November 23, 1997 (Billy the Kid’s birthday – 1859)

Dumont gathered inspiration from important dates in history. He probably read a "this day in history" column regularly because many of the topics he would choose would relate to a historical fact associated with a particular day. In the story below, Wesley wrote about Billy the Kid on his birthday:

Billy the Kid entered my dream unceremoniously and immediately ordered a drink from the bar. I had the distinct feeling he was disappointed yet amused by the ridiculous cast of characters that had gathered in the saloon during my slumber. My mother was sitting at a table near the back of the saloon, dressed in slutty underclothes with a man I didn’t recognize. My dog, Christmas, who my parents gave away when I was four years old was running around willy nilly. At another table was a group of snakes playing blackjack. I was standing on the stage naked about to give a book report on Huckleberry Finn. Billy ordered another whiskey, drank it quickly and whiped his mouth with his shirt sleeve. He then removed his gun and let one fly into the ceiling. My father, who was tending bar, didn’t flinch. I held on tightly to my privates but was unable to move. Billy announced it was his birthday and that drinks were on him. Everyone cheered and approached the bar. I remained on stage and told the story of Huck and Jim in a quivering, unsure voice.