Chapter 2 - Cash Dollars on the Hoof

[jemmus]

As the riders turn to leave the marshal's office, they see notices posted on the wall near the door. They have hand-drawn images of the men in question, except for the Wells Fargo notices.

WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE - $300 REWARD
Train Robber SAM BASS
Last seen on March 19, 1873 in Round Rock, Williamson County
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY
Congress Street, Austin, Texas

$350 REWARD
is offered by the Bexar County Cattlemen's Associate, San Antonio, Texas,
for the capture or elimination of notorious horse and cattle rustler King Fisher.
Known to operate with a gang throughout South Texas and beyond the Mexican Border.

REWARD OFFERED
$250 in Silver Dollars and/or Bank Notes
For information leading to the arrest and conviction of Stagecoach Robbers and Murderers on the Austin - Fredericksburg highway.
WELLS FARGO OVERLAND COACH LINES COMPANY
Commerce Street
Austin, Texas

REWARD OFFERED
$250 in Silver Dollars and/or Bank Notes
For information leading to the arrest and conviction of Stagecoach Robbers and Murdererson the Austin - Burnet highway.
WELLS FARGO OVERLAND COACH LINE
Commerce Street
Austin, Texas

$250 REWARD
For the the body, alive or dead, James Brown Miller. Also known as Killer Miller and Deacon Jim.
WANTED FOR MURDER of his Grandparents, Brother-in-Law, and Former Deputy U.S. Marshal Gus Bobbit, et cetera.
Known to habitually attend Methodist Church Services. Formerly served as Marshal of the City of Waco in McLennan County, Texas. Rumored to wear an Iron Plate under his jacket. Last seen in May 1873 in Belton, Bell County, Texas.
Report claim of reward to the Texas State Police Office in Austin City, Texas

[redwarrior]

William spends a full minute studying King Fisher's picture & memorizing the description, thinking it might be related to the prisoners' horse theft ring.

[cybersavant]

Andreas Larson looks over as the others exit the Marshall's. "Zo, all secured now?"

[Grognardsw]

Paladin took note of the names of the corrupt police officers, then left with the others. He studied the wanted board.

Paladin went to the Drover hotel to secure rooms for the group, then retired to get a long sleep in a real bed.

[ateno]

"We seem to be sorted Andreas, I just need to be here with Paladin at 8am. I am going to the telegraph office to see if I can get any response to my telegraphs a few days ago to the families of the dumb cowpokes. After that a bath, getting my clothing washed and a beer or two with a meal.

Doos

[jemmus]

Up next: Chapter 3 - Fifteen Guns per City Acre
https://www.unseenservant.us/forum/view ... 77#p663777 Please post in that thread going forward.

[Bluetongue]

rather than piggyback in Charlie's thread, I will post here and take things from there.

'Sarge' Ezekiel, former buffalo soldier lately turned engine stoker, bounty hunter, scout. Whatever comes to hand. And presently his living has been hand to mouth. Good jobs or rather 'high' paying jobs are in short supply, they never last long and come with risks attached. Steady jobs pay less and should last longer though 'in his station', these come with various prejudices against his skin colour or Union background that might mean staying long in one place just don't seem to cut it for him.

The tall man rides a pale horse. Not quite one of the Apocalypse horses of Revelation. The stocky quarter has pepperpot grey flecked dappling that goes to black over its hind and legs. It has a similar disposition to himself, both are strong, highly coordinated, intelligent enough to master a few skills and slowly running out of luck.

An outbreak of anthrax has been reported among the horses of the Tonkawa Indians in the San Marcos area of Hays County. The citizens of the county have demanded that the livestock be immediately exterminated to prevent the spread of infection. The Hays County sheriff Mr. John Behan is bedridden due to multiple shotgun wounds due to a controversial personal matter and the sheriff's deputy is absent while on a task of law enforcement. A member of the Hays County Cattlemen's Association has stated that the matter cannot wait, the Association itself will see to the extermination of the horses, should the Tonkawa Indians not do so immediately.

Ezekiel rides into town. Losing a trail on rustlers and horse thieves he has noted the above information and comes seeking information. He wonders if the Indians unwittingly traded sick and diseased horses. Do the rustlers shifting stolen herds across the county bring it along with them as they criss-cross borders?

Tethering Mary, his horse, he will check in to any office that might be looking to enroll his services.