In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #894):

ENS stands and takes the proffered cigarette and offers Jake a light (having fished out some matches while Jake was rolling). Thank you Jake... here, let me get that.

He then lights his own with the same match and takes a sampling draw. Not bad... I've certainly had worse at student socials... and the scheiss Professor Mason would smoke, phew!

ENS takes a deeper draw then nods at Jake, then he returns to keeping Jack from worrying his wound.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #893):

Travis takes everything but the jerky and secures it on Horse.

Travis then takes stock of Horse.  He was ridden hard.  As he begins his inspection and care he looks over at JEB.

So Tin Star...  What are we going to do with this fellow?

He then looks back to Horse and though listening and awaiting JEB's reply, his pardners hear, and not for the first time, in a lower tone and in the manner a man would talk to a playful baby.

Look at you.  A great big paint who chased down Ghost and Mister Weasel.  Who's a big Horse?  Who's a big Horse?

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #896):

We're gonna turn him in to Sheriff Cruger. He's an accomplice to attempted robbery and murder and will answer for his crimes. Right now, let's sort some things out. Cole, you were on watch and presumably attacked by Kirbee. Tell us what happened.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg #897):

Before Cole can reply, Vickers speaks. "I didn't have nothing to do with no murder or robbery. If Kirbee did something, that was all himself. I was riding back to Sheriff Cruger when you caught up to me. Fine by me if you take me back to town."

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

OOC: As the judge has ruled in the past, when PCs and NPCs are in conversation, it's first-post, first-speak. Of course, Cole can say whatever he pleases, but he will say it after Vickers speaks.

In reply to Vickers (msg #898):

JEB stares at the man sternly, "I wasn't speaking to you. I will hear your side of it but I'm unclear what happened back at the camp so we need to start from the beginning. I'm a lawman, rest assured I'll judge you fairly if you're forthright with me. But first get up, I'll need to restrain you. Cole, my apologies for the interruption."

When Vickers complies, JEB handcuffs the man with hands in front and waits for Cole to respond.

19:59, Today: James E. Beauregard rolled 17 using 1d20+4. Sense Motive - Vickers

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg #895):

As Jake and the professor enjoy their quirlies, the Indians on the hill turn to depart once again. Much like they did a few minutes earlier, they turn to the west and descend the opposite side of the hill.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg #899):

Cole nods towards JEB and relates to his friends what happened.

I gotta say though, I find it mighty interesting that the dust-up didn't start until this varmint decided to get up and take a walk. I believe he and his friend were looking to get the drop on me and some sleeping men. 'Sides, if he really wanted to prove himself, he would have either shot his friend or kept his gun holstered.

And who the hell takes a gun with him to take a piss?

Truth be told JEB, if it wasn't for you I'd be inclined to finish this here situation with a might fewer words.

OOC: I elected not to rehash what everyone should have already read.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg #901):

JEB listens to Cole intently then turns to Vickers, "You were pards with Kirbee. I find it hard to believe you knew nothing of his intention. Tell it to me true now or I'll be obliged to look the other way and let Cole have his way."

23:19, Today: James E. Beauregard rolled 30 using 1d20+11. Intimidate.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg #902):

Travis hears the chill in JEB's voice.

Mary, Jesus and Joseph

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg #895):

Jake pursed his lips and lowered his field glasses. "Them Injuns is gone from that hill again," he remarked quietly to the Professor. "Cain't say that there's a development that pains me none."

Glancing over to where the Jack the dog seemed to have warmed to the younger man, the Texan remarked approvingly, "You got him lookin' a helluva lot better than he did when you first started on him."

"Ever do much doctorin' on people?"

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #904):

ENS was looking towards the indians when they rode off, he takes out his watch and notes the time. He then responds to Jake's inquirery.

Well, I spent a number of years studying pharmacology so I also had to study something of the medical skills. I seem to have a bit of a knack for it as well. I believe I can do a fair job of patching someone up in a pinch.

ENS looks over towards where the gunshot occurred.

Hopefully, I won't need to test my skill on one of our friends tonight.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg #905):

"I did a fair amount of that farm-acology work on my daddy's acres when I was a young button," Jake answered, "although I ain't rightly heerd of no one who's up an' studied it -- book-wise, I mean."

"Damned tough way to make a livin'. Seems like most times, the weather ain't inclined to co-operate -- which is all it takes to be the ruination of a whole year's worth of crops."

"As to studyin' medicine -- I reckon that knowin' some doctorin' would come in downright handy on a farm."

Jake shrugged when the Professor spoke of "testing his skill" on one of the men they were riding the trail with. "It's my hope that it's that Weasel bastard who got hisself ventilated. An' to tell you the truth, if'n it was me, I ain't sure how hard I'd work on patchin' up a sumbitch who's just gonna be dancin' at a necktie social any damned way."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:40, Fri 09 Mar 2012.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg #902):

It's clear to JEB and his pards that Willard the Weasel Vickers is a tough hombre. Iffin' he weren't, he couldn't have survived a few rounds from the gunslinger Sunday's Starr, not to mention a ball from Jake Richardson's Spencer. And he handled the horse damn well. Sure as rain in the springtime, he's no greenhorn.

Now, laying on his belly, unarmed, and getting bullied by three men with firearms, he shows his grit.

"Listen, lawman, if you and your pards want to kill me, ain't nothing I can do, so it doesn't matter what I say. But I'll tell you the truth. Kirbee wanted to rob you all. He's been itchin' to make a name for himself. I told him you was a bad bet, but he wouldn't listen. I told him I didn't want no part of it; let's just earn the $5, I said."

He continues without even the need for an extra breath.

"I got up to piss and was comin' back and heard Kirbee and your pard. I knew it was goin' south so I stopped. When the firing started, I took one shot and went for the nearest horse. I reckon you could call me a horse thief for that. You want to take me back to the sheriff on them charges, well, I'll tell him the same story, 'cause that's God's honest truth."

Now, he pauses but only for one breath.

"And mister, I wouldn'ta shot your dog if you hadn'ta sic'ed him on me. A man's got a right to defend himself. You don't want your dog to get shot, I'd recommend you keep him at your heel. So if you're gonna beat me or slit my throat or put a ball in my forehead, I reckon now's the time."

After a few breaths, Vickers continues.

"Oh, and every cowboy knows there might be snakes in the bushes. I always take my hogleg when I'm draining my third leg. It's just sensible."

With a clear look of disgust on his face, Cole looks to JEB and Travis.

Why are we listening to this nonsense? The very varmint who threw a shot at my back is now going to tell me how to protect myself? That's rich.

Cole then draws his weapon and approaches the horse thief.

JEB, let me just put one in his leg? That would be payback enough for what he did to Jack.

In reply to Vickers (msg #908):

JEB can match any outlaw mano-o-mano, but he cracks a slight smile and responds to Vickers, "I like a man who aint afraid to die. We're not gonna kill you, not now anyway and not like this. I dont know if I trust your account of things but we still need you. We've got an Indian to find and someone's life depends on it. You were hired as a guide. You get us there and you can tell your story to Sheriff Cruger."

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg #909):

Travis uncaring of what happens to Vickers, lets JEB and Cole figure things out.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg #910):

Sorely disappointed, and a might put out, Cole looks at JEB and subsequently silently appeals to Travis.

How about the foot? Will you at least let me shoot him in the foot?

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg #912):

Vickers laughs after Cole's comment about shooting him in the foot. "Can't shoot without JEB's say-so? That makes you his dog, I reckon." he says, turning his neck and head toward Cole Trayne. "At least he has the sense to keep his bitch at bay."

"Can I get up now, lawman?" he asks, his tone exceedingly civil and markedly different when addressing the Marshfield sheriff.

Randy Oldman can't help but fret over the Cheyenne as he administers another few drops of the medicine. He had grown partial to her those years ago at the Indian village. Now, seeing her body in pain, and feeling that her soul was somewhere else, Randy frowns. Not that it would have been noticeable under his shelf, if anyone were there to see it.

Fortunately, with the Frontier House dark on Sundays, he was able to stay with Ayasha all this afternoon, leaving only once to follow instructions about disposal of her waste (foul as it was). Teddy Fargas helped out, too. And Randy met a man named Allen (though he still isn't sure if that's the feller's first name or last name) who also works at the Planters Hotel.

When he smells the dinner being served in the Planters' eatery, Mr. Oldman decides to take another break. A man has to keep his strength iffin' he's going to help care for a sick friend.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #906):

ENS grins at Jake's answer.

Sorry Jake, but pharmacology is the preparation of medicines, pills and tonics and such. There's so much of it now that there's a separate field of study for it! Doctors go through a much more thorough study of the body, though as I said, I've done some of that as well.

ENS pauses a moment.

As to farming, I've studied some agriculture and earth science, but I've never guided a plow or even hefted a hoe. That's one of the reasons I'm out here; to experience what I've been studying. And all of you will be the best teachers for that!
This message was lightly edited by the player at 16:16, Sat 10 Mar 2012.

In reply to Vickers (msg #913):

JEB gives Vickers an incredulous look and shakes his head. "You're a damnable scoundrel, Vickers. You may get up but dont push your luck. Best keep your mouth shut for awhile."

The gang heads back to camp at whatever pace the horses can handle. Vickers walks.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg #916):

The man with the premature white mane stands up slowly, responding. "Whatever you say, lawman."

In reply to Vickers (msg #917):

Travis walks over knocks Vickers to the ground.

He pulls the Starr out of its holster grabs him by the hair and forces the pistol's barrel into his mouth.

You thought you could rob us, but you couldn't.

Then you though you could kill us but you couldn't.

Then you thought you could out ride me but you couldn't.

Now you insult my friends.  Do you think you're clever more clever then me?  HOW CLEVER DO YOU FEEL NOW WITH A PISTOL IN YOUR MOUTH?  Say something funny.  Make me laugh clever boy.  Show me that your more clever.

This message was last edited by the player at 21:21, Sat 10 Mar 2012.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #918):

Cole moved deliberately towards Vickers, to his friends it was clear from his expression that he had every intention to do the man bodily harm.  Whether he would have settled for a little payback or would have chosen more mortal options, would have been anyone's guess.

However, Travis got to the man first.

Clearly satisfied that Travis has the matter well in hand, Cole holsters his weapon and returns to Ghost. He takes the reins of the horse and secures it to Bess' saddle. It is clear to anyone watching that he has taken sole responsibility for the animal.