"So, you say this man drew on you while you were defending the naked lady?", said the Marshall, sucking thoughtfully on the left handlebar of his droopy moustache.

"That's keerect." replied the old salt, who was wiping out the barrel of his .45 and refilling the mag. "She hadn't asked fer their company, and when I suggested they stand off a ways, he took serious exception. Unfortunately, my serious exception was a little faster than his'n."

"Wal, I guess it was self-defense, in the course of chivalrous activity. So we won't be pressing no charges, Mister Mariner. 'Round these parts, that's considered commendable, not culpable. But I would suggest you keep your peace and your piece in the future; we don't want to start no gun-waving foolishness, you understand."

"Perfickly, Marshall, and thanks very much. APpreciate your quick and accurate judgement in the matter."

The old sailor slipped the hogleg back inhis saggy sailor's torusers, and tipped his hat to the Marshall, who turned to oversee the trash collectors hauling a large black plastic packageover to their dumptruck.