Once Over Lightly

OUT WEST, an old cowhand--with a bit of a skinful and nothing much to do--ambled into the local blacksmith shop one afternoon. Without thinking too clearly, and with the air of a lord passing on the merits of his serf's labors, he picked up a horseshoe for inspection. Unfortunately, he picked up one that had very, very recently come from the forge. He dropped it promptly, tucked his seared hand into the pocket of his jeans, and pretended aplomb and nonchalance.