# XIX: The Round Table’s Last Knight explained — Tombstone

> Chapter companion for Tombstone by Walter Noble Burns.

## What happens

This chapter profiles John Slaughter, the sheriff of Tombstone, portraying him as a man of iron will, courage, and determination who single-handedly brought law and order to the town. It describes his distinctive appearance, habits, and methods, including his preference for shooting first and asking questions later, his solitary pursuits of horse thieves, and his relentless pursuit of the Mexican bandit Chacon. The chapter concludes that Slaughter was the last of Tombstone's heroic figures, leaving the town peaceful after his retirement.

## Themes in this chapter

### Law and Lawlessness

Slaughter embodies the law, using extreme force to impose order on a lawless town, often acting as judge, jury, and executioner.

### Character and Reputation

Slaughter's personal traits—his iron will, silence, and fearsome reputation—are central to his effectiveness and legacy.

### Violence and Death

Violence is a constant tool for Slaughter, who kills without hesitation and is feared by desperadoes, yet his violence is portrayed as constructive.

## Character check-ins

### John Slaughter

Sheriff of Tombstone, described as a man of iron will and courage, who cleaned up the town with uncompromising law enforcement.

### Jeff Milton

Inspector of customs and friend of Slaughter, who recounts stories of Slaughter's methods and character.

### Burt Alvord

Mentioned as having later taken part in the capture of the Mexican outlaw Chacon.

## Key lines

> I say, I say, always shoot first and holler ‘Throw up your hands’ afterwards.

Slaughter's maxim was to shoot first and then demand surrender.

_Illustrates Slaughter's pragmatic and ruthless approach to law enforcement._

> He shot the town full of law and order.

Slaughter enforced law and order through gunfire.

_Summarizes Slaughter's method of establishing peace through violence._

> He was a constructive force⁠—building with a six-shooter, but building.

Slaughter used his gun as a tool to construct a lawful society.

_Highlights the paradoxical idea of violence as a constructive force._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tombstone_se/chapters/xix-the-round-table-s-last-knight
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tombstone_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tombstone_se/chapters