What are the odds that an Old West cowboy would get into a gunfight? Mike Franklin Poteet, Texas Not high. Cowboys mostly spent their time “keeping an eye on the cows,” whether it was on the Long Trail to some railhead or on the open range. Real cowboys (as opposed to reel ones) didn’t have time to get into a lot of mischief. They often worked under a stern disciplinarian, whether it was a trail boss or a ranch owner, who didn’t tolerate cussing, fighting or drinking on the job. When


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