Yellow looked this way & that, all the while scratching his forehead as he does so. He then gave a low whistle.

"Well I ain't one for give'n up... but this 'ere is the damnedest place I ever did see. Where'd they put the bank? Its supposed ta be next ta there ain't it? I'm with you Cole. Wot ever ya want ta do is fine by me. I'd sure like ah bath now that there woman got's me think'n bout it."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:06, Fri 02 July 2010.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #905):

"Travis, I gots something to talk to you about, quiet-like."  Randy taps his friend on the shoulder.

"Sir?" he asks the proprietor.  "Can I gets a root beer, if you got it?  Best make that two."

When the man returns with the drinks, Randy pays up.  He even slips a little extra to the barkeeper.  "It'd be right nice of you to forgets anything you'd hear from us, alright."


"Travis, this here ain't all my ball of yarn.  I ain't gots the figgurin' you'ns got.  But, I seen a few things might help."  Randy takes a pull from his root beer alternately with his whiskey.  "I spent all my days in saloons and cathouses with Fair Mary.  I seen some them fellers what owned the big one set men out on the floor to mix it up and listen.  That feller gave signals back to the man when trouble was gonna start."

Randy realizes he's rambling, as he is apt to do.  "Well, we got to get one our cowboys hired on with that Snake Creek place.  You know, a man on the floor to send in signs to the Buffaloes."

The plan appears in Randy's head, like his mother does in times of confusion.  "We send us a man supposed to be plum mad at the Buffaloes to be a hired gun at the Snake Creek's."

Spent of all his cognitive energies for the day, Randy absentmindedly slams his whiskey against the back of his throat and slaps the glass on the counter.  His eyes flash wide when he feels the burn of the sour mash against his palate.

"Now, I gots to go piss."

After a long pause, the man in the cell answers. "Yep, that's me."

EDIT: color
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:21, Fri 02 July 2010.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #908):

The barkeep seemed about to respond to Travis, but held his tongue when the big man interjected.

He nodded to Randy, fetching two dusty brown bottles from behind the bar and going back to talk to his other patrons.

Glancing at JEB and Deeds--and seeing that they are both waiting for him to continue, the Marshal continues.

"Where're ya from, Carson?"

Standing straight, and looking the Marshal in the eye, without a hint of hangover, Artemus replies "Here and there. . . been on walkabout." Glancing around the assembled men he nods ever so slightly to the man with the bible. Turning to JEB, a small smile touches the corners of lips. "G'day, mate."

"Why did you punch a policeman in the eye?" the Marshal asks.

In reply to Yellow Sanders (msg #907):

Major Gray comes walking up, from Friedman's, just after Yellow speaks.

"Howdy."

"Weren't like I went looking for a policeman to punch. I was just minding my own business, trying put some things out of mind for a while. I was talking to me mates and this bloke, Salter, got all up in my face hollering at me to 'shut yer fuckin pie hole.'"

Glancing to the dark man with the bible "Sorry Father." Looking back to the Marshal

"I might not have been in the best frame of mind, but I didn't start no fight."

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #908):

Travis leans in and very quietly speaks...

Randy, I had the exact same idea but didn't want to tip my hand.  I brought Meri's pistols along with me so I could show em and say how mad I was that the Major let Yuma go.  I was going to ask Cole about it.  In the meantime as long as you're with me, I'll keep on acting like I'm fine, until folks think I've got a little liquor in my belly and maybe run into the Major later.

In reply to Artemus Carson (msg #915):

"Huh. That's not how I heard it from some witnesses." He turns to glance at Deeds for a moment.

"So, let's assume that's the way you remember it. Why did you hold out a hogleg, when you knew you had to turn in your weapons?"

In reply to Marshal Meagher (msg #917):

When the prisoners nodded to the priest, Deeds nodded back without any hint of emotion. He then listened on. Noticing Mr. Carson just nodded to him but spoke to the lawman... calling him... mate?


Before the prisoner is able to answer the Marshal's question Deeds cleared his throat "Marshal, if I may? When you spoke of witnesses... to whom are you speaking? Other patrons at the saloon? From Salter & perhaps other policemen at the scene? I ask this, for I am quite curious who might have also been at the scene of this offense & if you personally spoke with them."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:41, Fri 02 July 2010.

The Marshal looks at the man in black.

"Yes, Deeds, the whole lot." He pauses, as if he intended to say more, but stopped himself. "Let's hear what Carson has to say."

In reply to Major Gray (msg #914):

Cole turns to see the Major approaching...

Hiya, Major.

Me and Yellow was just looking for a nice middlin' place to stay. Got a recommendation for the Smithfield, but for some reason folks around here seem damn reluctant to give a man proper directions. I was thinking the boys might like to stay in a better than average place, but now I gotta admit, I'm done lookin'. Shouldn't be this hard. 'Sides, I was beginning to get the impression that the Smithfield would be a little too high falutin', for us simple folk!

Anyway, I thought we'd just head back to Drover's to see if we can get some room for me and the boys.

The Major nods. "It's like I said, last time I was here I had problems with accommodations. At least at the Drover's Inn you could get a warm bath."

In reply to Major Gray (msg #921):

Yellow's face held a near paramount frown... that is until he heard the word bath! Then his grin went from ear to ear & he shouted!

"Hot Dam!" he yelled doffing his hat & swinging it overhead. "That's sum welcome words Major. Real welcome awright! Wot are we stand'n around 'ere for? Let's get go'n!"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:53, Sat 03 July 2010.

In reply to Artemus Carson (msg #912):

JEB smiles cordially and gives a slight nod: Hello, Artemus Carson. I see you've prospered without me.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:36, Sat 03 July 2010.

Well, Marshal. . . I’ve come to understand in the last day that I’m supposed to turn in all my guns. But I ain’t exactly a big city feller. I spend most of my time in some pretty inhospitable territory and I just. . . I just ain’t used to givin’ up all my guns. I’ve made my share of enemies and, well, I’m sorry if’n that caused a problem.

You can see, though, that I didn’t go for it in the fight. I kept things fair and square. Tell you the truth, that fight was good for my soul – needed to blow off some steam.

Deeds knew, from the tone & manner in which the Marshal spoke, that he had hit a nerve with his question. If the Marshal's irritation bothered the priest, none could tell it. The priest's facial expression held no emotion nor did it change. In regards to what the Marshal said, Deeds merely gave the man a curt nod in response.

It was then that the Lawman from Missouri said the prisoner's name... only now the man added a first name to the known surname, Carson. It was what he had expected from the earlier conversation. Mr. Beauregard was no doubt acquainted with Mr. Carson then. Now, only time would tell if it was a personal or professional relationship they shared.

Deeds cold eyes focused on Carson & they seemed to stare through him before the priest spoke. His voice held no hint of emotion as he did so.

"So Mr. Carson. Then you admit your guilt on both counts of which you are being charged? That you willingly withheld a firearm in defiance of the town's edict against carrying said firearms. And that you struck an officer of the law, one Mr. Salter, while carrying out the duties he was sworn to uphold?"

The priest paused but a heartbeat before he turned to the lawman "This man is an acquaintance of yours is he not? What can you say to shed light on Mr. Carson's character? Trust me sir when I say that men are often fooled but God sees all."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:23, Sat 03 July 2010.

Having listened to the prisoner, the lawman from Missouri and the man in black, Meagher casts a glance at each of the men. He seems content to wait for answers to Deeds' questions.

In reply to Yellow Sanders (msg #922):

The Major smiles, a small laugh barely audible. "I'm ready when you are, Yellow. How 'bout you, Cole?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:12, Sat 03 July 2010.

In reply to Nathaniel Deeds (msg #925):

Artemus laughs a jolly good laugh. "One might assume that a man of the cloth would seek to provide comfort to the accused, but sure as there’s cold shit in dead cat the world is full of fools and liars, and yes sir, God picks those of us who can tell the difference."

Turning to the Marshal, "You have me at a distinct disadvantage; I don’t believe we’ve been formally introduced. . ." Artemus looks to the man about whom he sees a dark aura. "And just what is everyone’s official capacity?"

In reply to Artemus Carson (msg #928):

If Deeds was taken aback by what Art said he did not show it. He merely stared back at him & spoke in an even tone.

"So far, to the best of my knowledge, you have spoken truthfully today & that at least has stood you in good stead. As far as comfort goes... well there is comfort in redemption & solace in forgiveness. Once you have attested to your guilt perhaps comfort will follow. Yet, one thing I must agree with you on... rely on no earthly power or man for true comfort. For in the end men are just that... men. Capable of great good or great evil. Some capable of both. Now sir, did you or did you not break the law? Once this is answered we may delve into the mediating factors why you did so."

Deeds did not answer the prisoner's last question. He would allow the Marshal to answer his query. After all, he had already irritated the lawman once today & would avoid doing so again.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:34, Sat 03 July 2010.

Randy, before we do anything though let's help this gentleman out.

Travis turns back toward the bar looking for Root Beer. He turns his eye to the keep.

Sorry about that amigo.  My pard's a good, hard working feller and is the true salt of the earth, but if he's got something to say sometimes it needs to said quickly.

He slaps Randy on the bicep.  Travis genuinely enjoys Randy's company and gives him a smile.

Folks will have heard that conversation or at least Randy's half.  Looks like infiltration is out.  On to plan B. 

He leans against the bar, and palms his shot glass.  Folks don't seem to notice or care that I've had only a sip. At the next opportunity he lowers his voice and engages the keep again.

What do you know about them two?

When he has a chance Travis rids himself of the whiskey without drinking it.

Travis Sunday rolled 11 using 1d20+9. Slight of hand (dump whiskey shot).

In reply to Nathaniel Deeds (msg #929):

Artemus glances around the three men. His eyes pause on JEB, sure his old friend is enjoying Artemus’ predicament. To JEB he says, “Yeah, I’ve seen better times,” JEB thinks he sees a moment of profound sadness in Artemus’ eyes, but it quickly fades to an icy hardness, “and I’ve seen worse.”

Addressing the Marshal, “I’m Artemus Carson, born in Virginia, but raised in North West Australia. Since I’ve been back I’ve had my gold claim jumped, got caught up in war, was shot at by squatters escorting a friend back to his home. I found a wife and watched her die in a pool of blood - gunned down by bank robbers. So maybe I can be forgiven for telling my drinking companions that I thought life was full of misery."

"Now I can add ‘gettin’ arrested’ for not ‘Shuttin’ my fuckin’ pie hole.’ The only place where folks have left me be was in the Death Valley and high mountain passes.”

The accused looks at Deeds "Yes, I willingly withheld a firearm. As for Salter, well bugger me that he’s a policeman, looked just like a fella looking for a fight."

Looking back to Meagher “So again I say, you have me at a disadvantage. Just what is everyone’s official capacity?”