In the novel "Lonesome Dove" by Larry McMurtry, the governors and legislators express a desire to maintain order by keeping hostiles under control and ensuring that bandits face justice. However, their approach emphasizes a cost-effective strategy, seeking to accomplish this task with minimal manpower and on inexpensive horses. This perspective creates frustration for the characters Call and Augustus.

Call feels irritation due to the unrealistic expectations placed upon him, while Augustus is downright angered by the notion that their efforts could be so undervalued. The tension between the characters' dedication to their responsibilities and the limitations imposed by external authorities illustrates the challenges faced in maintaining law and order in a harsh and unforgiving environment.