The 1870s. As opposed to the myths of popular culture, not everybody was swaggering around with six-irons strapped down and leading lives of mayhem. But there were the exceptions—every bit as evil, bloody and deadly as legends portray. And so too, was the law that handled these outlaws. In the mold of men like Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp, M D "Shorty" Thompson is just that kind of Short on stature but tall on guts. Hand-picked by President Rutherford B. Hayes, he is one of best. And since United States Marshals of the 1870s handle desperados this means just about everybody does seem to be using those strapped-down dragoons and wreaking havoc. For Marshal M D Thompson, its the life of a lawman.