OOC: Paranoids beats a pair-a-sixes any day!

With all due respect Chance.  Hattie fought.  She can defer to her father, but you can't do it for her.

Travis leans and spits to the side.

Let me also remind you as well that without her most of us are on our way to California and you probably die trying to free Willie.

A woman like Hattie is probably wasted here in the Ozarks.  She should be with some sodbuster out in the frontier making a go of things.  Free from men who won't fight bullies who terrorize and kill old folk.

Travis looks at the townsfolk and softly says...

If you have a problem with what I'm saying I understand.  We can go behind the barn and settle up.

Looking back at Chance...

Yeah they'd probably be dead if they fought, but these men know that there's things that gnaw at a man worse than dying.  I bet half these men wish they were dead.  Don't give a plug nickle for any who don't.

I tell you this, nothing's gnawing at Hatties soul.  Her judgement won't be clouded by shame or fear. She's the only one from the town who'll give them a fair shake.  Noose or plow it don't matter to me.

But I do want to hear what she has to say. 

Hattie and Pa Ferguson turn their heads to face each other. Hattie giggles.

"This ain't my father. Pa is my grandpa. And we speak with one voice for the whole Ferguson family." She nods to her Pa.

It occurs to Travis and everyone else that the town's menfolk here are a motley bunch compared to the heroes who traveled to the valley with Chance. Hell, motley even when compared to the remaining prisoners. The Pastor is obviously no warrior. Ben Bauer is between hay and grass, barely more of a man than Owen Lorman. Gus Johnson could be Pa Ferguson's father. Brown and Klein appear to be men of stronger stuff, but they are also worn by the years.

Pa Ferguson speaks. He has a scratchy, dulcet drawl. He drags out the end of some words, pausing and then continuing..

"These pricks deserve punishment. We Fergusons figure . . . that those most wronged are the law right now. The Osterfelds . . . the Bauers . . .  the Kleins. Chance . . . ifn y're suggestin' . . . that these here men pay for their sins with hard labor . . . and Ben and Burkhard agree . . . I reckon the Fergusons'll support ya."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:22, Tue 18 Aug 2009.

Meriwether listened to Travis & gave him a curt nod "It would seem that Chance has suffered as much as any here. Last night I would have shot any of these gentlemen with the slightest provocation. Today I think calmer heads have prevailed... "

He smiled at Travis  for the moment before continuing "... even yours friend Travis. As I see it none of these men, prisoner nor town-folk, lifted a finger to stop the travesties done here. Both share some of the guilt. Yet, fear can be a powerful deterrent. Alas I shall abide by the majority rule without voting myself. Rope or plow... spot on I say!"

Meriwether then went back to watching the prisoners...
This message was last edited by the player at 02:23, Tue 18 Aug 2009.

Travis, Meri and I were all replying in a short time frame. It seems to have worked out fine. Just assume that Meri spoke right before Hattie and Pa Ferguson.

Ben Bauer speaks up.

"Shane Foley and a couple of these . . . pricks . . ." Ben glances at Pa Ferguson "killed my uncle. Ifn I could identify the other men, I'd say the rope. But I can't. Ma said whatever Chance thought was best, well, we'd get in line."

Mr. Klein steps up and faces Travis.

"Sir, I do not know your name. Not sure I care to. My son was the deputy. I watched him die when some of us menfolk went up against Tate now 4 months ago. I watched the Sheriff die, too. In short, fuck you."

He turns to Chance, speaking in German.

OOC: Any character who understands German may request to hear what he says in private.

Meri looked at Ben Bauer & said in an even tone "How can one be sure that those men, along with Tate, that have already been slain did not kill your uncle? If you could prove that a murderer lies within their ranks... well that would change things. What say you all?"

Upon hearing Mr. Klein speak so to Travis, the Englishman said softly with no emotion in his voice "Sir I am sorry for your loss. Tis unfortunate, I would that we had arrived sooner. However, some of my companions bleed now from wounds they suffered killing those whom killed your son. We all faced death at their hands. If you should speak so to any of us again I shall strike you myself. Because of your loss, I shan't hold this one offense against you. You have been warned sir."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:43, Tue 18 Aug 2009.

Cole looks up from underneath his lid, purses his lips slightly with thought and says...

You know, it seems to me that we've got a good start here with the townsfolk airing their grievances. However, I think it might be a good idea to hear what the accused have to say.

Then, with a slight nod towards the preacher...

Where I come from, in some quarters, I hear tell that forgiveness and redemption are more than just words. Seems to me, for that to possibly happen, folks that are about to be punished, should have their say. Then, let the chips fall where they may.

Don't git me wrong, sometimes justice calls for a hangin'. Other times, it might not. A right good way to know, one way or the other, is to hear what the accused have to say.

Cole, then looks towards Travis.

Travis, I hear what you said. But, I'm not sure I agree with some of it. Fear is a right powerful thing. No one is immune. Seems to me, Tate put the fear of God in these townsfolk and, maybe, some of his men. It's a hard thing to 'spect a man to fight when they believe they don't have a chance. Can't blame a man for choosing survival, over certain death, when he has a family to provide for. Women and children need a live husband and father, not a dead hero.

But, I do absolutely agree with one thing you said - Hattie is a right impressive woman.

With that, Cole nods toward Hattie.

Meriwether pursed his lips & then gave Cole a nod & smile "Well said. Well said ole chap."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:32, Tue 18 Aug 2009.

Hell, Artemus says and shakes his head, but then falls silent not wanting to interupt, I'll shoot 'em.


. . .



Artemus' mouth drops open. Damn, Meri, all this time and I didn't know you had it in you!

Travis nods to Cole, Art and Meri.  Clearly respectful, grateful even.  An extra nod to Cole for the reproachment. Travis spits, and glares for a moment at his insulter. His face turns neutral.  He seems to look right through him as if he wasn't there.

Content that Hattie had her say, he straightens, tips his hat to her and walks into the kitchen.  He selects the best long arm he can identify and a share of the ammunition appropriate for it and some for the Starr if available.  He takes it down to the road where he  sits by its side enjoying the day .  He examines his belongings,  making sure his kit is clean and packed well.  He cleans his pistols and rifle, and makes sure they are loaded.  He leans back on a tree, tips his hat forward covering his eyes.

Thinking to himself.   Well we've certainly been through the mill haven't we. he falls asleep.


OOC: He may have taken a Loomis... we can sort that out later.

OOC: There are only two kinds of longarms in the pile in the kitchen: Loomis and Sharps.

OOC: A Sharps for Travis.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:58, Tue 18 Aug 2009.

Silas emerges from the shadows where he was standing quietly at the back of the room.

"Lord knows that I ain't the sharpest tool in the shed," he says, "these fellas here can vouch for that one. But where I comes from it's an eye for an eye. Now some of these here fellas that are still livin' may not have pulled a trigger, but they was part of the goin' ons and they didn't stop it from happenin' neither."

Silas pauses, hands shaking slightly, raises his flask to his lips and takes a long pull.

"In my book that makes 'em as guilty as those that may have done the shootin'. No two ways about it, they deserve to hang for what they did and they deserve to hang now...no need to dawdle about it."

OOC: FYI, the gathering is taking place outdoors. This was noted in earlier messages (Chance suggested that everyone move outside to gather). Probably a minor point, but maybe not.

"The rule 'an eye for an eye' comes from the rules managing Hebrew slaves, as spoken in Exodus.  Silas, are you suggesting we take these men as our slaves?  I am proposing giving them an opportunity to be indentured during their reformation."  Chance glances over at the pastor and shrugs a little.  I hope I did not get that wrong or I will have to attend Sunday school with the little ones.

"Umm, who is watching the man inside?"

OOC: I had figured Silas, as he was MIA for a while.  I didn't say anything about that, just assumed.

edit: corrected rule reference from Bible.
edit: corrected reference to Ephram inside (changed from 'men' to 'man'.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:29, Tue 18 Aug 2009.

The Judge had earlier ruled (msg 555) that everyone went outside, even the prisoners. The only exception being Ephram, who Chance specifically said would remain in the kitchen (after Willie's "endorsement."). Ephram is, in fact, in the kitchen by himself, working not 20 feet from a large pile of firearms. Travis saw him when he went in the kitchen to fetch one of the Sharps and some ammunition.

OOC: It matters to Artemus, he would not knowingly allow even one of the gang alone with the guns. If he sees the last hero come out (Silas?) then Artemus goes in and brings out Ephram.

When Silas stepped up to speak, it occurred to Artemus that everyone was outdoors at the gathering, except for one prisoner. He goes inside to tell Ephram, still working in the hot kitchen, to come out.

Ephram replies, with kitchen knife in hand, "Mr. Osterfeld tole me to stay put and make a meal."

Silas turns to address Chance.

"Nope," he says, "aint' suggestin' slavery at all...ain't gonna be nuttin' but more trouble tryin' to keep these fellas in line if'n you do that. I'm suggestin' we toss a rope over a tree and be done with 'em. Don't reckon the law would see it any different. These boys done be a part to murder and Lord knows what else."

Artemus takes a deep breath, considers a moment and says, Very well then, I'll wait here you while you work. Artemus nods to the weapons table, wouldn't want you to get hurt because of a misunderstanding. Personally, I'd like to see you succeed in making a new start.

Artemus walks over to the table and examins the weapons. He looks for a Colt like the one he carries. He makes sure all the weapons are unloaded and collects the shells in a spare container if he can find one laying around.

While waiting and watching Artemus reads through the letters of the dead men.

ooc: Unless there is something note worthy he folds them again and returns them to the hat.

How long you been traveling with Tate? . . . Where you from? . . . What'd you do during the war?

"I do not want to issue any edict here, but it sounds like the majority of us are willing to let these men make a new start."  Chance steps over to the prisoners and asks, "Do you understand what we are offering here?  Do you realize the pain you have caused is deep?  You will need to redeem yourselves, but not as prisoners - you will be free men who can make your own decisions.  It will be up to the family with whom you work to decide your compensation.  Are you all willing to work hard, pray hard and make a new life without killing or stealing?"

In reply to Chance Osterfeld (msg #597):

Cole looks at Chance and the others. His face betrays a look of curiosity.

Well, we've all said quite a bit here, but we've not given the prisoners an opportunity to explain themselves. It seems to me that is the very least they owe the folks here. Isn't anyone here interested in hearing these boys express their regrets, before judgement is passed?

Who knows, maybe some of these boys ain't sorry for what they done? In that case, it would make it a might easier to follow Silas' suggestion. If I were one of you good people, I would want to hear what they have to say before allowing them to work for me. I'm just sayin'...
This message was last edited by the player at 00:52, Thu 20 Aug 2009.