We join our party as they look to get paid after delivering the body of a dead bounty hunter to Ellis Rockcliffe. But paid by whom? Actually, Hubb McGraw, on behalf of Philem Quinlivan, is their paymaster, given they have double-crossed Ellis. A deed for the rights of Apache land to the north of Steaming Rock was taken from the body and is in the hands of the party.

The Dead Gunslinger

We begin with a stormy confrontation with Ellis as Dutch, Cody, Winston and Diago present the body of bounty hunter Thomas Vance and his belongings. Ellis gets his men to crowbar off the coffin lid, brushes aside the flies and picks up the saddlebag. Rooting through it, Ellis flings it to the ground in front of the group, “Where is it!?”

A heated exchange, the group insist they don’t know what he means. Ellis blurts out that he wants the deeds; gradually, he calms, helped by some reasoned and innocent protestations from Winston (Performin’). Ellis decides to send notice to his “contact” in Silver City, who was keeping an eye on the body; he’ll know if there is any wrongdoing, but until then, the party won’t get paid. The group protests but eventually leaves, grumbling and putting on a good act.

Meanwhile, Danny is on his way through the main street after a dressing down from Hubb’s wife Winnie after Danny demanded payment, for which Winnie knew nothing.

Danny spots Hubb riding down the street and hails him. They exchange a few words, and Hubb invites Danny into the Barber’s for a shave and a chat. The only customer is sent on his way, shaving foam round his chops and Danny and Hubb sit down for a shave and to talk business. The owner, Obedience, listens in as she cuts and shaves.

Danny explains the truth of the situation and asks Hubb to make good on Quinlivan’s deal. Hubb nods and says to meet at the Grand Hotel in a few hours, as he gathers together what money he can.

Danny heads back to his homestead, meeting up with the others. They exchange news. In addition, Danny speaks with Turuk and his twenty-five-strong “family”. Turuk is uncomfortable; there have been looks and words from other townsfolk, and he thinks it is best if they head north to the reserve a mile from Steaming Rock.

Danny suggests that Turuk come back and work for him with others who are interested, and it is agreed that in a few days, he’ll return.

At the appointed time, the party meets with Hubbard McGraw in a back room of The Grand Hotel. Hubb keeps it short, lifting out five stacks of $500 from a travel bag, then insisting on inspecting the deeds. He seems happy and tells the party to keep in touch - there will be more work. He also warns them that Ellis may not take kindly to being double-crossed, IF he finds out. They should keep quiet, no big spending or bringing attention.

Turn of the Season

Summer turns to Autumn, okay, we’ll call it Fall to keep the immersion going.

The wells are built, bringing abundant fresh water to the town.

Danny’s homestead fails to bring in any money, there are recriminations and his sister Aida (Compadre) upsticks and leaves.

Diago’s preaching at the back of a Mexico City Saloon fails to bring in more than a few dollars; perhaps things are still preying on his mind.

As summer progressed, it was agreed that Steaming Rock would build a Town Hall, and that land would be cleared to expand the town with new amenities and homes.

With money from Quinlivan, they can set themselves up with a comfortable lifestyle, or at least be out of poverty for the Fall ahead. Winston decides to go into partnership with William Moyer and invests in a share of the Homestead Inn. Dutch invests in his land and starts to build a single-storey shack. With some help and luck, it should be finished before winter.

The town seems happy that Winston has invested in the Homestead Inn; he’s a popular character.

Others who are happy are the workers at Danny’s homestead. Danny may regret the words he said to Aida, his sister, but it seems those who work on the homestead have a much more leisurely time after Aida went off.

Diago takes over Aida’s room and sets about making improvements across the home; it seems Aida’s oppressive regime is at an end.

Dutch and Cody’s experiences during the summer will come to light later in the fall.

Lastly, as the first cold winds of the fall kick up dust, a group of riders enter Steaming Rock. They make for The Grand Hotel, tie up their horses and head on into the bar. Old Jeremiah looks on and whispers under his breath, “Pinkertons in town!”

No Love Between Friends

As the colours on the trees change, Cody, Winston and Dutch make their usual visit to Ellis to ask for their money. Expecting again to be told Ellis is busy or out of town, they are surprised to hear shouting, “HE NEEDS TO BE TAUGHT A LESSON.” A flustered Ellis Rockcliffe bursts out of the front door of his house, then pauses as he sees the group. About to turn back and go in, he changes his mind and wanders over, “Sorry, boys, my contact in Silver City seems to have gone missing. I’ve sent one of my best men to go and find out what the holdup is. If all is above board, you’ll get your money, I promise.”

Ellis also suggests he may need some help, more pay, and he’ll be in touch.

Back in town, the party hear another ruckus outside The Grand Hotel. Cody sneaks nearer to get a clearer view. Mayor Bertrand is surrounded by Howard Ross’s men, who are demanding that he let them hire more workers for the new mine they’ve established in the hills. Bertrand insists only Ellis has a say on mining hires. The group leave threatening that Ross himself will come down here to get justice once he returns to town.