The Gunshots Heard Around the World

West is a criminal, sentenced to years of forced labor, because of his drinking problems. He was a different man drunk and often destroyed property and disturbed the peace. But now he is in the desert, laying railroad tracks, with his fellow men, all men in chains. John becomes friendly and one night they share stories, and West tells John about his drinking adventures and the night he drank many bottles of Vodka. During the day, as they work, John speaks to West, something forbidden, because workers must work and not speak, the Master overseeing the day hears and decides to act. But the Master's actions would lay West's name in stone, and legend would keep West alive for all time.