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Jeffery Munger was the owner of the Lazy Dog Saloon. He was a medium sized man with shiny golden hair hanging below his shoulders. He must have been extremely proud of his locks as he kept pushing and patting it. He glanced up at Cliff with his steel gray eyes when he walked through the doors.
“What’ll it be? Whiskey or beer?”
“I’m looking for rooms for three men. I was told you might be able to accommodate us.”
“Maybe. Where’s the other two men?”
“Didn’t see no reason for them to come along until I got the rooms. You going to be able to help us?”
“I guess I can let you have three rooms for a dollar a night. That’s one dollar apiece.”
“Alright. Here’s three dollars. Now I was wondering if you would mind answering another question.”
“That depends. What’s the question?”
“We’re looking for some men. Maybe you’ve seen them.”
“I don’t see nobody. I only see money. Now, you drinking or not?”
“Give me a beer. That is, if it’s cold.”
“Ain’t nobody in three counties got cold beer, but I figure you already knew that. Beers luke-warm and you’re lucky it ain’t hot.”
“Okayeee. Give me a beer and one for you.”
“I don’t drink nothing but whiskey and the best at that.”
“Then let me buy you a whiskey.”
“Why would you want to buy me a drink?”
“I thought a drink might help your memory.”
“What is it you wanna know?”
“Fellow by the name of Farringtin. He ever come in here?”
“Sure. Ed’s a regular. He comes in here every night, unless he’s out a town.”
“You know why he goes out of town?”
“Yeah. He’s a buyer for the Cattlemen’s Association. What do you want with him? You got some livestock you want to sell? He’s the one to deal with, alright. He’s one of the most honest men in town.”
“You think he might be at the association office now?” Na. It closes at six. It’ll open in the morning at nine.”
“Where’s this association located?”
“Their office is two streets behind us middle of block.”
“Hear you go. Buy yourself another drink.”
“Thank you kind sir. I wish you luck with dealing with Ed.”
“I’m sure you’ll hear about it. So long. Say, I almost forgot. I do have one more question.”
“What is it?”
“Do you know a woman named Lilly? I understood she worked her.”
“Sure. Lilly did work here, but like I said, there just ain’t enough business since they closed the mine. She moved on with the other girls. Why you asking?”
“Just curious, that’s all. Thanks.”
I turned and walked out.