Witness on horseback

Yes, there are some undoubted similarities, though quite a few differences as well (e.g. Quirt is not exactly hiding out). But your point is well made.🐭

The commonalities are strong enough that one might assume a direct influence, but on the trivia section Witness's page, it's stated that the story's inspiration came from a Gunsmoke (TV) episode (outline? Or some such). Maybe that drew from AatBM?

If to stand pat means to resist evil then, yes, neighbour, we wish to stand pat.