Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns

[Thumper]

“About that fast drawing you’ve been asking about,” said Paladin to Doc. “I feel one who has sworn the Hippocratic oath should be looking to help people, not draw on them. Like another doctor friend of mine is fond of saying, ‘damn it I’m a doctor, not a gunslinger’.”

Y'know, I said the same thing to William yesterday.

Three days ago, I was mindin' my own business trying to set myself up with a shingle and live the rich quiet life. But then I ran into Doos and fell in with all you circus clowns. Now ya got me chasin' belly slitherin' criminals. Ya don't think the low downs are gonna give me a break just because I'm your Doctor, do ya?

Nah, if I'm going to go ridin' with y'all and y’all are intentionally kickin' up hornets' nests, I'm gonna do it holding a fly swatter...as big a one as I can hold. After all, someone has to stay alive and whole to keep you homers alive.

Probably wouldn't hurt for us to pretend we aren't a band of six. Perhaps we say we all met up on the road to Burnett today, so we do know each other but aren't tight. Come up with a reason why two or three of us were together before meeting up as all 6. Gambler with gambler; he looks Paladin's clothes over from head to foot a local, Andreas, escorting the San Franciscan; Doos and I: old friends looking to set up a couple shingles where we might be needed most. Might make a little cover while in Burnet why we're together...but not. We're bound to catch attention, but no need for us to be an obvious band. Thoughts?

Everybody gonna be ready to hit the road by 1pm? If not, we wont complete the ride before dark.

[cybersavant]

That's a great question, Andreas. A large German population in Burnet. I suppose we'll follow your lead with the investigation.

I, for one, intend to spoil myself a bit tonight in Burnet. I haven't celebrated my mustering out...That's my plan for tonight. Hope you’ll let me buy y’all a round. We'll be getting into Burnet on Saturday evening at about 8:30…a bit before sunset…if we depart right after lunch. Can't imagine much in town will be open...and I need a bath and to launder my clothes. I'm thinking about staying at the finest hotel in Burnet. Being a major crossroads for the frontier towns, there should be a high quality one.

Andreas Larson "I maybe tink you ist confused der. Burnet vhas der army fort dat der army abandoned. I tink der only be vhun saloon. Verd ist it ist vild vhun. Not many Deutsch, just farmers und ranchers."

[Thumper]

Please forgive my mistake then…

Guess I’ll follow someone else’s lead? And don’t tell me y’all want to spend Saturday night whoopin’ it up in Austin now?

Technically, our contract doesn’t start until noon tomorrow…if ya do.

[ateno]

Honestly, Doos would rather stay in Austin where he can get a chicken and some wine and new clothing and a good bath.

Doos

[Thumper]

Ok with me as long as we hit the job hard tomorrow. Since I was wrong about Burnet, seems to me we’re going to have root around for some of that good German beer right here in Austin tonight!

[jemmus]

William, Paladin, Gideon, DT, Doos and Andreas show up in the lobby of the Drover in Austin little by little. Noon of them own watches, so the timing is a little imprecise. The local morning Austin Statesman newspapers are in a neat stack on the check-in counter for customers. 5 cents per copy with an honor system payment box.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1873
COMANCHE BRAVES 10 MILEs OUTSIDE OF BARTON SPRINGS
Texas Rangers drove them away, 3 men seriously wounded

WELLS FARGO RESTORES LIMITED COACH SERVICE TO FREDERICKSBURG, BURNET
Limited service for chartering customers only will resume starting on June 14. The company will not announce specific dates and times, for security reasons due to the ongoing problem of banditry on the two highways.

IRON SHIRT DEFIANT, REFUSES U.S. GOV'T DEMAND FOR TREATY MEETING
Spate of Comanche atrocities committed in the Northwest Texas counties along the Red River

"KING" FISHER BRINGS IN NOTORIOUS BANDIDO, DEAD
The "Robin Hood" rustler of South Texas leaves the marshal of Laredo a gift of bandido Raul Sanchez's bullet-riddled body

The men sit at a heavy oaken table, and stretch their legs. Neat and clean fellow diners are at tables around, and none of them are yelling, hollering, shooting a firearm, or stumbling around, step by step. It's good to be under a fixed wooden roof and done with Cookie's large-volume mess at the Waco & Northwest Railroad's camp. No doubt the men of many ethnicities are at this moment stretching the railroad's stub line toward Fredericksburg, a shovel full of turf, a tie, a rail, and a spike at a time. At least the men's breakfasts, dinners and suppers have improved, they aren't at each others' throats, they maybe feel their efforts are notices, and their backbreaking daily work is sabotaged and negated and for naught.

A boy of around 12 years old comes through the hotel's door with an armful of handbills, looks around the room, and makes a beeline for the table of several obviously educated gentlemen. Gideon (who isn't one of them) gives the boy a careful look. The boy sure is confident, and not at all shy. Misters! Big show at the Gay Lady tonight! He starts aggressively putting handbills into the hands of Andreas, Doos, DT, Gideon, Paladin and William. The bills say:

NOTICE! NOTICE! NOTICE!
GAY LADY DANCE HALL
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
The Gay Lady is pleased to announce a very special evening for Saturday, June 13!
PRESENTING
-The lovely and the famous throughout all of Europe Miss Cornelia Wilde, singing her wondrous new song "Into the Briars, My Heart." And many others from across the European and North American Continents.
-All the way from Edison, New Jersey, the famous "Red" Skelton! Comedian, banjo player, piano player, and juggler! You don't want to miss a performance by "Red!" Once in a lifetime chance! He will not be back in Austin for a very long time!
-And of course, the last and the very best-- the lovely Gay Lady dancers! All new show and revue!

Two shows tonight: 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM. $5 entrance fee, or both shows for $9.

COME ONE, COME ALL!

Gideon takes a look and says, Hmm. I guess I wouldn't mind seein that thang mahself. Ah suppose I can play cards and listen to a New Jersey man's jokes at the same time. Ah'd go to th early one, considerin the later one might git rowdy. Then again, tha trail herd cowboys might already be drunk and passed out by then.

The tough fliers kid is still hanging around. The hotel counter man comes up and sternly shoos him away. Young man! Enough of this! Leave the guests alone! The kid doesn't budge. It seems that he's waiting for tips from the men. Gideon flips him a nickel and says, Son, the Good Book says, "Money is the root of all evil." I'd recommend that ya not fall inta the habit of hittin people up fer money. That's the lazy man's the hustler's way a life. And people don't have any respect fer that kind a man. A farmer labors with his cattle, a cowboy labors with his cattle, and a gambler labors with his dice and cards. "Whoever works his land--er cattle er dice er cards, what have ye, will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense." The boy grins a big ironic grin but doesn't say a word. He looks around at the other men at the table, expectantly. Gideon tsks. And mumbles under his breath, "And he was cast out into the desert and his descendants became as wild goats among men." Seems some are just born [somthing] and defiant. And some with a black mean streak as well. We'll deal with that startin tomorra. "Ye shall [something] the head of the viper...."

The riders have decided to spend Saturday night in Austin and depart for the highways and byways to the west tomorrow morning. They have a good noontime dinner, and a chance to talk and discuss as a group. And plenty of time for baths, naps, re-equipping, and an easy sleep and night. But the lure of evening relaxation or enjoyable entertainment in Austin avail.

[ateno]

"I don't feel comfortable spending money at the show, I might hang around the theater and listen. I am looking forward to chicken and wine tonight though."

Doos

[cybersavant]

Andreas Laron will merely smile and hand the flyer back to the kid. He nods to the others before he leaves. He'll stock up on ammunition for his lever action rifle and double action revolver. For supper he'll return to O'Reilly's. "I vhill turn in early tonight. Be fresh for der morning start."

[redwarrior]

William speaks up I think you’ve got the right idea, friend. We’ll want an early start.

[Thumper]

Sure, I’ll bite

DT will flip the kid a Nickle and announce his intentions for the day: he buys Doos’ lunch to pay back the favor, trade William quick-draw lessons in exchange for riding lessons (flavor to explain how the skills are being developed rather than a spontaneous sudden development), give Ajax a good thorough rinsing, brushing and grooming and oil his tack and clean his own boots and ball-spurs, buy 8 high quality cigars, get a long soak in a tub of fresh hot water while dirty clothes are laundered (smoking one cigar and possibly sharing one in the bath house, have a fine dinner with his friends complete with buying a bottle of wine for the table, take his friends out for a round of beer and offer them each a cigar, attend the 7-8:30 pm showing of the variety show, close out the night with a beer with any friends still up at 8:30 pm (sundown in Texas in mid-June is about 8:30pm dark is after 9), then off to his room for a full night of sleep in a good bed and a pre-dawn rise to ready for the day. (He will drink no more than 4 drinks total for the night of his mustering out celebration…he can’t stand drunkeness). He plans to be in bed by 9:30.

If he finds an opportunity to meet a pretty girl (not a city sissy…one of substance) and take her to the show and maybe a dance to the music and a drink, he will.

(50c both lunches, 75c Drover room, 35c livery, 80c high quality cigars, 50c fine meal, $1 bottle wine, 30c beer, $5 variety show, 30c nightcap, 20c tips = $9.70)

[Grognardsw]

“I was at the Gay Lady this morning and it was quiet. Tonight should be more lively,” said Paladin. “I’ll take a look-see.”

Paladin finished up his lunch. “DT I’ll meet you at the Gay Lady then at 7:00.”

[jemmus]

Andreas and Doos enjoy excellent meals and turn in early for some relaxation and good sleep in the comfortable rooms of the Drover. DT, Paladin, and Gideon head over to the Gay Lady after dinner. It's a full house this Saturday night. A fellow plays a lively tune on an upright piano. Some men sitting at the tables playing cards and chatting appear to be regulars. There's a businessman who appears to be entertaining clients or prospective business partners with expensive cocktails. A few brave men have brought their wives or sweethearts to see the show. Lining the bar there's a group of around a dozen and a half fresh-washed and polished-up trail cowboys in their best duds drinking whiskeys and beers. They're noisy and all seem to be somewhere on the range from fairly lit to already dangerously wasted. Some of them can't keep their eyes off of the wives and sweethearts, one of whom seems to regret having come and be quite ready to get out of here. Rounding out the guests are various small groups of friends from around town and cleaned-up cowhands from ranches outside it. There's a well-lit raised stage at the back of the hall.

The piano stops and a stout woman with a lot of colorful ruffles ans a big hat with a taxidermied green and yellow parakeet on it sweeps onto it. She's wearing thick creamy-white makeup with rosy pink checks, and it seems that she's whitened her her mostly-bare arms as well. She flings the right into the air. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to this evening's Gay Lady's performance and revue! The room stops talking (except for the cards playing regulars), turns its attention to her, and breaks into enthusiastic applause. The trail cowboys loudly whistle and woot, one stomping his boot heels on the floorboards. Another more inebriated one dances a little jig, elbows out. Gideon claps loudly and says to Paladin and DT, That one must be tha big chief of tha Gay Ladies. Look at that warpaint. And braves awarded her the rat to whar a bird on her hat.
Plenty victories. Jist mah type. He claps louder still.

The mistress of ceremonies announces, We have a magnificent show for you tonight, ladies and gentlemen... and cowboys! She smiles all around, especially to the trail hands along the bar. They break out into whistles, woots, stomping and a jig again, joined by the more local cowhands. Our first entertainment tonight will be by the comedian and talented singer and banjo pl"Red" Skelton, all the way from Edison, New Jersey. Or is it Metuchuan, New Jersey? Seem he can't ever keep it straight and tell it the same way twice. Lady and gentlemen... Red! Skelton! She claps, the piano plays a jingle, and she sweeps away off of the other end of the stage. A broadly grinning man of around 40 years old carrying a banjo and wearing a checked white and black suit and red bow tie enters. Half of the trail cowboys, some of the more local men boo. The man continues grinning while he breaks the banjo into a lively and whimsical down home tune. Dr. DT, you been here a while, you probably already know this. Mr. Paladin, around here, a man on a stage got to work double hard to justify tha cost of tha ticket. A lady on the stage... it's like ranchin, except tha opposite. In ranchin, ya got a lot a cows and one good bulls. In Texas, ya good a lot a bulls and cow. Good or even fair ta middlin, all she got ta do on a stage is throw her shoes around a little.

Next up is the singer of the best current songs of Europe and North America. Waiters turn down the kerosene lamps around the hall, leaving just the stage and singer well-lit. She is elegant, if a little thin and kind of mopey for local tastes. She sings like a songbird, to the accompaniment of the piano player. The cowboys of all types, and most of the other men in the room, are mesmerized. And then she says, Excuse me. One brief moment. The mistress of ceremonies sweeps back in applauding and the lights come back up. Ladies and gentlemen, a brief interruption while the mademoiselle changes dress for her next sweet songs. The bar is open, please enjoy yourselves during this pause. It may take as long as 15 minutes, but no longer. Hands at tables go up at tables and the cowpokes at the bar start competing with each other for the attention of the two bartenders. Hey! Jist bring a whole new bottle! We don't need no glasses! The artiste re-enters in a stunning light blue gown with a perfectly matching great-brimmed hat with light down of the same color. Several men seem to be in love, and few the wives and sweethearts seem to have been artistically moved. She finishes her songs and the hall erupts in applause.

The matron swishes onto the stage once more. And now, the moment you've all been waiting for-- the Gay Lady revue! The piano player jumps up with a hand-clapping beat and the "Red" Skelton from Edison or Metuchen (who really is a talented musician, though not many except DT, Paladin, the couples on dates, and maybe Gideon noticed) throws in some tasty licks and runs. The ladies of the Gay Lady revue appear in full regalia, with full energy. The crowd erupts in applause, hoots, whistles and boot stomps.

Gideon says, Mr. Paladin, Dr. DT, I believe ah'll jist go on and git back ta the Drover. An know it's not even the end a the seven a'clock show, and the real nine a clock show is still comin. But ah got serious thangs ta do starting tomorra mornin. Any other time, ah'd stay and walk outa here in the mornin with a pocket full a silver dollars won from these drunk yayhoos. But ah'd be tarred in the saddle, ah know that. Ain't doin that tomorra. "With age comes experience." That's from the Good Book, ah believe. Can't recollect which particular scripture at the minute though. Maybe King Solomon. Y'all might have been watching all along yerself, but ah'd recommend not bein close ta them drunk cowboys too long. A drunk fella's got a six-shooter outa his belt and is admiring tha weapon and tha machinery and power of it....

[Thumper]

DT is just kicking back and enjoying the bit of civilization after so long out in the forts s as bd fort turns. He scans the crowd for what appears to be an unattached woman.

In response to Gidean’s warning…I hear ya, old timer! I do want to stay to the end of the show then turn in. But good idea to watch it from the other side of the room. Hm? Let’s push through over there…better to be near the door at the end of the show, and we can keep one eye on that drunk buck.

DT says as he begins moving through the crowd closer to the door and out of the line from the bar to stage.

[Grognardsw]

Earlier…

Paladin returned from his Saturday afternoon to the Drover Hotel to rest a bit before meeting DT at 7:00 at the Gay Lady.

Knowing Andreas and Doos were retiring for the night, Paladin approached Doos. If he wasn’t around, then Andreas. If neither, then his own room.

“I’d like to secure my new rifle for tonight. It garners attention around here. Can I put it in your room?”

If so, Paladin will move the bed, pry up a floor board, place the rifle, return the board, and move the bed back in position.

“Thanks, I’ll see you tomorrow morning at breakfast.”



Now…



Paladin surveyed the busy hall of the Gay Lady, from the developing drunkards to the winsome women. Ever observant for the faces of criminals whose wanted posters he had memorized four days ago at the rangers office. Or for locals he’s met recently like Temple Houston, Leon Robles, and other shooting contest contestants. Larry, Moe, Curley, Mr. Gao, the traitor Smith or Dickens. Hell, Virginia Cummins may have snuck in.

“I’ll buy the first round, why don’t you boys find us a table,” offered Paladin to his friends. He moseyed up to the bar, ease-dropping on conversations for rumors. He’d give a nod and knowing smile to any passing saloon girl.

Paladin tried to get in the spirit of Red Skelton. “Laughter is the best medicine, heh doc?”

“I know Gideon, Red may not be the best warm-up for woman-hungry cowboys.”

To Gideon’s longing “Jist mah type” about the feathered and rouged mistress of ceremonies, Paladin laughed and quipped: “If the big chief don’t want to smoke your peace pipe, she’ll have a squaw who will!”

Paladin recognized the more refined singing talent of the mademoiselle, even if the niceties were too subtle for the Austin crowd. Nursing the beer, he listened with pleasure. She reminded him of the French singer Blanche d'Antigny who he had seen in Boston.

“I’ll be right back. DT this next round is yours?” Paladin stepped away at the mademoiselle’s 15 minute break and sought out her dressing room. Along the way he procured a large glass of water (and if there was a vase of flowers about, grab that.)

At her door, he courteously knocked and said: “Mademoiselle, flowers reflecting your beauty and water to sooth an angel’s throat.”

If the door remained closed: “Of course, you are occupied changing. I will leave them at your door and return after.”

If the door opened… we’ll see…

[Thumper]

Enroute to the back of the Gay lady, DT will try to catch the eye of the one sober and uncomfortable cow puncher. If he can establish eye contact without his buds seeing, he’ll point to the drunk that has his gun out and give an imploring look and an indication toward the drawn weapon. If not, he’ll stay clear and observe the show and drunk from near the doorway.

[jemmus]

DT caught the starstruck and lovelorn young cowboy's eye and glanced down at schnockered cowpoke's pistol. The young man nods his understanding of the situation and respectful acknowledgement. Cowboys and most people around Texas are like that-- like knights in shining armor following a code of honor, respect, and chivalry-- but with sweat-darkened hat bands, trousers that needed washing a while back, and green "cowboy paint" cow plop on their boots. Amidst the noise of jaunty piano, the strumming banjo, clapping, hoots, stomping boots, raps of glass bottles and glasses exuberantly or clumsily hitting other glass objects, and the rhythmic heels of the belles of the Gay Lady revue striking the stage boards, he sees the young compose himself and smoothly and calmly approach the man, while at the same time consolingly and confidently announcing one's presence.

The way one would with a 3/4 ton bull who can bowl over and run right over a little upright human man in a second in short, sharp charge. Or catch the annoying thing with a horn at the crotch and toss it over its back, then turn and see if it stands back up again and needs some more. Or as if approaching a furious mustang bronc lassoed wild on the plains, now trapped within the four rail fences of a corral. With four sharp hooves, backed backed by speed, power, accuracy of aiming, and intelligence. Some have cunning and trickery up their sleeves as well.

DT sees the cowboy approaching the man with the pistol out with that kind of approach. Smoothly and confidently, but with a lot of announcement of the approach and the intent. DT can lip-read above the clangor and clamor the fellow saying something like, "Dang, Clem, ya got yer gun out, for gosh sake! Put that dang thang away. Yer in the Gay Lady, in Austin! Clem, what day is it?

Clem thinks on that for a full second, then his eyes brighten up and he claps his friend on the shoulder. He holsters the pistol, without even looking, and beams, stomps and hoots along with all having fun in Austin on a Saturday night. With the brave, fearless and always joyful ladies of the Gay Lady.

[Thumper]

DT sees the threat pass and resumes watching the end of the show. If he gets to make eye contact with the sober cow hand, he’ll nod his approval then touch two fingers to his hat brim with a smile.

At curtain fall at show’s end, he makes his exit out the East door of the Gay Lady and walks up the street for the Dover. He shy’s away from any drunks…keeping a distance. He retires to his room for the night.

[jemmus]

William, Paladin, Gideon, DT, Doos and Andreas retire for a night of rest in the Drover Hotel. It's quiet, except for at a little after midnight there are some raucous, uproarious whoops and the sound of several gunshots. The men enjoy a good night's sleep. Except for Gideon....

End of Chapter 3 - City of 10,000 Guns. Continued in Chapter 4. https://www.unseenservant.us/forum/view ... 59#p688559

[Grognardsw]

Initial observation roll walking in: Observation 13 [1d20]=17

Which I suppose does not preclude any such people from being there.

Flower Luck (9) [1d20]=10
No, so forgoing Observation

Stature (11) Door Open [1d20]=1

Before the Stature to Impress roll, I would posit it’s better to let a player role play to results instead of resorting to dice for certain purely flavor situations. Or adding modifiers for such play to a roll.