Scene II: Horsehead Ranch

[Wrathbone]

I’d like to do a careful sweep of the room checking for any hiding places.

[Mantis]

I'll take up position at the end of the table so I can get a good view of both doors should anyone come out blasting.

[Stormbringer]

I’d like to do a careful sweep of the room checking for any hiding places.

There doesn't appear to be anyone hiding in this hall, but you all hear, from somewhere indistinct, the sound of things crashing about, shouts, laughter, and the odd gunshot or two, presumably going on somewhere else in the building.

Doc, meanwhile, is still on the roof, standing next to the chimney.

[Animalmother]

Can the Doc keep moving along the roof to other parts of the building? Maybe find the occupied one.

[Stormbringer]

Can the Doc keep moving along the roof to other parts of the building? Maybe find the occupied one.

He could move to the other chimney and attempt to climb down, for sure.

[Sly Boots]

Until somehow informed otherwise, Doc is under the impression the plan is going swimmingly.

[Stormbringer]

Until somehow informed otherwise, Doc is under the impression the plan is going swimmingly.

Just standing on the rooftop having a smoke...

[Animalmother]

Cumflutter enters the room and kicks the smoldering head away. He sticks his head under the fireplace and calls up..
"Good doctor, the location appears to be bereft of our quarry. You can come down or investigate the next chimney pot. Your perogative sir"

[Wrathbone]

Can I put my ear to each of the doors to try and hear any activity on the other side?

[Stormbringer]

Can I put my ear to each of the doors to try and hear any activity on the other side?

Absolutely. Tell me which door you'll choose first.

[Sly Boots]

Doc swears under his breath and makes his way over to the other chimney, and will angle his ear down the flume to see if he can hear anything within.

[Animalmother]

Could I, if the whimsy took me, boot the door off its hinges, hip fire my buffalo rifle into the nearest scum, drop that and pull out my pistol and a tomahawk, then go all Last of the Mohicans on everyone?

[Wrathbone]

Can I put my ear to each of the doors to try and hear any activity on the other side?

Absolutely. Tell me which door you'll choose first.

I'll start with the single door to the left of where we came in and then work round clockwise.

[Stormbringer]

Very good. This is what happens...

Doc Scotum walks over the rooftop toward the other chimney stack and listens through the stone flue.

He hears the following conversation, between three voices:


"These Loudmouth bastards don't read much, huh?"

"Do you?!"

"Hell no, but I sure as hell wouldn't burn 'em!"

"Why not? Books is good fuel!"

"Fuel for the mind, you mean? Ha!"

"You boys kiddin' me? Books is worth somethin'! I'd sooner sell 'em!"

"You know what else is worth somethin'? Them Loudmouth bounties. Now shut up 'bout books already and let's think about how we're gonna get 'em."

"Easier said than done, pal! Those sons-of-bitches are dug in like Carcass County ticks!"

"That ain't all; the place is crawlin' with Rodeo Clowns! The whole goddamn circus came to town!"

"Well, you got any ideas?"



At the same time, Cadaver Kid leans his ear against the first door on the left of the entrance hall, while the others stand ready with their weapons. He hears two voices, saying the following:


"Shh! I think I hear someone moving out here..."

"Course you did! There's Loudmouths and Rodeo Clowns all over the place!"

"Keep it down, partner! I don't think it's either of 'em...you always hear a Loudmouth comin' a mile off. And the Clowns is always' laughin'...out here I just hear footsteps..."

"Shit! Ya think it's the Redrum Boys?!"

"I dunno! Let's just be ready for anythin'..."

[Animalmother]

How close are they to the door?