Feed the Dog An unusual explanation for being heavily armed.

Robert Widenman was a New Mexico deputy US marshal—and an associate of Billy the Kid and the Regulators during the Lincoln County War.  He was present when the Kid and others ambushed local lawmen on April 1, 1878, killing Sheriff William Brady and Deputy George Hindman.

At a hearing into the murders, Hindman denied firing any shots that day.  He claimed he was feeding the dog of the late rancher John Tunstall.  It was pointed out he was carrying a rifle and two pistols; Widenman explained that the dog was vicious.