In the bright yellow light of the saloon, the slim dark stranger, his derringer well out of sight, has spread his cards on an octagonal baize-covered table in one corner. He sits contemplating a hand of cards, as an incentive to others, and sips on a large schooner of beer, constantly scanning the comings and goings of the passengers from under his broad-brimmed slouch hat.

A tall, willowy, wasp-waisted beauty in a golden silken gown, draping gently down around her ankles, her flaming curls and emerald eyes flashing in the rippling lamplight, strolls up behind him, and places a delicate gloved hand on his shoulder with warm familiarity...