Seeing Meri's bemusement he adds...

Baron of Beefsteak?

In reply to Meriwether Lewis Smythe (msg #36):

Smiling in Meri's direction...

Rules? I'm not so sure about rules. As long as there is no bitin' or goin' for the privates, I think pretty much anything goes. But, as luck would have it, that there big boy is Randy.

Hey, Randy, these here are the men I was telling you about. Come on over and say hullo!

As for the number of cattle, I reckon a bit more than a few hunnerd or so. Not rightly sure though, for this run.

In reply to Silas Walker (msg #34):

Cole turn to Silas...

The Major and Rojas run this here outfit. Never rode with the Major, misself. Just Rojas. He is a good man to work for. Heard nothin' but good things 'bout the Major though.

Meriwether gave a feigned look of disgust as Travis mentioned that horrid title. Though, if one looked close enough they would see a slight smile tugging at the corner of the Englishman's mouth.

"The Duke of Death indeed! I shan't go by such a title ole chap. I would indeed prefer the Count of Cows. I am not a violent man by nature but I would be hard pressed not to shoot on sight that cad of a newsman whom named me thus! An outrage I tell you."

Then as Cole explained the rules of boxing "The privates what? Unthinkable! Why would one go for such a tactic. This would be an outrage as well."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:55, Sun 20 Sept 2009.

In reply to Meriwether Lewis Smythe (msg #41):

Laughing, Cole reponds to the Englishman...

Yup, that kind of thing is not looked upon kindly. Particularly if you get seen doin' it!

 

Randy slings his shirt over his shoulder and tops his head with a Stetson.  He ambles toward Cole and the Gang.  "'S'up sirs.  I'm Randy Oldman.  I guessin' you'ns the fellers Cole told me about on our ways back here.  I'd a figgur you'ns was twelve feet tall the way he brags.  I is happy to meet ya, one and all.  Maybe Rojas'll let us go to town tonight and welcome you men proper-like, maybe."

Pleased to meet you Randy.  My name is Travis.

Silas sizes up the Oldman and smiles at his offer.

"Sounds like that's an offer I can't refuse...whiskey on someone else is always welcome."

Meriwether slid off his horse & dusted off his suit with his bowler as he walked toward Randy. As he made the big man, the Englishman extended a gloved hand toward him.

"Please to make your acquaintance sir." he said in a friendly manner.


He glanced back at Travis with a sly grin before continuing "The Duke of Death... at your service."

He then chuckled a bit "I am Smythe, Meriwether Lewis Smythe Randy. I have not quite reached six feet as of yet. If you are indeed a friend of Cole then you are certainly a friend of mine."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:47, Sun 20 Sept 2009.

"Heck Meri," Silas says with a chuckle, "reckon you're as tall as your likely to get. My Grams said folks shrink when they get older...reckon you'll be a tiny feller 'for long."

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #43):

!Buenos Dias, young man. Name's JEB. Your a good boxer, Randy. Perhaps you'll let this old man spar with you some time.

Meriwether chuckled at Silas' comment but kept his hand extended "You see what you have been missing Randy? Do not let us scare you off. We are hardly this bad at all times."

He then feigned seriousness "Nay! We are usually far worse you see."

"Ya'll seein' Meri turnin' red, he's just hopin' y'all don't talk 'bout what he's got that already shrunk'd up...legend of the west it is."

Randy reaches out to Meri's offered hand.  "Yessir.  Uhm.  Yessir," he says before breaking the grip.

Looking up on the rider, he says, "Hullo Silas."  He waves his hand a little.

"Mr. JEB, sir, I dunno if I should.  I was told to be good to my elders."

"Howdy Mr. Travis."

Meri batted his eyes at Silas & with a sly grin said "Mr. Oldman Silas often says the sweetest things. Just another reason one should never judge a book by its cover."

He then stepped away & back to his horse "Randy, upon a more serious note. Jeb's & my horse have about had it. Where's a good place for them to cool off. Perhaps they could be fed & watered once they've cooled down?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:03, Mon 21 Sept 2009.

In reply to Meriwether Lewis Smythe (msg #52):

Good idea, Meri.

It does look like the horses could use some tending to. I can help you there. Follow me. After we see to the horses, I will take you fellers to the trail boss. I want to make sure he gets to see you as soon as possible. Wouldn't want him to have filled all the available slots! Once we get all that settled, then I think some time in the saloon is in order! How does that sound?

Provided everyone is in agreement, Cole then leads his friends to the stables.

Randy moves along with the newcomers.  He lends a hand where he can.  "If you'ns don't mind, I come with to see the Major and Rojas.  I won't git in the way.  Promise."

Meri manufactured another sly smile "Of course you may Randy. Do not worry yourself about getting in the way. That is why we have Silas you see! Does a smashing job he does."

Cole smiles gently at Meri's remark.

He then takes a look at Meri clothing, then Jeb's. Then, taking a sidelong look in Silas' direction, a look of concern comes over his face.

He slowly guides his horse near Silas' and quietly says...

Silas, don't take this the wrong way but you look a little worse for wear? Or, least-wise, a bit rougher around the edges than I last remember seeing you. If'n I didn't know better I'd swear the trail has been harder on you than most, these last few years...

Or, am I seeing something that's not there? Could be I'm just imagining things. It has been years since we last rode together...

Cole easily sees that Silas' clothes have definitely seen better days.

"Been good times and bad Cole...ups and downs like anyone else I reckon. But mostly down times of late...hopin' this here cattle drive and you fellas can get me back on the right track."

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg #53):

Agreed.

Cole started to lead the group, horses and all, toward the corral and barn. Before he got far, he saw the Major leaning against the back corner of the house. A moment later everyone glimpses the man. He had apparently been watching Randy and Joe sparring and perhaps eavesdropping on your conversation.

"Evening, gents," he said, tipping his well-worn hat. Long, light gray-brown hair spilled from underneath the hat, although his face was clean-shaven. Dressed like any hand on any ranch, Major Gray seemed unremarkable. It would have been easy to overlook him, iffin' a feller didn't already know who he was. "Cole, bring your friends 'round to the front porch once you've watered them horses."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #59):

Cole turns towards the Major.

Will do, Boss. Be back shortly.

Cole then leads everyone away to deal with the mounts.

Meri follows Cloe & helps see to Bess. He then stood, looking out over the ranch. He dipped a white kerchief in some cool water & washed his face & then tied it about his neck. A slow smile played along his lips.

Dam but this should be fun the Englishman thought...

Silas sees that his horse has been taken care of and grabs the saddle bags off the back as well as a familiar rifle and walks over to Cole.

"What now pard?"