Bosom Buddies? What was the relationship between Hickok and Hardin?

John Wesley Hardin hit Abilene, Kansas as part of a Texas cattle drive in 1871.  The newly installed marshal there was Wild Bill Hickok. Hardin later claimed that they became good friends, gambling and drinking buddies—despite Hickok being 34 and Hardin 18.  Hickok later denied that they were close. In fact, Wild Bill claimed that he didn’t know the kid calling himself Wesley Clemmons was really the wanted killer John Wesley Hardin. Who was telling the truth?  Will we ever find out?