The Sheriff of Shackelford County had continued walking away from Sunday, pausing only for a moment to hear the gunslinger's offer of an apology to the bounty hunter.

He continues his slow walk toward his mount, checking his saddle, tack and gear while the conversation among Trayne, Sunday and Rasmin continues.

Now, he mounts his horse and begins to walk her towards the gap between the Trautman party's schooners.

Pete Haverty follows the Sheriff's path, until he reaches Jake Richardson. He stops next to the rifleman and the professor, turning to observe the conversation initiated by Travis Sunday.

As Rasmin, Sunday and Trayne speak, the liveryman glances at the two men who, like himself, had refrained from firing in the brief flurry of gunfire. He sighs.

The Mexican had kept his thoughts to himself throughout the goings-on. He continues that practice, catching the eye of the various men in the vicinity while backing up a few steps. He seems content to do nothing but listen.

Anyone glancing up toward the hill that had served as a temporary command post during the battle with the Comanche sees that the Tonkawa have assembled there, watching the white men below on the plain.

One can only wonder what they might think of the situation that has unfolded in the last few minutes.

--------------

OOC: The Judge meant to post something like this earlier. Maybe it was already done. Rather than go back and review prior posts, the Judge decided to post this message. Thinking is: that it serves either as a follow-up, or make-up for what was intended when the gunfight began and then suddenly ceased.

In reply to Garrett Rasmin (msg # 40):

The wrangler shrugs slightly, and walks over to look Bess over.

In reply to Garrett Rasmin (msg # 40):

JEB returns the bounty hunter's glance, then walks over to his horse to sheath the rifle and prepare to leave.

In reply to Pete Haverty (msg # 43):

"Too damned close for comfort," Jake remarked to Pete Haverty when the liveryman walked over to where ENS and the rifleman were standing.

"I commend you for keepin' your head, an' offerin' up the olive branch when you did."

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 46):

Rasmin follows Cole, stopping when he stops. "Your word, or the shackles?" asks the bounty hunter.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 48):

"I must admit, in the moment I was thinking only of my own longevity," answers Haverty. "I reckon the stand down had more to do with the restraint shown by you two, as well as Oldman, Winters and Rojas."

The liveryman glances at the men he names, nodding to each of them iffin' they happened to be looking his way.

"I reckon it is time to settle our deal, Richardson. I have the double-eagles in Graymare's saddlebags."

In reply to Pete Haverty (msg # 50):

The Old Man eyed the hunter walking toward him and then gave him a curt nod, slowly lowering his hands as he did so. When he heard Haverty speak, Winters turned and walked over where the three men stood.

"It seems vee're still in ah quandary yah? I don't think Mister Tryane is guilty of murder. Yet, Rasmin seems ta be ah man who is descent ta boot. I jus don't know vhat ta do about all of this. I vish I could tag ahlong yah. But I got ta see my granddaughters safe ta the Flat."

He then nodded to Jake "I'm still will'n ta look after yer horse for ya Jake. I don't mind ya know. I could bring him ta ya out in San Fran if ya vant? Might vant ta look in on Mister Trayne myself yah? Up ta ya but I sure don't mind."

Winters then spoke to Haverty "Mister Haverty? Ya still in ah mind ta buy my horses n' Schooners? I could use the money for my granddaughters yah? It could help them get started right I'm think'n."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:25, Wed 29 Apr 2015.

Oldman stands watch over the proceedings as much opposite Rojas as in concert.

"Fair enough. Whenever you're ready, I'll walk over with you to Graymare," Jake replied to Pete Haverty.

When Mister Winters spoke up and volunteered to look after Ghost and bring him out to San Francisco, "I 'preciate it, I purely do," Jake responded. "But Pete Haverty an' me have already struck ourselves a deal regardin' Ghost, an' I'm inclined to say that it's best for all concerned for us to go through with it an' see it done."

"You'll have enough on your plate without havin' to fret 'bout sumpthin' extry, Mister Winters."

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 52):

Randy.  I'm sorry I thought Cole had made his play and when JEB joined in I thought we were going to end this here and now.  Apparently my singleness of purpose was not shared.  So there's no way I ride along with Rasmin and wait for Cole to decide he's had enough.  That can't happen so I'll move along to "The City" at best speed.  We'll see what happens then. I'll cut two kids and Horse out of the Remuda and head out to see the Tonk. 

Travis stops and focuses on Randy

What about you No Buffalo?

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 53):

ENS looks relieved that things have calmed down, then gets a look of purpose in his eye. He speaks to no one in particular.

Well... these bodies still need to be taken care of...

He looks over to Cruger and raises his voice to be heard.

Sheriff Cruger, a word please?

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 54):

"Travis, that's the closest danged thing I've heard to a right reasonable thought." Randy is a little surprised by his friend addressing him, but not startled.

"You'ns always known my employment was to see along safely. Rojas is my employer and he tells me when that there duty is done."

Concluding the points, "As for the Buffaloes, welp, seems it started with me and Cole ridin' with Rojas, might be a fitting way to part ways for a while."

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 56):

Good.  You know how to reach me through the telegraph.  I'll go to Chinatown when I get there.

Travis extends his hand.

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 51):

Haverty listens to Winters and then Jake.

"Yessir, Mr. Winters. Iffin' you are accompanying us to The Flat, we can work out the details along the way. I am most interested in the horses; the schooners are of little use to me but I know other men who would have interest. I could make you an offer on the wagons, or I could introduce you to men who might give you a better deal, directly. Plenty of time to strike an accord while we ride."

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 55):

Sheriff William Cruger turns his mount in a circle. "All right, Ringgenberg," he answers, dismounting and looking to the professor to lead to whereever he considers a private place to speak.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 57):

"You'ns be careful till I sees you next time, my friend." Randy shakes his friend's hand so firmly that dust puffs out.

Before releasing, he pulls the gunslinger very close in an almost yanking action.

In reply to Garrett Rasmin (msg # 49):

As Cole tends to Bess, he wearily responds without turning his head.

my word.

In reply to Sheriff Cruger (msg # 59):

Well sheriff, before this dust-up we were working towards taking care of these Comanche bodies... will you still support that effort before this group goes their separate ways?

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 61):

The bounty hunter turns away when Cole finally answers. "Hunkey-dorey." Rasmin calls the hunters to assemble near the bounty hunter's Arabian.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 62):

From the sound of the professor's request, the Sheriff had expected the easterner to move aside for a more private word. Nevertheless, Cruger listens and responds.

"If those of us returning to The Flat are willing," he answers, glancing at Winters and Haverty, "yes, I would support that, Ringgenberg. Cannot speak for others. There are a heap of dead Comanche . . . " he adds.

In reply to Sheriff Cruger (msg # 64):

Travis spits.

Buzzards got to eat Professor.  Same as worms.

Travis reloads the Starr and saddles up the best looking kid he can find kid from what's left of the Cpmanche's horses.  Then he cuts out another. He ties Horse and the second to his saddle horn and trots out to the Tonkawa

In reply to Sheriff Cruger (msg # 64):

Yes Travis, they will eat no doubt, but at least they'll be in a confined area of the Comanche's choosing.

ENS turns back to the sheriff.

You are right sheriff, I expect it will take several trips with my one wagon... But I don't have the heart to ask Mr. Winters for the use of one of his for this task. And I will speak to the others about this.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:11, Sun 03 May 2015.