The Early Death of Pinto Bishop — John M. Floyd

Twelve-year-old Eddie McCartle's friend Tom is a mystery: He's a drifter, a cook, and a meek and peaceful man in an otherwise Wild West. Tom Dolan not only hates guns, he hates violence of any kind--and doesn't mind saying so. But one day on the trail, in a wagon loaded with supplies for Eddie's father's ranch, Eddie and Tom cross paths with a legendary outlaw, and Tom is forced to choose: Is he a pacifist, or a fighter? Eddie doesn't know, but only a fighter can save them now. A short story.