In reply to Rory Jameson (msg # 972):

Travis keeps his eye on the shadowy figure.

In reply to Fionnbharr Jameson (msg # 973):

Knowing he hardly has a rapport with the senior Jameson, Mr. Big'un still keeps the conversation light. "Sorry, sir. I'm about in the dark as much as you are."

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 968):

Jake continued walking with ENS towards the barn, lighting their way with the kerosene lantern that they had found in the cook-shack.

"Don't know how much y'all could see when you was yonder in the barn before," the Texan remarked to the Perfesser.

In reply to Rory Jameson (msg # 972):

It didn't say otherwise.

JEB and company continue to town.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 977):

Reaching down to pat Bess' neck, as they ride, Cole casually remarks.

JEB, you really think the Chinaman really means to hurt this woman?

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 976):

ENS continues to the barn as the others speak. When Jake speaks, he answers.

Well, we didn't have a lantern before, so that's one thing, but we were interrupted before the loft was looked over. So I'm going to have a look there and down in the vats to make sure nothing was stashed there. As I said, it shouldn't take but a minute.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 979):

Jake shrugged. "Take your time, as far as I'm concerned. Seems foolish to come all the way out here in this kinda weather an' not do a proper job of it."

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 978):

His actions would point to that conclusion.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 981):

Cole looks at the figure to the east, then towards the woman riding Diablo.

Seems a might odd to me. Not sure I can see my way clear to a Chinaman killing a white woman. But, what do I know? I'm not a lawman.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 980):

The discussion having waned, ENS leads the group (or whoever follows) into the barn. He politely takes the lantern from Jake and then make his way carefully up the ladder. Once there, he proceeds to look around the loft and carefully down into each of the vats (search, take 20), trying to spot discarded clothing or weapons.

He will also try to assess the contents of the vats from afar; if there are lye tanks, he'll give them special scrutiny.

OOC: Let me know if I should roll anything else (i.e., craft-chem?).

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 983):

Jameson follows the professor into the barn. He watches as ENS climbs the ladder, and indeed ascends after ENS.

When the professor begins to look down into the vats, he sees that the three on the east side are covered with wooden lids. The three on the west side are uncovered. Peering into the uncovered ones, ENS concludes that they are obviously for making soap. He sees no signs of any foreign objects in those vats.

When ENS begins to raise a lid on one of the eastern vats, Jameson speaks up. "Hold yer horses, boyo. Oi will not have you after ruinin' my loivelihood."

In reply to Fionnbharr Jameson (msg # 984):

ENS pauses in his search and looks up at Jameson.

I beg your pardon Mr. Jameson... Can you please tell me what's in these vats?

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 985):

"Young whiskey. Why do ya care?"

In reply to Fionnbharr Jameson (msg # 984):

As Randy is want to do, he just sits on his Fanny.

In reply to Fionnbharr Jameson (msg # 984):

Jake went into the barn with ENS and Jameson, after first glancing over at Randy to see if the big man was coming inside with them.

Hell, I'd go inside jest to get outta this damn wind, even iff'n thaere warn't nuthin' else goin' on in thaere.

After going inside, Jake found a stretch of wall that didn't have quite so many cracks between the boards for the wind to whistle through, and leaned back against it. He reached down and placed the butt of his carbine on the ground, leaning the barrel against the wall beside him.

In reply to Fionnbharr Jameson (msg # 986):

Well, keep in mind that I'm looking for places that Miss Kate may have hidden evidence. If she knew you'd object to a search, she might have put something in one of these... but I don't want cause you any damage, so is there a safe way to check?

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 989):

Jameson shakes his head. "Kate knows better than to spoil my whiskey. No chance in hell that she did that. Ya're not goin' ta open those vats."

In reply to Fionnbharr Jameson (msg # 990):

Through the open barn door, Randy hears the conversation heating up just a bit.

"ENS, if you look close, you'll see them are casks and they are ain't opened but from the tap down below. So best not crack into them and go spoilin'," he fits his hat on upon his head and looks into the barn, "for a fight."

In reply to Fionnbharr Jameson (msg # 990):

ENS stands fully and dusts off his hands.

You'd be surprised at what desparate folks will do Mr. Jameson... But very well, far be it from me to ruin whiskey!

He heads for the ladder while continuing.

Besides the soap vats, do you have any other sizeable containers with liquid lye inside?

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 992):

Apparently satisfied that the professor doesn't intend to interfere with his materials of production, Jameson relaxes, also heading for the ladder but allowing ENS to proceed him. "I do not. No sir. Dis is everythin'."

In reply to Fionnbharr Jameson (msg # 993):

ENS descends the ladder and walks over to Jake. Once Jameson is down, he continues.

Thank you for putting up with us Mr. Jameson, and I apologize for the inconvienence. It occurs that I haven't properly introduced myself... I am professor ENS Ringgenberg, and this is my friend and associate Jake Richardson... Mr. Oldman has already introduced himself.

...ENS indicates the men as he speaks, then offers his hand.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 994):

Jameson, having descended the ladder after Ringgenberg, listens and then accepts the professor's hand, and by association, the apology.

"Was nuthin' proper about any of dis, Oi reckon. No harm done, Oi suppose. Anyhow, Oi tink ya're barkin' up the wrong tree, Oi do."

Jameson watches as the men mount up and prepare to ride south to the town proper.

In reply to Fionnbharr Jameson (msg # 995):

"Mister Jameson," Jake acknowledged the farmer and brewer when ENS introduced him to the man.

'Less JEB figured that Jameson 'ere was in cahoots with Injun Kate, I'm thinkin' that Jameson prob'ly has hisself a good point 'bout this not bein' done the right way. But we found the person we was lookin' for an' nobody got shot, so I reckon it ended up okay.

Once the conversation inside the barn broke up, Jake picked up his carbine and walked outside to mount up for the ride back into town.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 996):

ENS also mounts up and starts towards town. Once out of earshot of Mr. Jameson, he addresses his compadres.

I need to stop at the jailhouse to speak with the sheriff and deal with these knives, but I see no need to keep you gentlemen from sleep anymore, so please go and get some rest and I'll see you in the morning... and thanks for all your help this night!

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 997):

"Well, let's hoof it and catch on up to them. Maybe just save you the time." Randy spurs his Fanny to a double pace back the way toward town.