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.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it captures the precise moment the protagonist’s humor shifts f…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes 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.
