Man with No Name- Poke Pole

 He reached down to pick up the driftwood pole. The sheriff yelped and brought up the rifle.

  "Keep your hands off that club."

  'That's not a club, Sheriff. That's my poke-pole. I use it to feel the bottom before I step. The flood washed the dirt out from between the rocks in some places and a fellow could break a leg stepping into one of those holes."
...

  The sheriff eased up and peered over the hunter's shoulder.

  "What what is? I don't see anything."

  "You will," the hunter said. "Stars."

  He snapped the pole back with all his force. The thick butt caught Sheriff Hipson full in the mouth with a meaty, cracking sound. The hunter caught the rifle as it dropped from hands gone suddenly limp and nerveless.

- A Coffin Full of Dollars, chapter 15