In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #32):

JEB steps between the Major and Carson: Major Gray, Carson here's an old war buddy, so to say. I offered him a job. And this here's Father Deeds. He's comin' along to help us negotiate with the ranchers. I ran into 'em at the marshal's office of all places.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:25, Mon 12 July 2010.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg #35):

Having taken in all the conversation without much expression, Major Gray steps up after the introduction by Travis and JEB. He extends his hand to both of the newcomers.

"Carson. Deeds," he says, before returning his attention to JEB.

"Normally, I'd prefer to make my own offers, lawman. But if you trust these men and it's all right with Cole, that's good enough for me. As long as they're willing to sign on."

After a slight pause and a glance at Yellow, he adds, "Looks like you'll have your six after all."

Looking Art's way...

Art, I gotta say, it is damn good to see you! If you're of a mind, you are welcome to ride with us. We ride first thing in the morning.

Cole then turns to Deeds....

If JEB vouches for you, then you are welcome, as well.

Cole then addresses the group...

We have one room at Drover's. I've arranged for cots and baths for each of us. Well, 'cept Art and Mr. Deeds, of course. Didn't know they were joining us, after all.

Mr Deeds, I'm guessing you are from this area. How well do you know the trail north of here? How about a map, anyone have one? I reckon it might be a good idea to talk about the trail.

"Cole, first things first. I'm ready for that bath."

Deeds listened on in grim silence before answering Art "I will indeed pray for you Mr.Carson. Yet, I believe very much in the words of the Old Testament when it states clearly eye for an eye! I think God would see your actions as just & within reason. Of course there is nothing to bring your dear love one back, yet there is hope in God's own word. I am available if you wish to speak on this subject again."


He gave the sign of the cross & added "Deus vobiscum"

Later...




"Major & Gentlemen, it is my pleasure. I am interested in helping out. I would hope that bloodshed can & will be avoided. It is this reason I am willing to go. Now then, perhaps you all may enlighten us in what you have learned about this rancher. The more I know the better I may serve the Lord & you."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:33, Sun 11 July 2010.

Travis tips his hat.  If he's close enough he offers his hand.

Mr. Deeds.  Travis Sunday at your service.

OOC: Fade to black, fade up to the Drover's Inn
---------------

The room Cole has rented is relatively small, with two bunk beds against the wall, a single window on another wall and four cots folded on the floor, under a pile of blankets. Cole realizes he will need to pay for two more cots now, assuming the old man can provide them.

Still, it's clean, with two wash basins and clean water in pitchers sitting atop a chest of drawers, not to mention several clean towels in the top drawer. No luxuries, to be sure, but a welcome change from the dusty trail.

Just down the hall is the bath. Two tubs with hot water awaiting the men from the No Buffalo Outfit.

The Major drops his gear in the room.

"C'mon Yellow. We got the first two baths."

The hand and the trail boss depart together for the baths, leaving Cole, Travis, JEB, Randy, Artemus and Deeds to set up the lodgings.
-----------

OOC: Please do carry on with conversation (e.g. about maps, local area, etc.). The Judge has merely advanced the plot to the inevitable setting of the Drover's Inn.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:40, Sun 11 July 2010.

In reply to Major Gray (msg #42):

Surveying the room, Cole turns to the others...

I guess before we get down to business, I should go and see if there are any more cots. 'Seems we need two more. I don't want to wait too long, 'fore someone else scoops them up.

Be right back.

Cole then leaves to find two more cots for the newcomers.

Cole has no problem securing the cots.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #44):


Cole returns to the room to rejoin the others.

He takes a seat on the nearest cot, lights a cigar and looks up at the assembled men.

Ok gents, I've got a couple more cots for us.

Now, let's get down to business. We need to get those beeves to Abilene, right quick. The Major would like to keep the shootin' to a minimum. So, what do we know about the trail north of here?

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg #45):

JEB joins Cole in a smoke and continues the conversation: The marshal didnt know anything 'bout the trail bein' out of his jurisdiction. I figur we can get a map from the general store and if you recall from our previuos travellin' days my navigatin' skills are decent.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg #46):

I heard 12 miles out of Abilene is the Snake Creek Ranch.  They've hired guns to shoot beeves who are moving through their claim.  Says they don't want their stock to get sick.

The outfit has made its presence known so I'd say we ought to consider heading that away before they figure out how to deal with the Major and the herd.

Cole looks between Travis and JEB.

JEB, the sheriff don't know anything about this rancher shootin' beeves?

Travis, do folks think this rancher has a legal claim to the land?

Deeds listened to all that was said in silence but answered Cole when he could add to the conversation "The rancher is named Fielder. The ranch is outside Marshal Meagher's jurisdiction so he may or may not know of them. Even if he did there is nothing he can do about it. I do think you have a point though Mr. Trayne. If he does not own the land then he has no right to use force. That may be your only hope. That & faith of course."

He then nodded toward Travis "A pleasure to meet you too Mr. Sunday. Surly a man named after the Sabbath is a Godly man?"

In reply to Nathaniel Deeds (msg #49):

I try to live by the good book Mr. Deeds.  Out here though... far from civilization... folks sometimes need a sinner to help them stay alive more than they need a saint to say the right things when we bury them.

"Don't you fellers forget we done buried one of the Buffaloes.  I'm gonna be true to my word and none of you'ns gonna do no fool think like that fancy talker."  Randy gets a hard stare in his eyes -- focused on no one in particular.  "If I sits on you, you ain't getting up quick, that's for sure."

Artemus fidgets with his holster and to no one in particular says “Don’t feel right without a gun at my side. I try to clean them up every night.”

Directing the question to his old friends he adds “You fellas ever see any them other old boys we traveled with? Ever hear from Owen?”

Clearly enjoying his cigar, Cole looks up and replies...

Well, this much is certain, we need to pave the way for the herd to get to Abilene, and mighty fast. I don't aim to let the cattle arrive late.

Assuming the herd won't be able to slip by unnoticed, it seems to me we can either negotiate or fight, to get through to Abilene.  Either way, we need to know as much about this feller up there as we can. What was his name? Fielder?

Travis, you think there might be more to learn, about this 'poke, at that saloon of yours?

If anyone has any ideas, I am all ears...

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg #53):

Nope.  There's other places I haven't visited yet though.  I'd be happy to check things out after I wash some of the trail off of me.

You're call.  Boss.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:34, Thu 15 July 2010.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #54):

Expelling a good deal of cigar smoke, Cole nods in Travis' direction.

If you think that you might be able to find someone who knows a bit more about what we might find on the trail, then by all means check it out. If you decide to go, though, take one of the boys with you. I'll leave that up to you.

As for me,  I reckon I'm going to take a bath, go fetch a map, and wait for the morning to come.

"Yessir, Boss.  I gots a thing or two what needs figuring."  Randy speaks to Cole in a familiar and recognizable way, as if speaking to the major.  "We gots to figure out when to head off and," true to the big boy's character, "where to gets some breakfast."  I can't remembers the last time I tasted fresh hen eggs.

Among these men, it's well known no one wants to get involved in a land war in Kansas.  But only slightly less well-known is this: never go against Randy when food is on the line.

"When, you figure, we can get our horses and hoglegs?"

Artemus inhales the smoke in the air waving his nose about. "I've been smelling good cigars all day. Any more about?

I don't know how good an idea is, but I gave the trees a good hardy shake in the saloon yesterday. If I show up again, it might loosen up some tongues. . ."

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #56):

First thing in the morning, we head out. We're already cuttin' it close, if the herd is to make it to Abilene, on time. And, I'm very sure the Major means to arrive, on time.

So that means, we get up early, eat, get our horses and gear, then hit the trail.

In reply to Artemus Carson (msg #57):

Help yourself.

Cole hands Art a cigar.


If you think you might be able to get us some information that might prove useful, I would be much obliged.

By the way, last time we were on the trail together, I don't rightly recall you had a horse. Hopefully, you've corrected that?