Shatto's Law (Perry County Frontier)

In 1857 even the Apache feared the haunted Valley of Bones, but the Shattos chose the defensible, cliff-ringed notch in the mountain chain to become their ranch and their home place.

Apaches and violent outlaw bands sought domination and loot. They attacked in waves, and the Shattos met them gun to gun.

Ted Shatto armed his hands with the best of weaponry and insisted that his Mexican men learn English and master shooting and fighting until they became deadly warriors and loyal defenders of their homes within the isolated valley.

In a lawless land, Shatto's Law became the glue that bound and strengthened their Arrowhead ranch. Those who attacked it died. The bodies of enemies became many.

The Shattos and their ranch fought on. Someday their developing cattle herds would be in demand at eastern markets, and profits would appear.

A recognized legal system would also arrive, but until then, Ted Shatto would make the rules, and his ranch hands would enforce them.

Shatto believed his decisions to be just, but just or not, Shatto's Law governed within the Valley of Bones—and beyond.