October 19th, 2007

The conditions were just right today to write about the Kansas posse pursuing the man who shot entertainer Dora Hand. Wyatt Earp, Charlie Bassett, Bill Tilghman, and Bat Masterson chased the bad guy across the plains and lost his trail after a heavy rainstorm. They made camp in the rain and tried to sleep so they would be well rested to continue the hunt the next day, but the weather wasn’t having it. Sometime in the middle of the night the men began talking about their careers and various pursuits. Although the rain was rentless, the time they spent swapping stories helped make the wet conditions seem but a minor irritation. I’m trying to recreate the scene in the book. It’s not an action sequence, but so much can be learned about these legendary characters during the exchange. As always, Bill Tilghman is the standout lawmen among the four. He was unassuming and generous. I think I’m more than a little smitten with Mr. Tilghman.