The Night Horseman — Max Brand

BUSINESS WAS BOOMING

But when Dan Barry and his snarling wolf-dog burst into Elkhead's Saloon, a terrified silence fell over the room.

“Is this a damned kennel?” Jerry Strann's voice finally broke out. “Do I have to drink in a barnyard?” His hand dropped to his holster.
“Don't do it,” commanded Barry.
“When I draw I'm goin' to kill that wolf,” Strann said with a grin.

They stood for a long instant facing each other, Strann's body was tense. When he moved it was with a convulsive jerk. His gun was clear of leather before Barry stirred.

But Strann had been too slow. There was only one report, and Strann stumbled forward and a patch of red erupted in the center of his breast. Then he lurched headlong to the floor.
“Anyone else think this is a barnyard?” Dan Barry asked.