entered the Red Dog.
There were a dozen men here, drinking, playing cards, gambling.

The talk died away as he entered; men sat silently at the tables, seeming to look at their cards, but in reality watching him covertly.