Kit watched Johnny disappear into the hotel, and then dodged an oncoming horse and rider as he made his way back across the road to the saloon. He’d been sitting at one of the tables for about an hour when he looked up and saw Johnny walk in. He didn’t move at first, thinking he’d leave him alone, but when he saw the other cowboys at the bar take an interest in him, he began getting a little worried that he might leave with one of them. Finally, picking up his half full mug of beer, he walked over and stood beside him at the bar. He’d been standing there for a few minutes when he said, “Can I buy you a beer?”
When Johnny looked over at him, their eyes met for an instant before he quickly turned his face away. “No thanks.”
It was only an instant, but Kit felt as if he were drowning in the
