Wash and Destry run out to a street and there, Wash confronts him about not owning a gun. Wash explains that the town had planned a big welcome party for him, but he didn't think Destry could face anyone now. Destry tells Wash that they won't need guns to bring law and order to Bottleneck. He tells Wash that guns will only bring death ("Ballad of the Gun"). Wash then swears Destry in as deputy and they head for the party. Meanwhile, Kent's gang are seen harassing two girls. They steal a banner they were carrying and see that there was to be a social in honor of Destry's arrival and they weren't invited. The gang then hurries off to tell Kent and Frenchy.
