In reply to Major Gray (msg #281):

Travis nods his head slightly in thanks.

Thank you sir.  This is a nice gesture. 

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #282):

Rojas shrugs. "The biscuits, they are not bad. I do like the coffee. Better than cowboy coffee."

In between bites, the Mexican continues. "I am joyous, senor. A successful drive. I am just too tired to make a show of it."

Cole looks towards both Rojas and the Major. When he catches their eye, he slightly raises his coffee mug, in appreciation, then returns to his meal.

He occasionally glances up to see who is coming and going. He takes particular notice if one of the passersby happens to be wearing a skirt.

Following suit of his trail mates he stows his gear at his feet. Artemus prefers the food he catches and prepares himself in the wild to “city” food, the one glaring exception being a proper breakfast. Art enjoys every bite. A man of few words, he is true to his nature this morning. Any of his companions that happened to notice would see that Art was wearing a content, happy smile.

Deeds, after paying the clerk for his laundered clothes & now dressed in frock & collar, made his way to the breakfast table.

Bowing his head to the assembled group "Good morning gentlemen. May I sit a while with you?"

The Priest did not sit down as of yet but awaited an invitation. Though he had ridden with the group he had not officially joined the No Buffaloes but felt a kinship with many of them.

The Major smiles when he sees the preacher. "Make some room, boys," he orders.

The Major's order is unneeded, Artemus happily adjusts as needed.

After one hour, most of the food has been devoured. The Buffaloes remain at the table, stuffed and refreshed. Even Artemus, who looked a might pale earlier, looks better now.

----------

OOC: The Judge had thought more dialogue would occur. No biggie if there's none to be had, just pausing with each update.

"Amigos, the Major will meet with each of you this evening. We will start at 6 p.m., in the Major's room, numero dieciseis. Por for favor, be on time."

He takes another drink of coffee.

"Tomorrow, we are leaving for San Antone. If you wish to join us, tell the Major tonight."

In reply to Rojas (msg #291):

Having finished breakfast, JEB lights his usual post meal cigar while he drinks more coffee and enjoys what is likely the final gathering of the NBO. He smiles slightly after Rojas speaks as he continues the conversation: "Much obliged for the offer, but I'm homeward bound amigo. You are all aware I'm a lawman from Marshfield, Missouri. Any of you are welcome there, of course."

"What's to see in Marshfield?" asks Yellow Sanders. "Big town?"

Major Gray takes out a pocket watch as he sips his coffee. He looks across the table, making eye contact with Rojas.

Rojas stands and stretches his arms. "Buenos dias, senors. You may stay here until they close the hall. Everything is paid for, including one more night in the bunk rooms."

The Major also vacates his chair. The two leaders of the No Buffalo Outfit depart the dining hall together, leaving the cowboys to themselves at the table.

In reply to Yellow Sanders (msg #293):

JEB chuckles at Sander's question: "No, far from it. Sometimes a man's seen enough of the world. If you find yourself in that position, Marshfield is a decent place to settle."

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg #296):

I'm not ready to settle down quite yet, but if I do I recall Marshfield being a nice town.  I figure I'll just head where the wind blows. I've got some business to attend to gentleman.  If you'd like to accompany me today as I make my rounds or tomorrow when I head out of town, that's fine.  Remember, you can always get a hold of me by sending a telegraph to Travis Sunday at the main office of San Francisco's Western Union operation.  They'll save my messasges and I'll check in periodically.

Travis takes a last swig of coffee, then rises.  He places his hat squarley on his head.  With his right hand he tips it slightly forward in a sign of respect to his comrades.  With his left he grabs a biscuit off the table. He turns and pauses to allow any who wish to join him to do so, and then departs.  The NBO can hear him whistling the Battle Hymn of the Republic, broken up by chewing as he clears the front doorway.

OOC:
Travis arranges for all his clothes and belongings to be clean and ready the following morning.
He checks in on Horse and sees to the cleaning, maintenance and repair of his tack.  He purchases an over the pommel holster for the brace of Webleys.
He visits the Western Union office and has them contact San Francisco to see if there are any awaiting messages.
He enjoys the day and if possible arrives 15 minutes early to his appointment with the Major and Rojas.

Travis, I think I’ll join you. He nods to his friends and leaves the table.

You know, I think that arrangement you have with Western Union is a good idea. You think they’d be able to make such an arrangement for me?

When the errands have been run Artemus returns to the room to rest.

OOC:Along with Travis Artemus arranges for his clothes to be cleaned and ready by tomorrow morning.
He visits and attends to Caliber and has his tack cleaned and maintained as necessary.
He replenishes and materials needed in his medical kit.
When at the Western Union office Art sees about setting himself up with an arrangement like Travis has for message holding.

Randy leaves the table last, as one would expect.  He feels more comfortable making arrangements with the clerk to have the better part of his gear stored, if possible.

Before turning over his belongings, he extracts the two brown-paper packages from a bag.  He emerges with his trail clothes replaced with a dandy of a suit.  His boots are still dusty from the trail.  The suit fits the big man very well.  He wears a crisp, clean white shirt buttoned to the neck, but still dons his favored Stetson.

Randy's pockets jingle, but not his boots.

His first stop is the barber shop for a proper shave, hair cut and spiffy boot shining.  With grooming completed, he heads to have a fine lunch.  He prefers to spend this time without companionship.

Following the pampering, Randy sets to the livery and smithy to put new shoes on his Fanny's hooves after appropriate grooming is completed.

He arranges certain staples and sundry supplies to be prepared and collected the next day.  In fact, all of his preparations are considering two horses.

In due time, he visits the horse trader.  He makes no choice, but only familiarizes himself with the selection of mules and(or) donkeys.

All of his toils indicate he'll not return to San Antone.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #299):

Watching his comrades begin to depart one-by-one, JEB rises from the table: "Excuse me gentlemen, but I must take my leave as well to replenish my stock and attend to other business. Father Deeds, if I may have a word with you after our meeting with Major Gray tonight I would be most appreciative. I'll wait for you here."

JEB gathers his gear, leaves Drovers and walks to the tobacconist shop across town.

OOC: With the players splitting up to run their errands and such, the Judge will rule summarily. Any normal items, activities or services (cigars and medical kit components, grooming horses, western union, cleaning clothes or getting a shoe shine) can be assumed (just pay for the items/services, as appropriate; if the cost is questionable, ask specifically). Anything that might be "custom" requires discussion with the Judge.

The Judge has no objections to characters having dialogue during the day, or during the wait for the meeting with Major Gray.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:06, Mon 09 May 2011.

The men from the No Buffalo Outfit begin to gather near the Major's room, as twilight envelopes the cow town.

Travis gets there early, but finds the Thomas brothers ahead of him in the queue. Soon, all twelve of the men have arrived--Artemus, Silas and Cole are the last to arrive. Artemus still looks like he needs a good night's sleep.

Promptly at 7 p.m., Rojas opens the door and invites the first cowboy in. Miles Thomas asks if he and his brother can meet with the Major at the same time. Rojas nods and motions for them to enter. The Mexican then closes the door and stands in the hall with the other waiting cowboys.

EDIT: Typo
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:23, Tue 10 May 2011.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #302):

JEB lights one his new premium cigars while he waits.

After about ten minutes, the Thomas brothers exit the Major's room.

Miles is smiling. "Your turn, Mr. Sunday."

In reply to Miles Thomas (msg #304):

Travis knocks once and enters.

Quirley gets the attention of Miles Thomas. "Are we gonna to be smiling, too, do you reckon?"

"We got our regular pay and a bonus, just like the Major said when we left Wichita."