In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 12):

Jake's decision to stop and scrape the soles of his boots ensures that he doesn't take a mis-step into the Outfitters. Upon entering the place, a curious melange of spices, buffalo hide and coffee beans assaults his nose. Actually, this is but a sampling of the dozens of odors emanating from the abundance of goods either stacked, shelved or piled in rows and clusters all around this large space.

Stuff fills nearly the entire floor, leaving barely more than three-foot wide pathways between the shelving units, crates, boxes, and various displays. Having noticed the flagstone porch, Jake also takes note of the interior floor, also laid with stone. As he takes in the place, a squat, somewhat rotund Mexican calls out to him from an L-shaped counter off to the right.

"Hello, senor, how can I be of service?"

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 16):

Jake was gazing around at all the merchandise that was crammed into the Outfitters, marveling at the volume and variety of all he saw, when the Mexican spoke to him.

"I'm lookin' for Mister Chapin," he replied. He didn't bother to ask whether or not the man was in, since the young woman outside had already confirmed that he was.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 17):

"As you say, senor." The Mexican clerk turns away, then turns back to face the rifleman. "Is your name Richardson?" he asks, drawing out the syllables in Jake's surname.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 15):

ENS continues his examination of the shard as JEB speaks...

Of course, of course sheriff.

Being involved with the evidence, he doesn't immediately notice the approach of Travis and Cole.

OOC: Any status on ENS' investigate roll from msg#11?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:47, Wed 25 July 2012.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 18):

Jake's surprise at the Mexican's knowing his name showed on his face -- a trait that perhaps at least partially explained his recent lack of success at the poker table.

"Yes, that's me," he replied. "I'm Jake Richardson."

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 19):

ENS examines the metal fragment. It seems clear from the deputy's description, as well as the thin but sturdy shape of the shard, that it is a piece of a broken lock pick. But as it is removed from the lock itself, there is nothing more to be gleaned from the item itself.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 20):

"I thought so. Jacob told us you were interested in a custom scabbard for your rifle." The Mexican glances at Jake's long arm. "I can make the arrangements for you, if you are still interested."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 21):

After breakfast Jeb and Ringgenberg search Jeb's suite for missing items or evidence of tampering.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 23):

As the Professor and JEB return to the suite, Travis moves to the porch.

I may have some time to read in the next few weeks.  I wonder if the General Store has some books or maybe someone has the makings of a library.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 23):

JEB and the professor find nothing amiss in JEB's room. As ENS inspects the door lock, he concludes that the apparent attempt to pick the lock probably failed.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 24):

It doesn't take long for young Arnie Foster to find Travis Sunday on the porch.

"Mornin' Mr. Sunday." He is grinning like a, well, like a young boy with a secret.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 25):

Well, whoever it was didn't appear to get into the room. But since the outer doors on this level remain unlocked, it could have been anybody. Still, I think we should establish who exactly is in these rooms. We can also find out if anybody heard anything last night while we were gone.

OOC: it didn't seem like we were at the Beehive all that long, can you give us the time that JEB got to his room?

ENS takes a moment to look over the room.

Nice accomidations sheriff! I considered this level of room, but decided to save money instead.

ENS turns back to JEB.

We didn't have much time to compare notes last night, did you learn anything significant in your interviews?

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 22):

It ain't a regular rifle, it's a carbine, Jake thought, mentally marking the Mexican down as a man who was either sloppy in his understanding of firearms or careless in his speech. However, the Texan understood that many men -- perhaps even a majority -- did not appreciate having their shortcomings pointed out to them, and since the conversation was proceeding amiably enough, he kept his thoughts to himself rather than risking interjecting a sour note.

Instead he nodded, and raised up the Spencer so that the Mexican could clearly see it. "Yep, I'm int'rested, right enough. Here's the weapon. I'm right partial to it, 'zactly the same way some men are to their hoglegs. So I'm thinkin' that I'd like a scabbard where I can carry it accrost my back whilst I'm afoot, so's I don't have to have it in hand everywhaere I go." Jake wanted no misunderstandings about what he had in mind -- he already had a saddle-scabbard, and didn't want or need another of those.

It was clear that the Outfitters didn't have the custom scabbard in stock, or the Mexican wouldn't have spoken about "making the arrangements." "What happens next?" Jake asked.

In reply to Arnie Foster (msg # 26):

Young Mr. Foster.  What news of interest do you bring today?

Travis begins to fish in his pocket for the agreed upon payment.

If it's that a Chinese woman has been killed you're too late.

Chilled morning air fills the lungs inside the barrel-chest of Randy Oldman.  The frozen mud road cracks under his immense weight.

As he heads toward the Planter's Hotel, he considers last evening's time with his pals.  One thing ain't changed, he thinks.  All them fellers still like to talk all the time and all at once whether they was spoken to or not.  I guess they likes the sound of their pretty voice up in their heads.

Still, Mr. Oldman goes on remembering his trail mates.  He knows they know what's right, even when most others don't.  They tend to know what's best for a person before he or she does.  They've got more intelligence between them than anybody he ever knew.  Heck, they fought in the War Between the States and each were instrumental in winning that war.

Before he even realized it, Randy was on the Planter's porch with his boot on the scrape.

Cole grabs himself a cup of coffee and a biscuit, if available, and subsequently follows Travis onto the porch.  Upon arriving on the porch, the wrangler gives him space so that he might speak to his young friend in private.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 28):

The Mexican nods as Jake talks. "We agree on a price and I commission the scabbard for you, senor. Does ten dollars sound reasonable?"

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 29):

"Have you heard the hearing is gonna be t'morrow?" says Arnie, the words escaping his lips like a blast from a blue norther.

In reply to Arnie Foster (msg # 33):

No I haven't. 

The nickel spins from Travis' thumb towards the young lad.

What hearing is that?

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 34):

"Weasel's. I heard that your pard Jake is makin' a Fedral case out of it."

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 27):

"Nothing relevant came out of the interviews with potential witnesses at the scene. According to Mr. Xu there are a number of people in town who could have been threats to the Chinese couple so I will talk to those folks. If you could check with the tailor about the button perhaps that may give us another lead." 

JEB looks for Cole, Randy and Travis in the breakfast room and not seeing them steps onto the porch of the hotel where he funds them gathered. "Good morning gentlemen, if I could have a word with you. First, you may not be aware but Jake has decided to pursue a criminal charge of horse theft against Vickers. There will be a hearing so, Travis and Cole, you'll need to testify. I dont know when the hearing is scheduled yet but I'll let you know. Randy, you kindly offered to help with the investigation. Last night at the Beehive it was apparent Mr. Xu's safety is a concern so I'd appreciate if you could see to his protection today. Cole and Travis, please follow me. But before we go does anyone have input. I'd like all thoughts on the murder of Mei Ling."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:06, Fri 27 July 2012.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 36):

"That'll be be no problem, JEB, but I want to remind you I got my paying job to look after as well."  Randy states this as if he anticipated what would be asked.  "I gotta be at the theater from two to five and then from seven on."

He knows how to stand up to his commitment, so Randy pipes up further, "we'll want him to know I'm here for his sake, and hopefully he's gonna want to have protection."

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 36):

ENS follows JEB out to the porch and nods in greeting to his new friends gathered there. He also notices the town's communication system, Arnie, is there.

Once JEB finishes his statment, ENS adds a bit.

We've also gathered some very incriminating evidence... but we should talk inside gentlemen.

ENS gestures back into Planters.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 32):

Jake scratched at his chin-whiskers as he considered the Mexican's proposal. "Tell you the truth," he said after a moment, "that sounds a mite on the high side to me. Best I can recall, I paid about two dollars an' fifty cents for my saddle scabbard."

"How's about we double that, seein' as how this is a custom order, an' I pay five dollars?"

OOC: Edited as noted.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:43, Fri 27 July 2012.

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

"Well that won't do. I don't want to interfere with your livelihood, so instead I'd ask you to stay with me when you're not working. I think your talents may be useful when I question suspects. Anyone else like to volunteer for looking after Mr. Xu?"

After any responses, JEB gestures for the gang to follow Ringgenberg inside Planters.