AMONG THE COWBOYS 265 



shooter. We, and most of our outfit, habitually carried 

 a carbine or rifle, as well as the smaller weapon. The 

 carbine was carried in a scabbard, slung from the 

 horn, under the stirrup -flap, and so under the leg. This 

 method kept the weapon steady and left both arms 

 free. By raising the leg it was easily got at, and it 

 interfered in no way with the use of the lariat (La 

 Riata). The hang of the six-shooter required more 

 particular consideration ; when needed it would be 

 needed badly, and therefore must be easily drawn, 

 with no possible chance of a hitch. The butt of a 

 revolver must point forwards and not backwards. We 

 ourselves did not go the length of wearing three belts 

 of cartridges and two six-shooters, but two belts were 

 needed one for the rifle and the other for the smaller 

 weapon. Some of the boys were always getting into 

 scrapes, and seemed to enjoy protracted fights with 

 the Mexicans. There must be no flap to the scabbard, 

 and the point must be tied by a leather thong around 

 the thigh to keep it in correct position ; and, of course, 

 it was hung on the right side and low down on the hip, 

 so as to be easily got at. Only when riding fast was 

 a small loop and silver button passed through the 

 trigger -guard to prevent the gun from jolting out and 

 being lost. The chambers were always kept full, and 

 the weapons themselves in perfect working order. Very 

 ' bad ' men tied back or removed the trigger alto- 

 gether, cocking and releasing the hammer with the 

 thumb, or * fanning ' it with the left hand. This per- 

 mitted of very rapid firing, so that the ' aar would be 

 plumb full of lead/ 



As an instance of quick shooting, two of our neigh- 

 bours had threatened to kill each other at sight, and 



