THE MAN WHO TOOK WATER
"That's me," said Sage.
"My name's Ben Williams," said Williams.
"I'm glad to see you," said Sage, "and shall be pleased to see you over at Red River."
We got back into our seats. I felt a little easier in my mind. There would be no trouble. I said so to the Colonel, and he never answered. Over the way the side-walk was thronged. I saw Bob White among the men there. Then I looked again at Sage and Ben. From where I sat Ben's face was somewhat in shadow, for the nearest lamp was behind him. I could see Sage very plainly.
"You're away off," said the Colonel. "There'll be hell up Fourth Street and blood on the face of the moon this night."
As the night outside grew darker I saw both men better. I perceived the growing tension. Tom stood back against his shelves and polished glasses. He did it mechanically, for his eyes were fixed on the men on the other side of the bar, who leant against it carelessly and yet rigidly. Neither took his eye off the other, and the old Colonel put his foot on mine.
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