Shortly after the event just related, Bill Mulvey, a notorious rough
and desperado from St. Joseph, Mo., struck Hays City, and got on what
we term in the West, “a great big tear.” He paraded the streets with
a revolver in each hand, howling like an enraged tiger, and thirsting
for some one’s blood. He was met by the squire and constable, both of
whom endeavored to make him keep the peace, but their efforts were
so far futile that he turned upon them and drove both out of the
town. Wild Bill, who chanced to be in a saloon in another part of the
place, where he was unconscious of the disturbance, was notified, and
at once started to arrest Mulvey. Approaching his man quietly, in a
most amiable tone he told Mulvey that he should have to arrest him
for disturbing the peace. Mulvey had his pistols in his hands at the
time, and in an instant they were leveled at Wild Bill’s head, with the
injunction, “March before me.” Bill fully appreciated the danger of
his position, but his remarkable self-possession and coolness never
deserted him. Before turning to march in front of Mulvey, Bill raised
his left hand, and with a look of dissatisfaction, said: “Boys, don’t
hit him.” This remark had the desired effect, for as Bill had not shown
his pistol, Mulvey turned to see who Bill had spoken to, and to protect
his rear. In the twinkle of an eye, Bill whipped out his pistol and
shot Mulvey dead, the ball entering the victim’s head just behind the
ear.
The West was thus relieved of another desperate character, and Wild
Bill received a vote of thanks from the citizens for his conduct.