Smoking Barrels by John Ladd
When Steve Hardie arrives in Cripple Creek, he finds himself involved in a scuffle with a bunch of drunken cowpokes. He bravely saves the life of the local sheriff but accidentally kills one of the cowboys. Because nobody kills one of Hyram Slade's men and lives, Hardie saddles up and leaves town. However, the crazed Slade gathers up his hired henchmen and is in quick pursuit. Now only the death of the drifter will satisfy him. In a face-to-face confrontation with Slade death beckons Steve. Can he live to see another day?