In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 47):

The hunter with the uncooperative beard and the accent replies, in between breaths as they carry the dead Myles Keogh.

"Not his only friend. No. His best pard. Yes." Another few breaths. He glares askance at Travis Sunday for a few moments.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 45):

"Did Keough empty any chambers?"

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 49):

The hunter shrugs again. "I reckon he squeezed off a round just before he fell, but it was nothing more than a stray shot."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 50):

The second hunter chimes in. "He was dead afore his hogleg went off, if ye ask me."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 48):

I see...

ENS notes the hunter's glare and responds.

You needn't worry about Travis, his business was with this man... I hope you don't intend revenge? There has been enough tragedy in this matter.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 52):

The hunter does not respond to the professor's question. An uncomfortable amount of time passes.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 51):

JEB nods acknowledging the hunters' statements and continues walking to the top of the ridge and down the other side towards the site of the shooting.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 53):

Travis acknowledges JEB, having lagged behind as the body was returned.

Deputy.

The Chinaman leaves the Frontier House several minutes after he entered. The rain hasn't let up. He resumes his spot on the porch, waiting for a pause in the storm.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 53):

ENS chooses to not press the subject, and just continues with the task at hand in silence.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 55):

Sunday. I reckon this is as good a time as any to take your statement.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 58):

In an obvious, yet half-hearted attempt to diffuse the seemingly awkward formality between the two men who have known each for years, Cole deadpans in a quiet, but firm voice...

Deputy? Sunday? That's the best old trail-mates can do?

Shit, fellers, if I didn't know better I'd swear I'm at the Frontier House, watching one of Randy's shows.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 57):

09:23, Today: E.N.S. Ringgenberg rolled 4 using 1d20+2. Con Check.

As they trudge along, ENS stumbles and almost looses his hold of the dead hunter.

I'm afraid that I need to stop for a minute sir. Let us set Mr. Keogh down gently.

OOC: needed a 10 per the Judge to carry on... so to speak.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:29, Thu 13 Dec 2012.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 60):

The hunter slows down so that he and ENS may set down the body, gently. He remains standing, but seems welcome for a brief rest from his burden. "No hurry. Tell me when you are ready," he says.

The rain has started to come down harder, and now that the men are moving north everyone is getting a face full of rain despite their fish.

Travis Sunday feels the chill and the wetness more than others, as he had removed his slicker more than once when facing Keogh. Although the fish is serving its purpose now, his clothes underneath are wet and uncomfortable. Meanwhile,  Jake Richardson finds it more difficult to shield fully his Spencer against the driving rain.

OOC: Please continue conversation as desired. Unless someone says otherwise, the Judge assumes the conversation takes place while the men are walking back to town.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 59):

Travis smiles slightly and winks at Cole.

Now Cole, the formalities must be observed.  Well deputy I'd like to report the death of that gentleman.  He demanded satisfaction and acquitted himself honorably.  I do not wish to press charges now that he has moved on to the next world. 

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 62):

The hunter, hearing Travis Sunday's statement, exclaims.

"Che palle." He shakes his head. "I am ready to give my statement."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 61):

"Hell's bells," Jake muttered under his breath. He pushed his Spencer deeper inside his fish and fiddled with the buttons, hoping to find a different configuration that would do a better job of keeping the firearm dry.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 62):

Cole returns Travis' smile and gestures for him to continue his exchange with JEB.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 63):

In response to the Hunter's statement, the Wrangler glances at Travis and lowers his voice.

Act one, scene two.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 63):

JEB glances at the remaining hunter as he answers sharply, "You'll get your chance soon enough."   JEB then addresses the group walking back to town, "All witnesses to the death of Myles Keough will give a statement at the sheriff's office this afternoon. I'll await your arrival. In the meantime, stay out of trouble."

JEB walks in silence for the rest of the way back to town and proceeds directly to the sheriff's office.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 63):

The comfort drains from Travis' face as he looks at the Hunter.

Are you not satisfied?

He motions his head back to the ridge.

OOC: Travis Sunday rolled 20 using 1d20+7. Intimidate.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 68):

The hunter hears the difference in the deputy's tone. And he hears Travis continue to push, even though the deputy just warned the group to stay out of trouble. "No. I ain't satisfied. But I ain't a fool, either. I see what is happening here."

The hunter turns his attention away from Travis Sunday. He catches the eye of ENS. "Whenever you are ready."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 69):

ENS observes this tableau in silence, shaking his head. Once he has caught his breath, he nods to the hunter and bends to pick up the unfortunate Mr. Keogh.

You are Italian, yes? How did you end up out here?

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 70):

The hunter considers the professor's question as they continue to carry the corpse.

"I thank you for your help, but this ain't the time for small talk."

The group of men heading north towards the town feels the continuing sting of the cold rain. With no sign of the storm letting up, they are grateful to join up with the road that becomes Griffin Avenue as it signals their entry into town and the promise of shelter.

The streets remain mostly empty, although as the group approaches the intersection of Griffin and Fourth Street, the sights and sounds of active saloons are evident.

Ahead, JEB and the others see Mangy Mansfield on the jail porch with the two hunters who lost bets with Cole Trayne.

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

OOC: It seemed the conversation had died down and PCs logged in last night after the most recent Judge post without posting any follow-ups, so the Judge is moving forward. If anyone has lingering conversation to complete during the last few hundred yards walk, feel free to post such and then resume with the trudge along Griffin.