The Case of the Bullet in the Back
Dr. Haledjian and the tour’s other saddle-sore dudes gazed down upon two rotting pieces of timber.
“Now this here spot,” intoned their unshaven little guide, “is called Bushwack Alley, bein’so known for the shootin’ of two deputies back in’73.
“Elbow Bend was a thrivin’town in them days, and Doc Pressman’s house stood right here. One night there’s some gunplay in back, and a stranger staggers into Doc’s kitchen.
“The doc removes a .44 slug from the stranger’s upper back, loans him a clean shirt, and fixes his right arm in a sling.
“Says the stranger: ‘I was crossin’ South Street when I heerd gun-fightin’ and seen a fella runnin’ from two lawmen. I joined the chase. The fella ambushed us in the deadend behind your house, Doc’ killed the lawmen, and wounded me.’
“Just then Sheriff Pell and Clyde Everest, the local undertaker, storm in.
“’ I bet that’s him!’ cries Everest.
“The sheriff draws his gun.’A gunslinger robbed the freight office and killed two of my best deputies, mister. Don’t give me no trouble.’
“’Hold on!’ shouts the stranger. ‘I was helpin’ your deputies chase the real thief!’
“’The bullet in your back says you was doin’ the runnin’, not the chasin’” points out Everest.
“Seein’ as there was no witnesses.” Concluded the guide,”the sheriff just naturally had to string up the stranger.”
“Naturally,” sighed Haledjian. “Whoever heard of a western sheriff hanging the guilty man!”
What was the basis for Haledjian’s remark?