Describe the atmosphere in the bunkhouse just before the shot rang out.

The men have been playing horseshoes outside, and Slim and George go to the bunkhouse. Lenny is happy because he's just been given a puppy (he's in the barn). Lenny later comes in, as do the others, and Carlson immediately begins complaining about the smell of Curly's dog. Things get rather quiet as the men go back and forth about shooting the dog. When Slim speaks up that he feels it's right to put the dog down, Candy finally gives in.

Just before the shooting Candy stretches out in his bunk, and the other men begin to play euchre (a card game). That's when the shot is heard.