Halloween Mystery 2019

[Deleted member 2386]

Man oh man...thrills and chills...couldn’t ask fer no better.

 I had to go pour me a cup of Pikesville Rye
ta keep from doing the ‘stationary panic’.

I love that Pikesville, it's become my go-to barrel strength sipper since folks caught on to my Stagg, Jr. a couple years back and it's become impossible to find.

 

[Blackhorse]

Never had the Stagg JR Barrel Proof Bourbon.  I guess it’s a high rye recipe?  It ain’t cheap. Close to or just over $100.  That’s about double what I’ll do.  BUT...Gotta love those Buffalo Trace products.  I enjoy the standard Buffalo Trace and don’t they produce Eagle Rare as well?  Both are well priced and very friendly.

For that potent spicy yet balanced flavor I haven’t found better than the Pikesville 110 (not a barrel proof item...at just 110 proof). This month it’s down to $42 in the state stores here, which is a very good price in my experience.  I just bought one, might have to grab another before it goes back to its normal $50.  I also grabbed a Monkey Shoulder Scotch. Also a very user friendly Speyside item for a very good price.  Both aspects are important to me.

I might sound like I drink a lot of Whiskey but any of these bottles will last me for about a year (I typically have a half dozen whiskeys on hand...Scotch, Bourbon or Rye) of occasional sippin’ using the Glencairn Whiskey Glasses my son gave me for Christmas.  They really do enhance the experience.

 

[Ozark Wizard]

It's been several days now since my promotion to Pointman. We have made good time to the GLT and are now proceeding north. I have seen signs of riders shadowing our progress, unshod horse tracks and riders in the distance, but as of yet cannot determine what tribe they might be. My guess is Cheyenne or Sioux, as they are the last few tribes that refused the government's relocation programs. I am expecting contact with them sooner than later, as they have become more bold and have been sighted by the night watch circling the herd. I was right this day….

It was early afternoon when Rabbit rode up to me with some lunch and a flask of spirits.

"What do you think son?" he asked, pointing up at the foothills with one hand as he handed me the bundle. Without looking I replied, "I believe we are going to have company for supper this evening sir. I would suggest to Mr. Sykes to have our cook prepare a large meal and hide the whiskey," taking a pull from the flask and wincing,  "such as it is."

His eyes scanned the surroundings. "Any idea who they are?"

"Too soon to tell, sir, but they're mustering up to come in tonight, mark my words. They'll want a trade. Most likely a few head of beef for safe passage through their land," I replied. Rabbit looked at me blankly. "Their land? Hell, we stole this fair and square," he said, reaching for the flask. "You're right of course, but they don't recognize our viewpoint sir." I took one more drink from the flask and handed it back. "I would still suggest Mr. Sykes select a half dozen head to cut from the herd, just to be ready. Otherwise I will guarantee we will be missing some by morning, and they will be in better shape than what we'd prefer to lose. What's for lunch?"

Rabbit waved at the bundle. "Same as ever son, biscuit, cheese and this morning's bacon. How's your canteen?" He looked up again at our escort and his eyes got wide. "Looks like company is coming boy," and drew his rifle out, chambering a round. I put my hand on the barrel. "Please sir, put that away," I said in a level tone. His eyes caught mine. "There's five riders coming at us and there's only two of us! Let go!" I hung on as he tried to jerk the rifle free. I could hear the horses coming up behind me, a full gallop. They were close.

"Rabbit, SIR, put your gun away now or we die here, right now." With that I let him go and spun my ride around and rode hard to meet our company. We met in a small glade, a bit of a marshy wetland with a small creek running somewhere among the high grasses. The sound of sloppy ground slapping against hooves was our introduction. I pulled back on the reigns as the party surrounded me. I stayed focused on the lead brave and upon being within a breath of him, realized who it was under the face paint. I greeted him with my hands open and the biggest smile I could manage. Rabbit would have been proud.

"Quinn. It is good to see you. It has been many moons since our last meeting." The man said. "You lead more Whites into my home, feed your small buffalo on the grasses, muddy the waters. You taking them to the Montana? I do not like your company, he bears arms against my people,"  pointing behind me. "I can smell his fear, and the stink of death upon him." I turned in my saddle to see Rabbit where I left him, rifle still in his hands.

"I am happy to see you well, Screaming Eagle," I said as I returned to face him. I leaned forward and whispered, "He rides with me, yes. He does not understand the ways of Men, and as he saw you approach he was frightened. Forgive his foolishness. His name will explain his actions." Screaming Eagle leaned back.

"Names have power," he said. "What is he called?"

"Rabbit" I smiled again, rolling my eyes. Screaming Eagle lurched forward. "Rabbit? Rabbit?" With that he laughed loudly and looked at his party. "Vohkoohe!" as he pointed to Rabbit. The group erupted in laughter, and began dancing their horses around, whooping and laughing, pointing at my companion behind me yelling "Vohkoohe! Vohkoohe!" and laughing more.

"Call your  man over," Screaming Eagle chuckled. "I would meet with your Rabbit." I shook my head.

"My friend, I would not have you meet this one here. Come with us to our camp and meet with my chief, Sykes. We will smoke and eat, and strike a price for our safe passage. Let us prepare for your company." Screaming Eagle nodded. "You are wise for a man of few seasons Quinn. We will prepare. Look for us when the sun is one fist from the mountain." He looked past me. "And wash your Rabbit, it smells."

I smiled. "Washing will only make it smell worse."

More translating, more laughter. With that Screaming Eagle turned his pony around and rode off, his braves behind him. I rode back to Rabbit, who was just finishing the flask. "Damn son," he said. "You sure got a way with them savages. What's the word?" I told him that we were going to have company for supper, the arrangement and timing. Rabbit nodded. "I suppose it's time for me to head back to the group and let Mr. Sykes know to have Cookie set out the good china! Damn boy, you're earning your keep!"

I watched Rabbit ride off to the herd. He did actually smell pretty bad.

That evening I rode into camp with Screaming Eagle and two braves, and a rather pregnant woman. I introduced the party to Mr. Sykes, a couple of the boys and the cook. We sat and ate, smoked and the haggling began as darkness fell. At one point one of the braves got up and began to admire the horses. One of the outriders, Lefty I think, went over and tried conversing with him, using sign language and pointing. I tried keeping track of them as I participated in the conversation at the fire. Sykes was not new to the idea of giving cattle to the Tribes, so that talk was going well, and a deal was struck for four of our preselected head and a calf that was born along the way. It was a good trade. I got up to relieve myself of lunch and check the herd, excused myself from the group and headed off into the trees. After a healthy movement, I returned to the camp, saw that everything was good and about to conclude. Everyone rose to their feet when I returned.

"Where have you been Billy?" asked Sykes. "We thought you had gone to sleep without so much as a 'by your leave'. Your friend here and his wife are about to leave." With a sheepish grin I danced around the idea of my 'pending business' which elicited a chuckle from Screaming Eagle. "Some business moves faster than others Quinn. Your chief and I have an agreement, it is time to go back to our camp." He helped his bride up to her feet and one of the braves led her to her horse. I looked around and didn't notice the other brave who was talking with Lefty, when I asked, Sykes told me they had gone off together. We bid a good night and safe travels to the rest of Screaming Eagle's party, who rode off slowly into the darkness. I was told they would collect their cattle along the trail as we got closer to their camp tomorrow. Sykes and I then broke into the barrel and suffered a cup of whiskey over the fire and discussed tomorrow's route. Rabbit showed up just as we were concluding business.

"Are they gone?"

Sykes got up and stretched. "Yup. You're safe now. I'm going to sleep. See you in the morning boys." I got up as well. "Good night Rabbit," I said. "It gets early fast this time of year sir."

"It certainly does son," he replied as he headed to the chuck wagon with his flask, "You did good today boy. Keep it up!" With a big smile and a wink he then turned to the barrel and filled his flask. "Sleep well son!"

I bedded down and as soon as my head hit my rolled up coat I fell asleep. Next thing I know Sykes is standing over me poking at me with his boot. It was still dark. "Billy, get up! Trouble!"

I jumped up and began to put on my gun belt, peering around the camp, the last glow of the coals from the fire and Sykes' lantern the only illumination.

"What is it sir?" I asked as I fumbled with the buckle.

"Lefty didn't show up to relieve Little Mike on his watch. Nobody's seen him since last night when he and that brave of Screaming Eagle's went off together. We're going to look for him now. Let's go!" Then he turned away and got another lantern, lit it and brought it to me. "I'll get the others up. Where's Rabbit?"

"I don't know sir, I'll try to find him."

"Good. Keep it down, we don't want to spook the herd."

I went briefly around camp, and no one had seen either Rabbit or Lefty. I went to the horses to see if any mounts were missing. Lefty' gelding was still there, but Rabbit's mount and tack were missing. I saddled up my horse and went out searching for them. I never did find anyone but the night crew, some softly singing or whistling to the herd. None of them had seen either man. When I returned I found Rabbit sitting at the newly rekindled fire, flask in hand, and drunk as a skunk. He saw me dismount and approach him.

"Billy boy!" he shouted, "there you are, I've been looking all over for you!" He tried to get up, stumbled and almost fell into the fire. I caught him and helped him up, upon which he grabbed me in a bear hug and rocked back and forth, pounding my back. "Dammed good to see yah, boy! Where yah been? Went and did a little night huntin' boy, an' yah missed it. Yah missed it!" He plopped back down on his rear and slowly, slowly listed over to one side. When his head met the sitting log next to him he began to snore, the flask freed from his grip began to spill into the dirt. I corked his bottle and began to put it in his pocket, then noticed his coat was wet and sticky. I went to the chuck wagon to wash and in the lantern light saw the blood on my hands, the flask. 'What did he get into now?' I thought as I washed then brought the light closer to the sleeping puddle of manhood at the fire. His hands were red with blood as was the front of his coat. That was his favorite towel after all. His loud snores continued as I checked him for wounds.

That's when I found the scalp hanging from his belt.

I jumped up. My mind was racing. I hoped that it wasn't from Screaming Eagle's party. This act could get us all killed if it was. I had to find Sykes.

 

[Deleted member 2386]

Things are cooking now! Another great installment, Ozzie, don’t envy our boy Billy but looking forward to seeing what trouble he rustles up next.

 

[Ozark Wizard]

Things are cooking now! Another great installment, Ozzie, don’t envy our boy Billy but looking forward to seeing what trouble he rustles up next.

Yah, things are going to get a little crazy. The body count is about to go up. This next installment is busy....

 

[Ozark Wizard]

As morning broke, I found Sykes talking to an outrider. I rode up slowly, taking time to consider what I would say, how to approach Sykes with what Rabbit had done. I wasn't sure how long it would take Screaming Eagle to come looking for his man, much less that at some point we had to give him his cattle as part of our bargain, and that if Rabbit was brandishing his trophy what trouble that might create. As I approached, the men looked at me and stopped talking….

"Any sign of Lefty?" asked Sykes. I shook my head. "No sir, but Rabbit showed up earlier." I looked at the horizon. "He was hunting sir. Probably still sleeping it off at camp," I replied. Sykes noticed me looking around, and turned to the western ridge.

"Something on your mind son?" he asked. "Or are you nervous about meeting your friend later for the trade?"

I kept my eyes to the ridge. "Not nervous sir," I said. "I have dealt with Screaming Eagle before, and he is a man of his word." I then looked at Sykes and waited for eye contact. "A word, sir?" Sykes looked at me for a moment, then turned to the outrider.

"Keep on them boy," he said. "I'll check with you later." He then turned to me. "Let's go check on Rabbit." He turned his horse and rode past me toward camp.

We rode back to camp in silence for a while, as the sun peeked from behind the rolling hills to our east. Once it's rays hit us, Sykes stopped and waited for me to come along side.

"Rabbit was hunting last night?"
"Yessir, that's what he told me," I said. Sykes looked at me with solemn eyes. "Any luck?"

I looked back sadly. "'Fraid so sir."

Sykes kicked his mount and continued on for a bit, then stopped again, waiting for me to come up along side. He looked at our camp. The cook was finishing up breakfast, the smell carried to us the familiar scents. Without looking at me, he asked, "A pelt?"

"So to speak sir."

Sykes looked down, then shut his eyes a moment. When he looked up, he was shaking his head. "Any idea?"

"I don't know sir," I replied. "If it's one of Screaming Eagle's party there'll be hell to pay. Sir, I am going to suggest that we keep Rabbit out of our business with the Cheyenne. When we first came across them he was found to be, well, offensive. I would also suggest that anyone with scalps have them well hidden when we ride to their camp with the cattle." Sykes nodded.

"Well, we best get this day started then." He kicked his horse and rode into camp. I waited a moment, scanning the hills and ridge once more before following him in.

I tied my ride up and went to the dwindling campfire, and found Rabbit had gone. I asked the cook if he had seen him. He hadn't. Sykes was talking with the crew at the chow line, asking for Rabbit and Lefty. No one had seen either since last night. As I approached Sykes saw me, handed me a plate and suggested I join him. We got our breakfast and went off to find some privacy.

"So," Sykes began, "Nobody has seen either man, and now Rabbit's horse is gone too. I'm wondering if he rode off to check the herd." He began to shovel his food in, and so I joined him. We ate, once again, in silence. As always, when he finished, he tossed his plate down and sipped his coffee as he waited for me to finish. I pushed my food around the plate, looking for something I might find desirable. I couldn't eat. Sykes noticed.

"Having trouble?" he asked. I set my plate down and picked up my coffee.

"I'm finding no appetite sir. First we lose
Lefty, and now this thing with Rabbit. What are we going to do sir?"

Sykes downed his coffee looking past me. "Better finish up Billy," he motioned past me. "Fat's hittin' the fire son. You're up." I turned to see and my heart sank. The western ridge was lined with riders. I could just make out Screaming Eagle in full headdress with about twenty braves coming at us. There was no hurry to their approach, which worried me. The whole strength of warriors represented and Screaming Eagle in full regalia told me we were in serious trouble. This would be no simple exchange. I looked at Sykes.

"Sir, I suggest we clear the camp. Get the crew ready for a fight or a quick run." I motioned to the creek bed. "If we can get a couple of good rifles down along the bank there to cover us, I'd feel better, as long as they're not anxious to shoot."

Sykes looked me over. "Not riding out to meet them?" I shook my head. "No sir. I think we're getting an inspection of sorts, and riding out to meet them will look like we have something to hide. I'll just walk out to the edge of camp."

I walked off to meet the incoming party as Sykes got the rest of the crew situated. AS I got closer to Screaming Eagle I waved a greeting to them. There was no acknowledgement. 'Not good' I thought to myself. We continued to close on each other when I noticed one horse with a bundle thrown over it. We got within about a stone's throw of each other when everyone but Screaming Eagle stopped, who continued to approach me, leading the laden pony. Thunder rolled in the distance as Screaming Eagle stopped in front of me. His gaze was stoic.

"Quinn."

We looked eye to eye. His eyes burned, his visage stone. I looked back solidly and replied, "Good morning my friend. I thought we had agreed to meet at your camp with our payment. What brings you to our camp?" Without a word he turned and pulled the pony carrying the bundle close. "See what your company has done, Quinn" as he held the lead to me. I approached the pony and looked at the bundle. From the side I was I saw a pair of moccasins.

"Other side," said the chief. I went around and pulled open the bundle. It was as I feared, the brave who was talking to Lefty had been scalped. I carefully rewrapped the bundle. 'What a waste', I thought to myself. I turned to face my friend, and removed my hat.

"How is it this happened?" I asked. Screaming Eagle looked hard at me. "You know of this Quinn, I see it in your eyes. We found him in the first light with what was left of the man from your tribe. The one with the horses. We could not bring him, other than this," And with that he reached behind him and threw Lefty's hat at my feet. It fell to the ground heavily. When I picked it up, the front of Lefty's head fell out. The remains landed so his face was upended, vacant eyes open to the sky. I gently placed the hat over the remains and looked up at Screaming Eagle.

"What manner of beast could do this?" I asked. The chief looked down at me. "The worst kind," he answered. "Man. But not Man. Beast, but not beast. Both, yet neither. An angry spirit in flesh." He leaned forward.

"We have the beastman. My tribe would have their way with him, but our shaman would have you dispense the punishment as a sign of good faith. Would your chief do this?"

I looked at him puzzled, yet curious about the proposal. "Would you come with me to meet with him? I cannot speak to this," I said. Screaming Eagle shook his head. "I will not. Bring your chief to my camp now, and we will smoke and talk of what is to be done." He then turned his horse and rode away, leading the pony with it's bundle away. I looked down at the hat. I carefully picked it up, and on my way back to camp, ducked into some brush and tucked it away. Bringing this in will not improve things.

Sykes and some others approached me when I got into camp. Everyone was nervous, naturally.

"What's going on Billy?"

I told them about the brave being scalped and found dead, and that Sykes and I needed to meet the elders and chief right away. I told them that they claimed to have the culprit, and they wanted us to punish them. The group began to theorize….

"Lefty scalped him."
"Rabbit got carried away."
"We should just ride in and blast them out."

Sykes rang the dinner bell to get attention. "We don't know anything until Billy and I go talk with them. Everyone mind your duties and get to work. We'll be back!" He turned to me.

"Saddle up son, we've got business to tend to."

 

[Deleted member 2386]

Thanks for another hair raising installment! Reading this reminded me of this great concept album, which takes uncredited Native American music compositions collected during Teddy Roosevelt’s administration and gives them a dark and heavy interpretation—one track in particular definitely belongs on the soundtrack to Ozzie’s eerie opus!

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[Stick]

Goodness me, Wiz. This is really good. Encore!

 

[Ozark Wizard]

As Sykes and I rode over the western ridge we saw the Cheyenne camp. Several Wigwams in extending concentric circles from three large larger ones in the center. I pointed them out.

"That's where we'll meet Screaming Eagle. When we go in, don't look around. Just focus forward until you see him, then focus on him. Follow my lead and we should be fine. You'll need to do the talking though." Sykes looked at me. "You're my chief in his eyes sir," I finished. Sykes chuckled a bit.

"Glad we cleared that up, Billy. I was beginning to wonder." Then he prodded his horse forward and we went down in.

We rode down and were met by two braves, who came in alongside us. No words were exchanged. As we approached the camp, people came out and encircled us, leaving our path clear to the center. As we got closer several braves came out with Screaming Eagle and his Entourage came out of the  Great Lodge. Sykes leaned over to me as we continued walking our horses in to say something but before he could speak the brave riding next to him whipped him with a switch. Sykes snapped his head around, hand reaching for his pistol. I quickly grabbed his left arm and whispered to not speak until Screaming Eagle addresses us. Without turning I saw him relax his posture and turn ahead. Not a word was spoken until we stopped to dismount. The two braves collected our horses from us and walked into the crowd.

"You are Chief Sykes?" asked Screaming Eagle. Sykes nodded. "We have one of your men here, one who killed and skinned my blood relative. He claims to be of importance to your tribe. Because of this I sent for you to give him his punishment."

Sykes looked at me, to which I nodded toward Screaming Eagle. "I am sorry for what my man did. He is indeed important to me, and I come to negotiate for his release," Sykes said. Screaming Eagle's group talked briefly. The medicine chief waved at us, in loud tones, regarding the danger we pose and that we should be sent away. Another older man shook his head and replied in quieter tones. The conversation became more hushed as it progressed. Eventually, the older man spoke.

"This beast we have is no man. He brings evil and hatred to these lands. It is decided that for you to pass through you must bring to balance the wrong done here."

I looked over to Sykes. "I think they want you to pass judgement and execute Rabbit sir." Sykes looked narrowly at me, through clenched teeth hissed back, "That'll be the day." He glared up at our hosts. ""That'll be the day!" he proclaimed loudly. The crowd became agitated. I looked at Screaming Eagle, pleading with my eyes. He saw and raised his hands, shouting to the people. When it got quiet he walked up to us very close.

"Sykes, I will tell you plain. Your rabbit will die, today, now. It will be by my people's hand or yours. If you do not act, you will not survive to your destination. If you do act, you may continue on your path to the Montana."

Sykes thought a moment. "So my man is unharmed? May I speak with him?" Screaming Eagle stepped aside and motioned through. "This way. I will show you." Sykes stayed still. Screaming Eagle looked at him, and then turned to walk away. I nodded to Sykes and we followed to an area past the lodges. There was a large sage bush in a rocky hollow, and at it's base was Rabbit's head tethered to it. His arms and legs looked tied up like a calf roped up. Screaming Eagle pointed down, "There is your beast. Finish this and go back to your path." He then produced a knife of obsidian and handed it to Sykes. "Use this to make sure," as he looked solemnly at Sykes, who took the knife in hand. It was then Rabbit noticed us up above.

"Thank God boss! You're here to save me! Is that you Billy? Tell these savages to untie me or we'll kill everyone here! Are the rest of the boys here? Untie me you f***s! I'll kill y'all! (He carried on for some time until the children of the village began throwing rocks at him. At some point I believe one rock knocked him unconscious)

Sykes turned to Screaming Eagle. "You want me to kill him with this?" brandishing the knife. "I can't kill him like that, nor any other way." He turned to me, desperate, "Billy, you have to talk to him. I won't kill Rabbit. Not like this. I know he's a bounder and a rascal, sure, but he's one of us! Help me work a deal here!" I turned to Screaming Eagle.

"My friend, may I speak to my chief?"

Screaming Eagle looked at me blankly, shaking his head. "Yes Quinn. Speak." We then looked at each other for a moment. I then realized he wasn't going to offer the privacy I had hoped to intimate. With a sigh I turned to Sykes. I thought for a moment, then said,

"Cappen ah recun we ain't gonna git nuttin sayed pravat like, some Imma gonna take thissun naff and head down to visit yo bunnay, 'n cut him loose, den we lickedy split out, yessuh?" I could tell Screaming Eagle wasn't understanding as he leaned in with a curious expression. Sykes understood what I meant being an old Confederate cavalry officer back in the war, and handed me the blade. I turned to Screaming Eagle.  In Cheyenne I said, "My friend, my chief would have me do this, as I am his lead brave. Permit this, and let us put to rest the spirits." Screaming Eagle looked at me for a time. I think he was still trying to translate what I had said to Sykes. His eyes searched mine. At one point there was a moment of something like, recognition? Without looking away, he nodded once.

"You then, Quinn. Balance." He then looked past Sykes and I to the group that had gathered around. He told them what was to transpire. At least what he thought.  The idea of being on both ends of deception made my heart race. As I shimmied down the bank to Rabbit I could feel all the eyes upon me. Once in the hollow, I made my way towards the sage. The smell was overwhelming. I could feel the air getting heavy and my eyes watered. I knelt down next to Rabbit's head as he came to consciousness. He Looked up and began to sob.

"Damn good to see you Billy, really, really good. You gonna get me outta here?"

I looked down at him without eye contact. He was pretty torn up, bruised and bleeding. I then looked up at the crowd of people around the hollow, a sea of faces, all looking in on what was happening. The sun was almost directly overhead now, and the heat and smell of the sage was strong. I looked back at Rabbit and got close.

"We're not getting out of here with you," I told him. "That was your last scalp sir." He tried to look at me, but his face was turned to the ground. The struggle to turn was too much for him.

"Get me outta here Billy!" He shouted.

"Look," I said. "Either you're gonna die, or we're all gonna die. My preference is that I don't die for you. I'm guessing the rest of the crew thinks that too. So. I've got your choices Rabbit. This," as I held up the knife, "or this," as I patted my revolver. I'm still going to have to cut you with this knife, but I can make it so you don't feel it by putting a bullet in you."

Rabbit started panting. Then he got quiet.

"I'm gonna die?"

"Sorry sir." I looked back up, then back to him. "Just get it done boy," he grunted. "You're probably all dead anyway.  You can't trust them savages."

I shifted my position a little so he could actually look at me. I decided to cut his neck free of the base of the sage, and sat him up. I looked back up at the crowd and noticed Sykes. His expectant look of hope in front of a background of dark faces and rifles pointed at the three of us. I looked back at Rabbit.

"Got your flask sir?" I asked. He nodded. "I think it's on the inside pocket there son."

I reached in and sure enough, the flask was there. I popped the cork and took a drink. Yup, still awful. I tucked it into my coat.

"Hey boy!" he complained, as I put my hand over his mouth and inserted the obsidian blade at his navel and slid it up to his sternum with a swift move. I held my hand over his face as his contents slipped forth from his cavity as clean as dressing a hung pig. Eyes locked on each other, I watched the life drain from his gaze. When his twitching slowed I removed my hand from him and leaned in close to his ear.

"What a waste," I whispered.

I got up, and began my climb out of the hollow. Sykes face was one of shock and dismay. "You killed him," he said. I nodded and replied,

"He wanted it that way. Now we can move on." I handed Screaming Eagle the knife. "Now my friend, may we leave in peace?"

He looked at me with a stone visage. As he handed the blade over to the medicine man he said, "Yes. Go in peace. Do not return this way. " He then turned  away and walked back to the center lodges. Our horses were brought up to us and we rode back to camp in silence.

 

[Corncobcon]

Oh man, I'm going to dream about this tonight!

 

[Deleted member 2386]

This is getting as dark, sharp, and twisted as a mile of barbed wire on a moonless night. Bravo!

 

[Ozark Wizard]

Yah, that last bit just took off on me. Maybe I need to watch some Disney stuff. Maybe the Apple Dumpling Gang, or something like that. But it was a rough time in wild places back then. I'll try to lighten up.

 

[Ozark Wizard]

Attention Attention!!! We have a winner!

Yes indeed folks! Please extend congratulations to our Grandpa Grossbart! He reasoned out and correctly identified our killer!

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Well done sir! :cheers:

 

[BriarBeagle]

Congratulations, GG!

I've still gotta get caught up. Im only on the 3rd chapter. :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Deleted member 2386]

Oh man, this is the best Halloween ever! Thanks so much for penning such an intriguing mystery, Ozzie, it's been a ton of fun to read along--and I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say I can't wait to read the ending!

 

[Deleted member 2386]

Congratulations, GG!

I've still gotta get caught up.  Im only on the 3rd chapter. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Thanks, Loren! And you're in for a spooky treat, I think Ozzie managed to outdo last year's for sheer creepiness!

 

[Deleted member 2386]

And of course a legendarily massive thank you to our resident wereocelot for carving the prize--I'm a huge fan and am over the (full) moon to see what you come up with!

 

[Ocelot55]

And of course a legendarily massive thank you to our resident wereocelot for carving the prize--I'm a huge fan and am over the (full) moon to see what you come up with!

Congrats! It'll be hard to top the cleaver pipe I made last year, but I am almost done with this year's pipe. I'll have something by the end of the week.

 

[D.L.Ruth]

Congratulations, I haven't even gotten to finish yet lol.

 

[Brewdude]

Whaaa????? I was just starting to really get into the story. No way could I even begin to work out the whodunnit at this point. Gramps must be psychic or something!!

:scratch:

In any event I sincerely hope Ozzie continues this most excellent tale to conclusion. And I must say that he exhibits a real talent for creative writing. He could be the next Stephen King at this rate!


Cheers,

RR