hundred-odd permanent inhabitants during that
summer of 1885, the only ones who might with complete fidelity to
facts have been so designated. Others blew in and blew out again,
creating a little disturbance and drifting west. The great majority
of Medora's noisy population were merely light-hearted youngsters
who had not yet outgrown their love for fire-crackers.

Under the title "Styles in the Bad Lands," the Dickinson _Press_
reprinted certain "fashion notes" from the columns of an enterprising
contemporary:

The Estelline (Dak.) _Bell_ has been at some trouble to
collect the following latest fashion notes for the benefit
of its Bad Lands readers: The "gun" is still worn on the
right hip, slightly lower down than formerly. This makes it
more convenient to get at during a discussion with a friend.
The regular "forty-five" still remains a favorite. Some
affect a smaller caliber, but it is looked upon as slightly
dudish. A "forty," for instance, may induce a more artistic
opening in an adversary, but the general effect and
mortality is impaired. The plug of tobacco is still worn in
the pocket on the opposite side from the shooter, so when
reaching for the former, friends will not misinterpret the
move and subsequently be present at your funeral. It is no
longer considered necessary to wait for introductions before
proceeding to get the drop. There will be time enough for
the mere outward formalities of politeness at the inquest.
The trimming of the "iron" is still classic and severe, only
a row of six cartridges grouped around the central barrel
being admissible. Self-cockers are now the only style seen
in the best circles.[19] Much of the effectiveness of the
gun was formerly destroyed by having to thumb up the hammer,
especially when the person with whom you were conversing
wore the self-cocking variety. It has been found that on
such occasions the old-style gun was but little used except
in the way of circumstantial evidence at the inquest.
Shooting from the belt without drawing is considered hardly
the thing among gentlemen who do not wish to be considered
as attempting to attract notice. In cases where the
gentleman with whom you are holding a joint debate already
has the drop, his navy six having a hair trigger, and he
being bound to shoot, anyway, this sty