LET 'ER BUCK 



symbol conspicuously absent is the six-shooter or a 

 pair of 'em, lazing from the flapless western holster. 

 There are a few around, but out of sight. There's 

 enough of gun-play from grandstand and bleacher in 

 approval of the riding in the arena, at night in Happy 

 Canyon, or in appreciation of the dance-hall band to 

 lend color, or to satisfy any small boy. The ammuni- 

 tion is quite harmless, unless you try to use the gun 

 barrel as a telescope when the trigger's pulled. 



There are probably more guns packed by law-abiding 

 American citizens today than is appreciated. But 

 there is at least one section of Oregon, not far from 

 Grant County and the John Day Country, where they 

 aren't satisfied with carrying only one. This was strik- 

 ingly evidenced in the case of a shooting scrape which 

 was recently brought before the court. The witness 

 was testifying for the purpose of showing that it was 

 a habit to tote guns. 



"Is it the custom for people where you live to carry 

 guns?" he was asked. 



"Yes, sir-r-ree." 



"More than one?" 



"Yes, sir-r-ree." 



"How many?" 



"Well, sometimes mebbe I tote two 'n' sometimes 

 mebbe I tote three." 



"What for?" 



"Well, I dun'no, but they all do — mebbe I might 

 see a coyote or sumthin'." 



The truth was, it is a habit from childhood, a relic 

 of border days. The railroad doesn't go through there 

 yet. They just don't think they are dressed up with- 

 out them. 



In many corners, you find a last remnant of the old 



102 



