of course, a short-range arm, but In the hands of 

 an expert it is a dangerous weapon. 



Some of the feats that the frontiersmen per- 

 formed with the pistol were truly remarkable. As 

 the life was free, and the country new, shooting 

 scrapes were sure to result, and many a desperate 

 fray was waged in the frontier cattle towns. 



As a rule, these fights were between individuals. 

 Sometimes, however, trouble arose between rival 

 ranches, or towns, and then, indeed, the fighting 

 was serious. 



As the country became settled, men were 

 appointed to enforce the laws. These sheriffs were 

 chosen for their courage, indomitable will, and 

 skill in the use of firearms. Sometimes they were 

 men who had themselves made "records;" and 

 some even were desperadoes, who, once reformed, 

 did yeoman's service in suppressing their unruly 

 henchmen. It can be easily understood that with 

 horse thieves, hold-ups, cattle-wars, cowboys and 

 buffalo-hunters to contend with, the lives of these 

 peace -promoters were rather uncertain; particu- 

 larly as their notoriety made them the butt of any 

 drunken desperado who had confidence in his own 

 skill with the pistol. 



With the coming of railroads the Indians 

 and game were driven back, and as the 

 country was settled, enacted law took 

 place of the gun and lariat. To-day 



73 



