noon
`` Huh ! I could n't go to Congress , '' laughed Fisher . `` I 'd have to practise by getting elected mayor of some town an ' then go to the Legislature for the finishing touches . '' `` Mr. Townsend would beat you out , '' murmured the stranger , looking out of the window and wishing for noon . He sauntered over to a chair , placed it where he could see his horse , and took things easy . The bartender returned with several men at his heels , and all were grinning and joking . They took up their places against the bar and indulged in frequent fits of chuckling , not letting their eyes stray from the man in the chair and the open street through the door , where the auction was to be held .