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18:49, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

1: Gas Lamp Club.

Posted by GM StarMasterFor group 0
GM StarMaster
GM, 21 posts
Fri 27 Sep 2013
at 09:22
  • msg #1

Gas Lamp Club

Occupying the ground floor of a four-story brownstone townhouse on Barton Street, the Gas Lamp Club claims to be a coffee-house, but that's really only a facade for essentially a middle class 'gentlemen's club'. Being very eclectic, it does not discriminate against women, but then again, it doesn't have any need to.

There are some 40 tables on the floor, some round, some square, each with four chairs. Depending on a person's preference, a table may have a blue-and-white checkered tablecloth on it, or dusky rose tablecloth, or none.

There is sufficient space between tables for the wait staff to ride a penny-farthing bicycle around to all the tables. There are never more than two penny-farthings on the floor at a time; in fact, it is unclear whether there even are more than two.

There are two bars. The one on the left is larger, and serves ale, beer, brandy, wine and other spirits. The small one on the right is the coffee bar. An infernal espresso machine sits on a shelf behind the bar and dispenses frothing coffee with an assortment of whirs, clanks, bangs and whistles. Mostly, though, this sporadic din is lost in the bustling conversations contantly going on.

Behind the spirits bar is a mechanical man bartender named Hugo. He is capable of independent thought and can interact with customers in sort of staccato mechanical voice. The great thing about Hugo is that he can dispense advice with the best of them, but he never gets riled (or tired!).

A kitchen and backroom lie behind the bars with access to them through doors between the two bars. Usually only simple fare is offered, but an occasional international dish is offered up.

The decor in the club is equally eclectic. There are framed photographs on the walls, interspersed with paintings, blueprints, carvings, masks, sports memorabilia, old tools, framed newspaper clippings and dust covers from books. More tools, sculptures, sports items, musical instruments and small geodesic domes hang from the ceiling.

Nothing, however, is more eclectic than the patrons of the club. A variety of nationalities is represented, with the corresponding accents and garb, and an equally eclectic assortment of headgear is usually visible.

Patrons include singers, composers, writers, painters, sculptures, mechanics, engineers, reporters, dancers, actors, scoundrels, constables, factory workers, builders, sailors, soldiers, and other sorts too numerous to mention. Occasionally a lord can be found slumming in the club or lower classers will sneak in.


Remi and Viktor are at the bar and Remi is chatting with Mark Twain, Miko is sitting at a table with the professor on the coffee bar side, Leon has just been introduced to Mercy Kincaid by Rudy, and Felix has just saved the life of one of those slumming lords, Lord Kentigern.

Over by the window on the spirit side of the club, Anastasia is sitting at a table with Madame Irenke. Sitting on the table between them is a crystal ball on pewter stand. Madame Irenke, of course, is a medium.

"No, no, no," Irenke is explaining to Anastasia in a Hungarian accent. "You cannot look directly AT the crystal ball. You must look PAST it. The visions cannot be stared at like a naked woman. They are subtle, fleeting. Sometimes they come when you least expect it."
Anastasia
player, 3 posts
Daughter of high society
Dabbler in dark things
Fri 27 Sep 2013
at 17:07
  • msg #2

Re: Gas Lamp Club

Pushing her hair back with one gloved hand so as to stop it brushing against her bare shoulder in a most irritating fashion, Anastasia regarded the ball before her with something approaching disdain. Her voice held a touch of imperiousness when she responded, a reaction to the fact that she loathed being unable to succeed.

"I don't know about you, Madame, but I myself am not in the habit of staring at unclothed ladies. Though I suspect it might be a more engaging pastime than ogling this blasted orb, I shall have to look into it."

Heaving an impressively heavy sigh considering the tightness of her bodice, the woman returned her gaze to the ball once more, eyes gradually turning glassy as she attempted to follow instruction and look beyond. She was well acquainted with the art of looking without really looking, having mastered such tricks during lengthy etiquette lessons on proper use of cutlery and the like.

Sat there, bathed in the soft glow of the gas lamps and soothing hubbub of mingled conversations, Anastasia gaze drifted past the glass sphere in front of her, settling on nothing in particular. She let her mind wander, only the smallest portion of her mind loosely focused on watching for images. Flickering flames and distorted snatches of the club were reflected, though occasionally  she caught a glimpse of something that didn't quite belong in the room around them, tiny scraps like pieces of a painting torn to shreds. They seemed to be swirling faster, dark shadows coalescing into a sight that was almost clear enough for her to...

*CLANK*

A vehicle outside the window clipped the pavement with a horrendous metallic screech, startling Anastasia out of her reverie. Frown creasing her brow, she looked down to find the orb simply an orb once more, the elusive moment of revelation slipped away like a wriggling fish.

"I think I need a drink."
Miko
player, 5 posts
Fri 27 Sep 2013
at 23:31
  • msg #3

Re: Gas Lamp Club

Miko was showing the professor the proper way to dispense and serve tea in Spain which was quite different than she learned as a child.  However, with each movement and motion it was clear she was quite well practiced and meticulous in her reenactment.  "Edmund-san this is quite simply called Ceremonia del Té in Spain.  Yet, as I understand it very few people practice the art these days outside the lower courts."  As she moved she made sure to focus on her actions and their impact on the professor.  However, few would notice that she was acutely aware of all that went on around her as well.
GM StarMaster
GM, 24 posts
Sat 28 Sep 2013
at 03:58
  • msg #4

Re: Gas Lamp Club

"Often?" Edmund repeated. "I suppose that depends on how you define 'often'. I try to stop in once a week. It's usually a quite lively place. The workload, and my salary, preclude me visiting much more often than that."

He glanced around the place and seemed to spot a few people he knew.

"Oh, there's old Peabody. Another professor. He's been there forever. The joke is that he was there first and they built the college around him! Haha!"

"Oh, and there's Mr. Twain. Do you know who Mark Twain is? I wonder who that strange fellow he's talking to is?"

GM StarMaster
GM, 28 posts
Sat 28 Sep 2013
at 05:34
  • msg #5

Re: Gas Lamp Club

"Hahaha, you are a card!" Madame Irenke almost shrieked at Anastasia's comment.

"No, I don't suppose you stare at naked ladies. Well, neither do I. I was referring to the way men stare at us... even when we have clothes on."

At Anastasia's comment about needing a drink, Irenke waved her hand in the air and called out. "Hey, Hugo! The usual!"

Just then a lady that had been sitting at the table where the commotion was came over.

"Madame Irenke!" she practically gushed. "Contessa Schrondorf has spoken so highly of you! Last week, she met a tall dark stranger just like you predicted! She's already talking wedding bells! Oh, I know it's a huge imposition on your time, but could you possibly...?"

"But of course!" Irenke replied slipping into a heavier Hungarian accent. She gave a glance to Anastasia, not for approval but merely to say "What can I do?"

A nearby waiter grabbed an empty chair from another table and held it out for the woman.

"It's Mrs. Cosgrove, is it not?" Irenke said with a far away look in her eye. "Althea Cosgrove of Upper Mertsington. Oh, I'm so sorry about your cat! His name was quite appropriate... Phoenix. And like the mythical bird, he will rise from the ashes."

"How... how did you know? Oh. Right. Of course, his real name was Mr. Bedford, but we all called him Phoenix. We didn't cremate him, though."

Mrs. Cosgrove had taken the offered chair, and held out her hand, palm up.

"An impressive life line!" Irenke began reading Mrs. Cosgrove's palm and telling her fortune. "It wouldn't surprise me if you live to be a hundred. I see children. And grandchildren! And great grandchildren! You have a very detailed family line here. Not so much in the wealth line, but still, longer than expected. I daresay you will be coming into some money soon."

Irenke went on for about five minutes, delving into esoteric areas such as the weather, what side of the street to walk on, days of the week to stay home, charities that would improve...

Mrs. Cosgrove 'oo'd and ahh'd' at all the right places, and when it was over, she thanked Irenke profusely, and lightly shook her hand, which was an almost clever way to pay Irenke.

After the old bat left, Irenke held up the gold crown. "Not bad, eh, for 5 minutes work?"
Miko
player, 6 posts
Sat 28 Sep 2013
at 17:01
  • msg #6

Re: Gas Lamp Club

Miko shook her head, "I am not familiar with Mark-san is he an interesting man?"  As she talked it was hard to tell if she was more interested in the answer or the tea.  At the moment it appeared like the tea but she did keep perfect time with the conversation.  "Do you think he would be interested in joining us for tea?"
GM StarMaster
GM, 31 posts
Sun 29 Sep 2013
at 05:20
  • msg #7

Re: Gas Lamp Club

"Mr. Twain is a famous American author," Edmund replied just as Twain crossed the room. "Is he interesting? He's an opinionated old coot, that's for sure. But, yes, I would say he is quite interesting... lively and entertaining."


"Ah, he's talking to Madame Irenke. Will he join us? Perhaps. I doubt if he'd join me... I'm not interesting enough! He does have an eye for the ladies, and I'm quite sure your exotic beauty will appeal to him. I'll ask him when he comes back. Yes, I'll do that very thing."
Anastasia
player, 4 posts
Daughter of high society
Dabbler in dark things
Sun 29 Sep 2013
at 16:22
  • msg #8

Re: Gas Lamp Club

Anastasia discretely observed the Madame as she plied her trade, not quite sure just how much of her act was trickery. In any event, the rewards were undeniable, and she found herself both amused and intrigued by how much people would pay for a few minutes worth of reassurances from a woman with a foreign accent.

"Not bad at all, I shall keep such a career in mind should I ever find myself low on funds."

Her attention half diverted by the escalating debacle unfolding at the bar, Anastasia leaned in to address Irenke without chance of being overheard.

"I almost had it there, I believe. Were it not for some infernal contraption outside with an inept driver, I should think it would have worked. Are the visions very reliable? Of course absolutes cannot be applied to the practice in any meaningful sense, but do you find them to be generally accurate?"

GM StarMaster
GM, 39 posts
Mon 30 Sep 2013
at 00:59
  • msg #9

Re: Gas Lamp Club

Because of the position of her chair, Anastasia saw the white-jacketed man approach. His hair and mustache were the same color as they jacket, but there was a sparkle in his eyes that otherwised belied his age.

"Pardon my intrusion, Madame Irenke," he said as he reached the table. "I just wanted to check to see if the arrangements had been successfully concluded."

"No intrusion, Mr. Twain," Irenke said, slipping back into her Hungarian accent. "My friend and I were just discussing the weather. The almanac predicts late snow in Scotland, perhaps a touch in Wales, but clear skies this far south."

"Yes, the arrangements have all been made. The Ides, of course, are not auspicious for contacting the other side, which is why we needed to wait until next Wednesday. And remember, only believers must show up. Skepticism is the bane of communication."

"I assure you, Madame, that I will be alone. Not even Nikola will join me. I have often attempted to get him to turn his prodigious intellect to the problem, to whip up one of his marvelous machines to... do what you do. Alas, he is only immersed in the physical that he can understand."

As he spoke, he unabashedly studied Anastasia, though she wasn't quite sure where his interest lied.

"Oh, pardon my manners," Madame Irenke said then, giving a wink to Anastasia. "Anastasia, this is Mr. Mark Twain, the famous American author. Mr. Twain, Miss Anastasia Waldorf-Smythe."

"The pleasure is all mine," Mr. Twain said.
Anastasia
player, 5 posts
Daughter of high society
Dabbler in dark things
Mon 30 Sep 2013
at 01:49
  • msg #10

Re: Gas Lamp Club

Expression as neutral as one could get without verging into frostiness, Anastasia inclined her head in greeting at the man before her. The  considering look he was directing at her was irksome, reminiscent of the way she felt like a prized cattle when her father introduced potential suitors. Of course that time was long since passed, and she was not so foolish as to estrange a potentially useful acquaintance. Adding a dash of warmth to her tone that was entirely manufactured, Anastasia chose her words carefully so as not to let her mild irritation slip forth.

"Good evening, Mr Twain. I must confess I am familiar with your work by reputation only, I find myself with precious little time for fiction as of late. Are you enjoying your time in London? I expect it must be rather a change from the Americas."
Remi
player, 11 posts
Mon 30 Sep 2013
at 02:08
  • msg #11

Re: Gas Lamp Club

Remi sipped at his wine as Mister Twain departed to visit with another one of the patrons, but as soon as he departed another man appeared.

quote:
"My guess is your not from around here," Viktor spoke to Remi, "Neither am I.  Care to discuss our homelands, or anything else for that matter, over a pint?...its on me.".


Remi sized the man up, seeing him as stiff military man. His only real experience with Military men was with the French, and he was not on such good terms with them. However, the fellow did seem friendly enough. Remi was not about to turn down more drinks, so he drained what was left of the bottle and clanked down the empty on the table.

"I would love t-" he began, before being interrupted by the cover-all clad woman. Remi would grasp at his Scimitar, the woman's prodding at the man looking slightly threatening. He lifted a brow as the Military man, now identified as 'Viktor-Stahler-late-of-Her-Majesty's-Ruritanian-cavalry', asked him what he saw.

"You mean the mockery of nature? I have been ignoring it since it gave me my drink."
GM StarMaster
GM, 40 posts
Mon 30 Sep 2013
at 03:45
  • msg #12

Re: Gas Lamp Club

FOR ANASTASIA

"A woman of discerning tastes," Twain replied graciously. "I also write non-fiction but they aren't as much fun. If I wasn't enjoying my time in London, I wouldn't stay here. Of course it's different than America! That was the whole point of coming here!"

At that point, a call of "Nick!" was heard, and Twain perked up.

"Well, at least he made it this time," Twain chuckled.

"Perhaps you'd be interested in joining us next Wednesday evening? I fear I must excuse myself from this pleasant conversation as I need to go rescue my friend from tender mercies." He chuckled a bit at his own expression, and headed back the way he'd come.


FOR VIKTOR and REMI

"It's eyes glowed blue!" Mercy half-accused (to Viktor) and half-explained (to Remi). "It can't do that! It's not supposed to be ABLE to do that!"

"Hugo... what did you say to this gentleman?"

"I. Said. Nothing. To. The. Gentleman." Hugo replied.

"He says you told him to beware the Ides of March. Why did you say that? What does it mean?"

"He. Is. Mistaken." answered Hugo.

"Well, then, what made your eyes glow blue?"

"My. Eyes. Are. Amber. Diodes. They. Can. Not. Glow. Blue."

"What the hell is going on here?" Mercy demanded to no one in particular. Just then the door opened and another patron entered the club. Mercy glanced up, then called out to the newcomer.

"Hey, Nick!" she waved her hand as she yelled. "Over here! I need your help!"

The man she was calling to was nattily dressed, had dark wavy hair and a matching mustache. He appeared to be in his late thirties or early forties and had classic Slavic or Italian features. He momentarily had a pained expression on his face, but walked over to join the group.
Viktor
player, 9 posts
Former Cavalry Officer
Agile and Charismatic
Mon 30 Sep 2013
at 06:31
  • msg #13

Re: Gas Lamp Club

Madame, I can assure you...on my honor.....that the automaton, did, in fact speak the lines from Shakespeare. Viktor stated in a carefully measured and calm way, attempting to moderate his reactions and voice so everyone else might calm some as well. Apparently it is lying or perhaps does not realize its eyes went blue...however you said yourself you observed them do it as well Viktor smiled pleasantly first at the woman, then at Remi. Do you ride, friend? I am an avid horseman myself.He took yet another swig from his tasty pint, being a man who could handle a considerable amount of liquor before any problems ensued...well at least problems he caused...
Anastasia
player, 6 posts
Daughter of high society
Dabbler in dark things
Mon 30 Sep 2013
at 22:51
  • msg #14

Re: Gas Lamp Club

Head tilted in a curious, avian manner, Anastasia observed for a moment as the author moved away to join another conversation.  She couldn't quite shake the feeling that there was rather more to the man than a mere writer. Turning back to the Madame, she sipped delicately at her drink before inquiring.

"What matter is he referring to on Wednesday?"

Out of the corner of her gaze, Anastasia noticed the reflections within the ball gently swirling once more, though she managed to not directly look at it and spoil whatever was unfolding.
Remi
player, 12 posts
Mon 30 Sep 2013
at 22:53
  • msg #15

Re: Gas Lamp Club

Remi thumbed at his sword, still glancing between the two. Unsure what the man really wanted, Remi answered plainly. "No. I don't ride horses..." He stepped back a tad when the fellow named Nick sauntered over, giving the whole situation a step back.

Remi then noticed that Viktor had given the pint he promised him to the woman. "What about the Pint?"
GM StarMaster
GM, 41 posts
Tue 1 Oct 2013
at 00:03
  • msg #16

Re: Gas Lamp Club

FOR ANASTASIA

"A seance, my dear," Irenke replied to Anastasia's question. "If you hold a seance on the Ides of March, all you ever get is Julius. Such a cry baby! I always offer him cheese with his whine."

"Poor Samuel. He lost his daughter. He keeps trying to find a medium that will allow him to contact her. I told him I couldn't promise any results. It's always hard to summon a specific spirit. It may not yet be ready to communicate with the real world again."

"I couldn't very well tell him that you won't be here next Wednesday, though, could I?"


FOR REMI and VIKTOR

As the dark-haired man approached, Mercy seemed to realize she was holding a tankard of ale. She took a long swig from it, downing about half of it before having to come up with air. Apparently she was winding up for another round.

"Oh, Nick! Something's wrong with Hugo!" She then explained about the glowing eyes and what the robot said.

"My dear, Mercedez, since today IS the Ides of March, it is clear that he was repeating words that he'd heard," the man suggested. "No doubt it and the glow of his eyes was caused by an electromagnetic pulse in the aether. The club may use alternating current, but your neighbors do not. They often cause an overload in the electrical grid."

"Are you sure?" Mercedez replied. "Do you really believe in this aether stuff?"

"Oh, pardon my manners! Gentlemen, this is Nikola Tesla. Oh... damn! I don't know their names! Well, don't just stand there! Introduce yourselves!"


FOR MIKO

As the white-jacketed man was returning to the growing group at the bar, Edmund got up and intercepted Mr. Twain.

"Mr. Twain, sir, I was hoping you'd see your way to having a spot of tea with Miss Miko. She is from Japan."

"Ah, Professor," Mr. Twain responded, "nice to see you again. I was just..." He glanced over at the table and as soon as he spotted Miko seemed to change his mind.

"I'd be delighted to join you, Edmund, and the Lady. Let me just say hello to Nikola."

"Certainly, certainly," replied Edmund. "I'm surprised you remember me."

"Nonsense, Edmund! You are one of the few professors that aren't filling students heads with nonsense!"

As Twain turned and went over to the newcomer, Edmund rejoined Miko.

"He has agreed to join us," Edmund informed Miko. "He wants to say hello to his friend first."
Viktor
player, 10 posts
Former Cavalry Officer
Agile and Charismatic
Tue 1 Oct 2013
at 03:41
  • msg #17

Re: Gas Lamp Club

Viktor handed Remi the pint of London Ale he was about to drink himselfA shame really, that. If ever you've a mind to learn I'd be willing to instruct you. There really are few activities in life that are more enjoyable. and then offered his hand to the latest strange newcomer, the one the woman called Tesla, in the seemingly never ending parade of the odd and eccentric patrons of this particular tavern.

Good evening Mr. Tesla. My name is Viktor Stahler. How do you do?
Miko
player, 8 posts
Tue 1 Oct 2013
at 04:28
  • msg #18

Re: Gas Lamp Club

Miko pondered the exchange, "He mentioned your teaching your students.  What did Mark-san mean?  And, what do you know of his friend Nikola-san?"
Anastasia
player, 7 posts
Daughter of high society
Dabbler in dark things
Tue 1 Oct 2013
at 17:36
  • msg #19

Re: Gas Lamp Club

"Some of the tribes I met on my expedition practiced a form of necromancy that apparently allowed one to enslave the spirits of the departed. Frightful stuff, but perhaps it  might be possible to..."

The pupils of her eyes dilating to almost entirely swallow the iris, Anastasia's voice trailed off as the images within the crystal ball overcame her, hand slackening on her drink. When she spoke once more, her voice was monotone and hoarse, describing the content of the vision she was thrall to.

"An airship over misty moor. Definitely Scotland, those blasted heaths are unmistakable. More than one airship. Feels like more than a journey. An adventure, a quest. The metal man is there. His mother. The author in the white suit. Me. Others too. Not quite so clear."

Breath coming shallowly, Anastasia looked as though she might pass out for a moment, skin paling even further than its usual ivory tones. Picking up her glass, she downed the entire contents of it in one gulp, heedless of the impropriety of such an act.

"That was not pleasant. I feel altogether discombobulated." 
Remi
player, 13 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 15:16
  • msg #20

Re: Gas Lamp Club

Remi took the Ale and nodded in thanks. "I will hold you to that, perhaps I can teach you a few things too." Taking a drink from the pint he gazed at the new comer with slightly hazy eyes, the bottle of wine catching up to him. "Nikola Tesla... damirikanye... snakhsse.1" Remi muttered, slipping into his own dialect. He had recalled hearing about some inventor, harnessed lightning with some other fellow. Or something like that, Remi didn't care too much about that sort of thing.



1 He is American... I know him.
Leon
player, 6 posts
Wed 2 Oct 2013
at 18:40
  • msg #21

Re: Gas Lamp Club

Leon finally made his way to the gaggle of people at the bar after consuming several more drinks at the table with Mercedez blueprints. If he was going to fly something as crazy as this, he needed to be sure what it entailed.

Approaching the group he raised his half empty glass in the air. "Ah! Mr. Tesla, such a pleasure to meet you at last."
GM StarMaster
GM, 42 posts
Thu 3 Oct 2013
at 02:19
  • msg #22

Re: Gas Lamp Club

FOR MIKO

"Oh, I try to teach students to think for themselves, rather than just learn by rote," Edmund replied to Miko. "I suppose that's what Mr. Twain was refering to."

"Now, Mr. Tesla, that is also an interesting man, provided you can speak science!" Edmund explained. "He is an electrical engineer and perhaps the greatest inventor in the world! That is not my claim, although I agree with it."

He gestured around the club at the ceiling. "You see these lights? They are lit by electricity... without wires!"
GM StarMaster
GM, 43 posts
Fri 4 Oct 2013
at 21:34
  • msg #23

Re: Gas Lamp Club

FOR ANASTASIA

After her drink, as the depressant alcohol began to calm her 'nerves', there was a sudden dark swirl in the crystal ball. An image of two dark-haired men appeared, dressed in dark trenchcoats, walking down some steps. They open a door, step through, look around for a moment, and then, after apparently spotting who they are looking for, they pull out weapons and shoot him. Anastasia realizes the now-dead man is the man who was choking just a few minutes ago.

The only other thing odd about the image is that the weapons didn't fire bullet--they fired lightning bolts!
Felix
player, 13 posts
Fri 4 Oct 2013
at 23:15
  • msg #24

Re: Gas Lamp Club

Felix continues to converse with the Lord. But finds that the man has his own problems and is obviously in no position to fund any humanitarian work. Thanking the Lord for the company and again shaking the man's hand wishing him good health, Felix decides to leave... well almost.

The establishment has grown on him, and the characters seem so diverse and worldly. It would be a missed opportunity to not use this time for some networking. Felix makes his way toward the bar, a position where he can listen in on conversations and observe the mysterious fortune teller.
Denholm
player, 1 post
Sat 5 Oct 2013
at 19:45
  • msg #25

Re: Gas Lamp Club

Denholm -- Dash to his friends -- was settled back in the seat of the cab, wondering at the ingenuity of the steam-powered vehicle.

In style and design it looked very similar to a Hansom Cab -- two cart wheels under an enclosed seating cabin that holds two -- three in a pinch -- passengers, and a saddle set high in the back for the cabbie. The steam boiler and engine were under the floorboards, with a tall, narrow stack rising up from the front.  Where a horse and hitch would have been in a standard Hansom Cab, was placed an armiture with a small wheel for steering.

Dash had ridden in similar conveyances back in Boston and New York, but this was the first time he had encountered one on a visit to London, and he just had to ride it!  It seemed appropriate, after all, as he was on his way to a club that his older cousin Malvin had reccomended.  Well, not exactly reccomended....Dash had made some comment lamenting the lack of intellectual stimulation at the family compound on Nantucket island, and Malvin had responded that Dash sounded like "those deep-thinking freaks at the Gas Lamp Club in London".

So, after sailing across the Atlantic on one of the company clipper ships with a cargo of Cuban Rum and Cigars, Dash quickly brokered a deal to exchange his cargo for another of English Gin and Indian Teas and Silks; all of which would be welcome back in the New England markets.

*CLANK*

Dash's reveries were interrupted by a sudden shaking of the cab, accompanied by a disturbing mechanical cacophony -- as one of the cabs wheels encountered a spot in the road where a cobblestone had gone missing.

"Beggin yer pardon for that, Sor." the cabby called from abouve, "As it be, we're at yer destination.  That'll be sixpence."

Dash climbed out onto Barton street and looked up at the four story brownstone, handing up a one-shilling coin to the driver.  "Keep the change, goodman!" Dash said with a smile, then turned and entered the club.

Inside, Dash removed his khaki greatcoat and handed it to the coatcheck; pushing his crumpled white sailor's cap back on his head, he pushed back his sackcloth jacket at the waist and placed his hands akimbo on his hips, and looked around the place.  A smile slowly crept across his lips, and a twinkle entered his bright blue eyes, as he realized cousin Malvin had been right -- this was a place where he belonged.

#I wonder if there's one of these clubs in New York# Dash thought, as he made his way towards the coffe bar, #Is that Sam Clemens?#

"Turkish Coffee. Light and sweet." Dash ordered, as he stepped up to the coffee bar.
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