Paladin - Have Gun, Will Travel

[Grognardsw]

Figuring Ms. Frey would enjoy a stroll through the fairgrounds, Paladin replied: “At the gates please.”

During the ride, Paladin inquired about life in Rockwell and what it was like to be a librarian in a small town. “When I’m in any large city I always try to make time to visit the library. My favorite is Boston.”

“May I call you Constance?” Paladin asked.

Upon departing, Paladin tipped the driver 10 cents.

[jemmus]

Constance looks from the corner of her eye and says, Why yes, Mr. Paladin, I'd be pleased if you'd call me Constance.

And further replies, The library in Boston! Oh I can only imagine what wonderful volumes, new and old must be available for a reader there. I know that Benjamin Franklin founded the Philadelphia library, but I suppose the Boston library must be older by decades. Our little Rockwall library only has a very basic collection. For example, the Encyclopedia Britannica, Homer, James Fennimore Cooper, Sir Walter Scott, Melville, Whitman, Poe. He's my favorite, I must confess. Have you read Edgar Allen Poe, Mr. Paladin? She takes a sidewise peep at Paladin the see how he reacts to the confession of interest in the macabre writings of the author and their investigations of the inner mind, including its unsettling side. One of my responsibilities is to make the purchases, with limited funds each month. Oh, how I scour the pages of the catalogue, circling oh so many titles, and then having to scratch so many off to narrow things down.

Paladin and Constance stroll along the fair's Main Concourse, passing the Stock Hall, Crafts Hall, and Exhibition Hall. All are closed, with the dim light of kerosene lanterns through the windows indicating they're likely guarded by night staff. They approach the heart of the fair, and to the lights brighten in the evening and the numbers of fellow strollers increase. To the left a hawker in a suit and bowler cries, Spin the wheel of fortune and win a prize! Everybody wins a prize! Up to one hundred dollars! To the right, another calls, Human and animal oddities! Giant bearded lady! Old man with flipper arms! And, fresh caught from the prairie- a rattlesnake with two heads! You sir and ma'am, come inside. Twenty-five cents to see all of the oddities of nature the good Earth can produce! To the

Constance spots the merry-go-round before the front of the theater at the end of the Main Course. Hidden behind it, there's a fenced corral and small roofed shed for the horses who draw the carousel around the circle, driving its rotation and the mechanical motions of the finely sculpted, painted, and shellacked horses. Constance says, O! Mr. Paladin!
Isn't that a fine sight to see! Two dozen or more horses portrayed by artisan in wood, each different than any other. Isn't it wonderful, Mr. Paladin! Constance claps her hands in delighted joy and looks up to his face, but sees no joy. Her face drops and she looks to where he's looking....

Paladin sees a group of men in suits exit the theater, descend its stone stairs, and start ambling down the Main Concourse, talking and laughing among themselves. He sees a familiar face, and sorts through his memory.... Terrence Walker. Cattle baron, Abilene, Kansas. Not a nice man, had to shoot him dead. Or, down but not dead? It was quite a scene, to be left with U.S. Marshal.

[Grognardsw]

“Indeed, Benjamin Franklin first conceived of the library though with a subscription fee,” Paladin said on the topic. “He founded the Library Company of Philadelphia in 1731. Its members could purchase shares in the library at a low cost and have access to books.” Paladin further mansplained: “Boston’s free library was founded in 1848 and was the first publicly supported municipal library. It has an attractive Italianate style building on Mason Street. I’m sure Philadelphia will establish a free public library sooner or later.” (Later actually, 1891.)

“I enjoy Edgar Allen Poe as well. I’ve read a few of his macabre tales - The Raven and The Murders in the Rue Morgue. They really stick in your head. At the moment I’m reading Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days.”

“Constance let’s try the wheel of fortune,” said Paladin with a smile and squeeze of her hand, glad to be on first-name basis with the lovely Ms. Frey. “Even if they are often rigged.”

Paladin placed Constance’s hand on the wheel, then his own over hers, and together they spun. (Rolls?)

Afterwards, Paladin considered the freak show but thought it would take too much time given their upcoming theater show.

Seeing Constance’s excitement over the carousel, Paladin was about to suggest they ride it when he saw Terrence Walker… How long ago was that case? If he survived Paladin’s shots, and was assumed jailed afterwards, would he be out by now? To confirm, the men (how many?) around Walker are with him, not apparently a group of strangers exiting at the same time?

[jemmus]

Constance says, Oh my, how knowledgeable you are, Mr. Paladin. I daresay you probably graduated from a fine college in California, or even in New York or New England.

The wheel of fortune man doffs his hat to the approaching lady, then the gentleman and smiles amiably. To Paladin he doesn't seem to be much the carny grifter type he's accustomed to from New England and the West Coast. The gray-haired and mustached man looks more like a retired frontier gambler, or drifter, or itinerant preacher. But with more than a little of the look of a former cowhand about him. Evenin, ma'am, sir! I see you are ready to try yer luck on the Wheel of Fortune! Maker of many wealthy men and richer ladies! Today's yer lucky day! And it the first spin doesn't do the trick, the second one will. And everyone, win or lose, wins a prize! He sweeps his hand toward a shelf with racks of miniature brightly painted figurines. Artifacts carved and painted by the Yaqui Indians of Mexico, and imported through special shipment through Mexican bandido, Apache, and Comanche territories. Set right into my hands by a brave friend Cal Slocum, who speaks the lingo of all three and brought them-- at no small expense to life and limb-- all the way up from Mexico to Dallas. By the way, they are charms made by wise Indian women and medicine men to throw aside barriers to true love and open the pathways of the wide! He winks at Paladin, and Paladin notices that Constance momentarily has an intrigued, appraising, and contemplative look in her eye.

Well, ma'am and sir, the rules of the Wheel of Fortune are simple. Twenty-five cents for a spin on the Wheel. If ya land on a cash prize, that's what ya get. If ya land on the Jackpot, ya get the five dollars. Or ya can spin again for a chance at one hundred dollars. And to buy into that chance only costs another two bits.

Constance is surprised when Paladin boldly places his her hand on hers, but she doesn't withdraw it. She winds the Wheel back a little to cock it and gives it good smooth and brisk spin. She watches intently as the wheel slows to its stopping point.

1d39 roll please.

But...
Paladin spots a man with friends entering the fairly dimly-lit Grand Concourse from the stairs of the more brightly lit theater. Terrence Walker. Terrence Walker? He'd had to shoot the man three months ago, in Abilene. The head of the rail leading to the booming beef markets to the East. Vast fortunes were being made, by mass Texas cattle drive drovers, Abilene buyers and shippers, and railroads running to the markets to the East. Walker was one of the most ruthless manipulators of all of that. And in the end, had to try to silence a man who had learned too much about it. Himself, Paladin. He had to shoot Walker dead, in his own office. He gave a signed account to the Marshal's office that day.

But Terrence Walker, walking alive? Here in Dallas, Texas?

[jemmus]

Uh oh, I see my paste of the wheel of fortune table didn't work.
Revising the post this evening.

[Grognardsw]

Paladin put his quarter down and he and Constance spun the wheel… Wheel of Fortune [1d39]=25



Upon seeing Terrence Walker, Paladin subtlety turned with Constance arm-in-arm to face away from the man he thought dead. “Isn’t the sky beautiful tonight,” he said, drawing her attention. “I think I see the Cassiopeia constellation, the Seated Queen, known for her beauty. The twinkle reminds me of your eyes Constance.”

Paladin knew he couldn’t risk any danger to Constance, if the man was truly Walker. If so, Paladin was gambling that out of his trademark black attire, with a woman, in this place, with a poor profile, Walker wouldn’t recognize him. If Walker survived, his wounds were grievous; three months would be quick to recover back to this man’s robust and laughing self. Did Terrence have a twin brother?

Now was not the time to press the matter, both for Constance’s safety and the stacked odds Paladin would be against. He faced away from Walker and the men as they hopefully passed.

[jemmus]

1 JACKPOT $5.00
2 $2.00
3-4 Spin Again
5-8 5¢
6-13 10¢
14-18 15¢
19-20 20¢
21-22 50¢
23 $1.00
24 $3.00
25-26 Spin Again
27 JACKPOT $5.00
28 Snakebit
29 Stampede
30 Caught Cheating
31 Bad Whiskey
32 Twister!
33 Hangover
34 Behind the 8 Ball
35 Jail & A Fine
36 Long Sermon
37 Old Scratch
39 Dead Man’s Gun

"Spin again." That's lucky. It means your luck is savin up to get somethin good. Sir, care to double your entry? It would mean double the prize.

Constance laughs and says, My. Mr. Paladin, you're a poet, as well as a historian. What else is there about you that we don't know?

The man closely resembling Terrence Walker and his friends walk past. With his back turned he can't be sure, but Paladin feels that they all check Constance out and briefly look at him. They continue on and turn onto a side street, apparently headed for a livery stable.

[Grognardsw]

Declining the double entry, Paladin and Constance spun again… Wheel of Fortune [1d39]=29

“Hmm, the stampede?”

Constance laughs and says, My. Mr. Paladin, you're a poet, as well as a historian. What else is there about you that we don't know?

“I hope we can find out, the night is still young!” replied Paladin in a good natured manner.

He was relieved that the alleged Walker and the men continued past. He made a mental note to inquire with the Abilene marshal about the matter.

“Well we should be getting on to the theater,” said Paladin.

[jemmus]

Uh oh, that's not a money winner, the hawker said. As yet. He sees from the looks on their faces that it's not worth trying to entice Paladin or the smart-looking young lady into laying down another quarter. Well ma'am, here's your prize. He hands Constance one of the colorful Yaqui wooden figurines. Remember, those are made special for opening the way to findin true and eternal love. No joke. I wouldn't josh ya about that.

Paladin and Constance continue up the Grand Concourse until it terminates at the rather grand (with walls of red brick and pillars of chalky-white South Texas limestone) Texas Fairgrounds Theater. An Anglo Texan-looking boy of around 12 years runs up. He has the look of someone who might sleep in stables or barn. Buy a playbill, mister? Ten cents.
One for the missus too?

Constance chuckles and gives Paladin a brief amused and friendly look. It's miss, young man. I'm a miss-- and you missed! She gives the boy a bright and kindly smile. It might do well to observe and learn to spot the difference in the way a lady and a gentleman who are... settled in together carry themselves. Compared to the way those who are not do. And then there's the way those who are in between the two do.... She let's a half second pass, and smiles her delightful smile. What's your name, young gentleman?
Johnny, the boy answers.
Well, Master Johnny....
She looks to her wrist, gracefully removes the tiny black, lemon yellow, and blossom pale pink patterned purse dangling from it, and begins drawing it open as if to find and withdraw a coin.

[Grognardsw]

Paladin was reaching for the 10 cents to give to the boy for the playbill, then stopped as Constance talked with him.

The gunslinger would normally pay for such a thing, as that was the gentlemanly thing to do. But Paladin judged Constance to be an independent woman who may chafe at always relying on a man.

Paladin watched the boy carefully, ready to grab him if he snatched the purse. If a coin was too long forthcoming (women’s purses being notorious for hiding contents from easy access), Paladin offered to take care of it.

Tally of this evening’s expenses thus far, some of which I don’t know:

x for new shirt, bolo tie and jacket
x for theater tickets
x for drink in Hartford Mews gaming room
$1 lost in pool game
.50 c for taxi carriage to fairground
.10 c tip to taxi carriage driver
.25 c for Wheel of Fortune

[Grognardsw]

[jemmus]

Constance tips the boy 15 cents and takes Paladin's arm. She and he have had quite a bit of arm-in-arm personal contact from the hotel to the theater, and it's gotten more relaxed and comfortable along the way. A man in a forest green uniform takes their tickets, tears off half, and hands the other half to a similarly uniformed usher, who shows them to their seats. A master of ceremonies enters the stage before its drawn curtains. Ladies and gentlemen! It is the Texas State Fair Theater's pleasure to present to you, all the way from London, England, by way of New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, Mobile and New Orleans....the thespians of Vaudeville Theater Strand! The audience of the ladies and gentlemen of Dallas applauds. Tonight's performances will include: "A Happy Cruise," a comedy; "The Road to Ruin," a comedy of errors; and, saving the best for last, "The Orange Tree," a drama.

The curtains open on a stage lit by gaslight lamps. A painted backdrop portrays a seascape, and there are constructed props of a ship's rail, a foredeck and a quarterdeck. A handsome gentleman and a lovely lady sit on deck chairs. The gentleman says in a loud stage voice, Cruising – where every sunrise is a promise of a new adventure. The lady replies in an equally loud voice, Isn't it, darling? I'm so happy to be out of drab, rainy London and out in this wonderful southern sun. Constance holds Paladin's arm and whispers, Mr. Paladin, I do so love their accents! So elegant and refined. Is that an English accent, Mr. Paladin?

She sits in rapt attention and laughs merrily as the plays are performed. During the second one, her knee touches Paladin's, and she doesn't move it away. Perhaps she's too enraptured with the plays to notice? Or...?

$10 for new shirt, bolo tie and jacket
$2 for theater tickets
20 cents for drink in Hartford Mews gaming room
$1 lost in pool game
$.50 for taxi carriage to fairground
$.10 tip to taxi carriage driver
$.25 c for Wheel of Fortune

[Grognardsw]

Enjoying the theatre with Constanace, Paladin recalled the words of an obscure Canadian poet, and said:
“All the world's indeed a stage
We are merely players
Performers and portrayers
Each another's audience outside the gilded cage”

Paladin found the touch of Constance’s knee titillating.

On the English accent question, Paladin replied: “I believe so. The Standard - or Queen’s English - is most often used by diplomats and traveling gentry. But few British natives speak that. Instead there is a great variety of dialects and accents, almost one for each county reflecting location and class. For example the Cockney of the London working class, the Yorkshire country side, or the Scouse of the Liverpool area.”

“Bravo!” After the play, Paladin and Constance returned by taxi carriage to the Bradford Mews. “A wonderful play made more so by your company.”

Following her cue, Paladin sat intimately close in the carriage. Small talk, laughter, woo, both knowing they would part forever tomorrow. As the hotel came into view, his bold proposal: “Ah, that this evening could go on… Perhaps a post-play drink and I could show you my recent Jules Verne purchase?” Hoping to go around her world in 80 minutes.

[jemmus]

Notice: PG-14. Parental guidance is advised.

That is so interesting, Constance replies to Paladin's explanation about English accents. On the map it looks like it's not even half the size of Texas, but it has multiple local accents. We only have one here-- and it's from the mountains of Appalachia.

At Paladin's invitation to continue the evening, she replies, It's getting late, but I don't often get to visit the city. And never have a chance to enjoy it in the company of an learned gentleman. Jules Verne, is that the imaginative Frenchman whose works are translated into English and other languages as soon as they're published? I've been considering purchasing that book-- the English- translation of course, for our little library. If it would be much of an imposition, I would enjoy perusing it just a little. She looks Paladin in the eye and gives him a smile.

In Paladin's room, perusing and turning the pages of Around the World in 80 Days afford plenty of opportunities for brushing of hands, shoulders held together, brushing cheeks while leaning close to examine and linger over illustrations. Soon, attention to the book is wholly abandoned. In the terminology of baseball, the couple round first base. And then, about as quickly, second. And then on to third....

Constance stops there, breathing quickly and heavily. Oh, Paladin. This is wrong. You'll be gone tomorrow. What if you take my heart, and carry it away with you? And what if little I take your heart, but you cannot stay? She passionately goes back for more time at second base, and third.

I'm going to call for a Luck roll from Paladin if he wants to carry on, adding any bonuses for points of Stature beyond 7 to the chance of success. For example, if Luck is 7 and Stature is 8, the roll is at 9. BH is a roll-under game, of course.

Constance will get her own Observation (Wisdom/Observation) roll. Simulating these things in RPGs is pretty much unexplored territory....

[jemmus]

Anyway, Paladin has to roll. That's just the nature of the way things work around here.

[Grognardsw]

Paladin hand’s glided down the spine of the book, fluttered the foredges, fingered the pages as he spread the volume wide open. And together they read.

Wooing [1d20]=1

[jemmus]

Constance mummurs, Oh, Paladin, what's a girl to do...? With a few quick motions he's stolen off of third base, made a slide into home, and scored a grand slam homer.

Constance eventually sighs a happy sigh and sits up in bed, holding the bedsheet loosely up to her chest. She says, My dear Paladin. I don't expect that you will ever pass this way again. But if you don't mind, I would like to write to you from time to time, just my little thoughts and questions about literary things from little old Rockwall, Texas. I would of course love to get back a little note back from you... if you ever have the time. Not letters of the heart, of course, dear. Correspondence discussing ideas of things... Culture. The arts. Philosophy and the nature of things....

When she's dressed, all bustled up, with her hair fixed and hat arranged for travel to her own room, she gives Paladin kiss on the check and a warm squeeze of his arm. She looks up at him hesitantly. I'm sorry to ask this, my dear. And please refuse if it's inconvenient or in any way a bother. You see, I'd like to reply to a letter from my cousin Ruby in Little Rock, Arkansas. Little cousin Oliver and his good friends are in trouble. It seems that they saw something they shouldn't have seen. But Ruby doesn't even trust the local U.S. mail service clerks in Little Rock not to steam open and reseal envelopes. There will be a few currency bills in the envelope to help with their expenses. But if it's an imposition, not to worry at all, my darling Paladin.

[Grognardsw]

“Of course, I’ll look forward to your letters and our correspondence,” assured Paladin. He wrote the address of the Carlton on the back of his business card.

Is Little Rock along the train route to San Francisco?

“I believe Little Rock is along my route, or close enough, for me to deliver your letter,” said Paladin. “And if I can help Ruby, I will.”

He hugged Constance. “Breakfast tomorrow?”

It had beem a long and eventful day. Paladin slept well.

[jemmus]

Constance replies, I dare not dine with you in the morning, dear Paladin. My face would surely show for all to see my... affection for you. Just like a silly lovestruck little girl. And it would make our friendship that much deeper, and parting that much sadder and harder. Does your Canadian poet have words for me for that, dear? Words that I can't compose, or express? "The sound of someone... you are fond of, who is going away." It's poor, I know, but it's all I have. Good night, Mr. Paladin, be very careful and be very safe, and thank you for a wonderful evening.... A tear drops down her cheek and she quickly dabs it away with a doily-like cotton thread lattice handkerchief. She turns and swiftly and determinedly steps down the hallway toward her room. But turns once and says, We'll get Jules Verne in the Rockwall public library, Mr. Paladin! When I've read it, I hope we can compare notes! She waves her handkerchief, red-eyed and snuffling, and clips on.

In the morning Paladin rises early to dine, pack, check out of the hotel, claim Copper from the stable, and purchase tickets for the train. To Texarkana, Texas today, maybe some miles beyond, across the Red River and into Arkansas proper. Then on to Little Rock, the state capital and junction for railways north, then west. He didn't know much about Arkansas. It was a place with a reputation only for shoeless country folk, crystals and diamonds lying on the ground in the Ozark mountains, wonderful hot springs (the envy of the rich of Europe and the West), "Arkansas toothpicks" (giant Bowie knives).

And--- the "hanging judge." Federal Judge Isaac C. Parker. Charged with getting control over the Indian Territory and the Anglo outlaws fleeing into it, selling illegal whiskey to tribes, and many more crimes. It seems that Judge Parker has a lot of work to do and a short time to do it.

[Grognardsw]

Paladin watched the changing Texas landscape from the train. His mind wandered from last night, reliving the moments, to the journey ahead.

Texas plains unfurled. Prairies dotted with scrubby mesquite trees stretched endlessly, marked by gentle rolling hills or flat, arid plains. In some areas, fields of golden grass or wildflowers swayed in the breeze, while in others, the land was interrupted by rugged, rocky outcrops or distant ranges. The sky was often wide and open; dramatic cloud formations drifted.

It was nice to relax in a seat instead of being on train guard duty. Paladin sat in a seat close to the forward door, in an aisle seat. He instinctively gave the passenger car a strategic review for doors, windows, skylights; composition of the people in the car (with a particular note of beautiful women); the place of the car in the order of the train cars; and the number, type, and order of the cars in the train.