[Marshal Cogburn is cross-examined by a defense attorney]

How many men have you shot since you became a marshal, Mr. Cogburn?

I never shot nobody I didn't have to.

That was not the question. How many?

Uh, shot, or killed?

Oh, let us restrict it to killed, so that we may have a manageable figure!

Well, twelve to fifteen, stopping men in flight and defending myself.

Twelve to fifteen? So many that you cannot keep an accurate count! I have examined the record, Mr. Cogburn. A much more accurate figure is available. Come now — how many?

Counting them two Whartons… twenty-three.

Twenty-three men in four years. That makes about six men a year!

It's a dangerous business.