This is the story of Big Jim Bowdry, an ex-City Marshal of Hays, Kansas.
He had gained a reputation with his fists, as well as the lightning speed of his .45 caliber pistol, if, and when it was necessary. He took no guff from anybody. Although he was a good-natured man, he saw things logically, and looked only at the facts, and the evidence. He had always said, "I'm not the judge, or jury. I just carry out the letter of the law for the state of Kansas." When he went after a man, he was like a dog on a bone. He wouldn't let go until he brought that man, or men in to jail for trial.
He was City Marshal of Hays for 5 years, then he gave it up. His reason? A woman named, Esther. Esther Stiles. She wandered into town, and captured the heart of Big Jim Bowdry. 'Big Jim', as he was often called, stood well over six feet, with broad shoulders, and the stamina of a running horse. He never forgot a friend, nor turned his back on a man who needed his help. He always met you with a smile, and a vigorous handshake.
Now, he's aged some, and he and Esther are married. They moved around a few times, trying to outrun his reputation with a gun, bu, his reputation always caught up with him.
Leaving Atchison, Kansas, they moved to an out of the way small town of Cottonwood, bought a small farm, and tried to live a normal life. They bought a few head of cattle. Even seeds to grow wheat to subsidize the income from the cattle. He bought himself a bull to sire calves in hopes of growing a large herd, but with his reputation, it has caused a small rift between him and Esther. The heat that hit Kansas didn't help matters any. He lost a few cows, and the thought of selling the bull, bothered him greatly.
Then, the shooting in Cottonwood jeopardized his life with Esther, again.