Short Fiction · Chapter
A Narrow Escape explained
A meek-looking man enters a Houston saloon and recounts a past incident where he shot a hole behind the bar, threatening the bartender.
What happens
A meek-looking man enters a Houston saloon and recounts a past incident where he shot a hole behind the bar, threatening the bartender. The bartender responds with a threat of his own, but the man backs down, claiming his doctor ordered him not to drink, and leaves, suggesting he will feign a fit for free medicine.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The meek-looking man's appearance belies his past violent behavior, and he ultimately feigns a medical excuse to avoid confrontation.
Humor and Irony
The absurdity of the man's story and the bartender's dry response create a humorous, ironic exchange.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The meek-looking man who enters the saloon and tells the story of his past shooting.
- The Captain
The bartender who humors the man and then threatens him with a knotted towel.
Key passages
“I shot that hole in there just nine years ago. I came in feeling pretty thirsty and had no money. The bartender refused me a drink and I commenced firing.”
Nine years ago, I was thirsty and broke, and when the bartender wouldn't serve me, I started shooting.
The man recounts his past violent reaction to being denied a drink.
“If I had any fly paper, I would stick you on it and set you in the back window; but I am out, consequently, I shall have to adopt harsher measures.”
If I had fly paper, I'd stick you to it and put you in the window, but since I don't, I'll have to be more forceful.
The bartender's sarcastic threat to the meek man.