midnight
At the moment Ju 's usually busy tongue was taking a well-earned rest , and his hawk-like visage was shrouded in a deep , contemplative repose . His always bloodshot eyes were speculative as he surveyed the smoke-laden scene from behind his shabby bar . The place was full of drinkers and gamblers . The hour was past midnight . And he was estimating silently the further spending possibilities of his customers , and consequently considering the advisability of closing down . A group of three ranch hands leaned against the centre of the bar . Their glasses were empty and none of them seemed anxious to command their refilling .