Sheriff Bertie faces High Noon with a wobbly Willie the Kid

HIGH Noon. That’s how Sheriff Bertie always thought of it. Others might refer to the occasion as Leaders’ Questions, but for him it was that moment when he stood alone.

It was a tradition that had developed in recent years, when the sheriff had to walk down main street ready to take on all-comers.

A test of manhood, some called it. But Sheriff Bertie knew it was like walking on quicksand, surrounded by rattlesnakes.