In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #36):

ENS finds it pleasant to stretch his legs a bit after the long ride. Noticing the tenor of the town, he comments to the others.

Something's up gentlemen, the town is definately stirred up about something.

As they walk, ENS will keep an eye out for someone he knows in order to ask about the stir.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg #38):

Jake had concentrated his attention on Ghost, keeping a close eye on the big stallion's gait and his general appearance. As a result, the Texan hadn't picked up on the general air of agitation among the townsfolk until the young academician commented upon it.

Jake craned his neck and peered all around, like a snapping turtle poking its head up out of a creek. "Hunh. I see what you mean, Perfesser. Wonder what's goin' on?"

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg #37):

The foul-smelling deputy stares at JEB for a moment, then shifts his stare to Vickers with a clear look of recognition, then returns his gaze to the sheriff from Missouri. He remains at the edge of the porch, gun at the ready but not aimed at anyone, presently.

"Damnation. Explain yourself, Beauregard."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #36):

The life of a gunslinger often hinges on knowing when things just aren't right.

Once Travis feels that tingle in his spine, he scans the rooftops and windows as he walks revealing no hint of anxiety. He slows as he passes folks hoping to pick up part of a conversation. He checks to see if stores are open or closed, or if people look at him differently than before or don't look at all.

Purposefully, he makes his way through town focusing on his surroundings.

In reply to Mangy Mansfield (msg #40):

"This man in conspiracy with another purported to act as our guide for the purpose of robbing us at gunpoint and then fled on a stolen horse when the attempt failed. I mean no disrespect to you deputy but we are here to bring this matter to Sheriff Cruger as quickly as possible."

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg #42):

"That ain't exactly true . . ." begins the Weasel.

In reply to Vickers (msg #43):

"Shut yer mouth, Weasel," snaps the deputy.

"The sheriff ain't here right now. He's over at Planters. I'll take ahold of Vickers. Is this the horse you say he stole?" he asks the sheriff from Marshfield.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #41):

Travis, Jake and the professor reach fourth street and turn to the east. There's cowboys and hunters in the streets, some of them still holding mugs of beer and other libations. Most of them seem to be looking down fourth street toward Planters and the livery, where a small crowd is gathering.

The man from the Butterfield Overland has learned to trust his gut, and right now, he doesn't sense any immediate danger, nor does he spot any guns on the roof or anything of the like. The saloons are open, as was the hide yard and York and Meyers, but now that they've reached the intersection, he feels the pull of the crowd ahead. Something is happening, or has happened, this way.

ENS and Jake take in the same sights and sounds. The man from Wells Fargo has seen kerfuffles in Texas towns before. He gets the feeling that he just missed the action, somehow.

In reply to Mangy Mansfield (msg #44):

"Alright, you take him, and no the stolen horse is in the possession of its owner. We still need to give an account so we'll come back when the Sheriff is available."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:11, Thu 29 Mar 2012.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #45):

Travis, carbine resting on his shoulder, checks his watch and considers the sun as it races to the horizon. Then convinced he will not miss his appointment with the Tonkawa, moseys over to the growing crowd.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #24):

As the hour of 5 nears, Uncle Billy and Soledad Sanchez bring the rehearsal to a close. The theatre's owner slaps the big man on the back.

"Nice work, Randy. I think we are ready for tomorrow night. We will hold a brief rehearsal tomorrow afternoon, same time as usual. Good evening," he says leaving the performing hall.

In reply to Uncle Billy (msg #48):

Soledad lingers after Uncle Billy departs. She seems pre-occupied, but she speaks to Randy as the pugilist-turned-actor retrieves his coat.

"Billy is correct, you are ready. I would like you to be here for the performance, tonight. Half-past seven," she states. After hearing Randy's answer, without listening too closely, she poses a question.

"Did you see those Chinese perform today?"

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg #46):

"The stolen horse ain't stolen?" asks Mangy. "So who's horse is this?" he asks, without waiting for an answer to his first question.

In reply to Mangy Mansfield (msg #50):

"It's one of the Andersens," says the Weasel. He looks like he is about to say more, but Mangy's icy stare reminds him of the deputy's previous order.

In reply to Vickers (msg #51):

The deputy returns his attention to JEB and Cole. "I'm going to question Vickers soon. You oughtta tell me what you know, instead of waitin' on Sheriff Cruger. You can talk while you remove his bonds."

In reply to Soledad Sanchez (msg #49):

"I was kinda making plans to be here tonight to watch the performance from backstage.  You know, to get a feel for the hustly-bustly of the theater during the show.  I hope that's just fine by you."  Randy beams brighter than an oil lamp burning its wick.

"No, I didn't get to see them acrobats.  I seen a bunch of them out in Frisco when I was there."

His demeanor changes while he while explain his recent concerns.  "See, I been watchin' after a friend who's powerful sick.  I've been waiting for my friends to get back.  They were looking for some Injun medicine man to help her.  Seems we'll try anything to help her."

Cheering up, Randy conclude, "But don't you worry none, I'll be here on for tonight's show.  I guess I needs to get a watch now.  Ain't ever owned one up 'til now."

In reply to Mangy Mansfield (msg #52):

JEB stares at Deputy Mansfield scornfully for his condescending tone towards a fellow lawman, "The horse was stolen until we ran down the perpetrator and recovered it. Perhaps attempted horse thievery was a more accurate legal description but I was unaware my prior summation constituted an offical account. Regardless, Mr. Trayne will give you an account of events since he was directly involved from the beginning."

Turning to Cole, "Mr. Trayne, kindly indulge the deputy with an account of what happened last night."

JEB removes Vickers bindings while listening to Cole's story.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg #54):

The deputy doesn't seem the least bit bothered by JEB's scornful look. He turns to face Cole Trayne, ready to hear the story.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #53):

Soledad nods when Randy says he will be there tonight. "Bueno. Bueno," she replies.

Then her eyes turn away and she appears to be thinking of something else while Randy talks about his sick friend and the purchase of a fob watch. She isn't ignoring the big fellow, but clearly her attention is divided.

In reply to Soledad Sanchez (msg #56):

Randy collects his hat after passing along his so-long's until the night comes.

The fighter-actor thinks he can waste little time.  He chuckles.  The last few days have seen more dependence on an hour and minute hand than ever in his life.  He's had handlers if he needed to be somewhere at a certain time.  Otherwise, his life was simply measured by the sun and moon.

It seems Randy won't drag the mud from Parson Avenue at all.  Everything he wants to do is in a straight line between the Frontier House and the Planter's Hotel.  He can buy a watch, go see Fanny and Johnny, sit with Ayasha for awhile, get dinner at Owsley's, clean up a bit and make the show in a dash.

***
OOC: Provided Palm & Wilhelm's is still open...

Randy stops under the sign he's seen many times now -- "Palm & Wilhelm General Store".  He drags each of his muddy boots over the scraper first, then the three-sided brush.  Entering, he looks about.

(OOC: Judge, please describe if it's remarkable or unique or if you're bored)

Afterward, Randy steps to the counter and asks the clerk for an inexpensive, but working pocket watch with a chain.  A used one would fit the bill, if one's available.  "Nothing fancy."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #45):

"Hunh," Jake mused when the three men made the turn and headed down Fourth Street, "looks like a crowd's gathered down in the direction where we're headed."

"Whatever it was that happened, it was int'restin' enough to pull some folks out've the saloons," he observed as he kept pace with Travis as the other man approached the people who were gathered down towards the hotel and the livery stable.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #58):

Leading Horse, his two pards and their horses, Travis Sunday advances toward Planters Hotel and Haverty's Livery. By the time the trio reaches the low-roofed bank, all three of the men realize that the way forward is next to impossible with three mounts in tow. Getting the horses to the livery won't be a challenge, but it will have to be done single file, if at all.

Among the crowd in front of them are some familiar faces: Pete Haverty, Mr. Hamilton and one of the bank tellers, the two business men from the porch, the small Indian woman that Travis and Ayasha saw as they entered town, the chinese man from the Laundry, Jet Keenan, the beautiful young woman from Doc Culver's (what was her name? thinks ENS), Arnie Foster, the telegraph man, the young man from York and Meyers, and Senor Rojas. All gathered around as if expecting something, while the strapping deputy, who looks a mite like a young Randy Oldman stands on the porch between the crowd and the entrance to Planters Hotel, Henry rifle purposefully tucked into the crook of his arm.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #59):

Travis fishes a coin from his pocket.

Arnie.

If the boy turns Travis looks inquisitively to the boy and tosses him his usual fee.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #60):

Arnie Foster turns when his name is spoken, searching the crowd and finding Travis. He squeezes through a few folks and approaches the riders. He catches the coin.

"Mr. Sunday, have you heard?"

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #58):

Jake Richardson notices that the mexican named Rojas is looking his way.

EDIT: fixed mistake
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:03, Sun 01 Apr 2012.