In the story, Cooper experiences a surge of anger as he takes a packet of ash from his pocket and throws it at a man who has provoked him. His act of aggression leads to unexpected consequences, as the ashes scatter across the floor, attracting the attention of the patrons in the saloon. This event spirals into a chaotic scene, with the ashes inspiring a series of playful yet violent interactions among the guests, reflecting their camaraderie and unrefined behavior.

As the night progresses, the remnants of Murphy dissipate into the atmosphere of the bar, symbolizing a complete disintegration of his presence. The saloon becomes a site of both revelry and discarded remnants, as the debris of the night—sand, beer, and other refuse—swallows the vestiges of Murphy. By dawn, all traces of the incident and its emotional weight vanish, highlighting the inevitability of oblivion in the face of human follies.