3Gun finished his drink

and went to the station

he'd wired the Marshall

'bout Alister's situation

They waited in silence

not much to say

then the signal came back

Alister was on his way

3Gun went to the jail

for ink, paper and a blotter

he needed to know

what he was going to say

about the terrible killing

of Alister's daughter

Would he do that first

or bring up the deed

no . . . talkin' 'bout money

smacked too much of greed

He'd break the news about Lean

over a drink,

mention the deed

then leave him to think

He stared out the window

wondering just what to write

when the stagecoach rolled by

attracting his sight

He went to the door

and looked down the street

a man jumped down from the box

landing both feet

3Gun closed his eyes

and emitted a groan

Alister was back

. . . and he wasn't alone.