Start of a transcript of: Dust A Western by IkeC Release 1 / Serial number 240828 / Inform 7 v10.1.2 Inform 7 v10.1.2 Identification number: //// Interpreter version 1.3.6 / VM 3.1.2 Ext version 1 by IkeC Hybrid Choices version 7.1 by AW Freyr Room Description Control version 14.1.220524 by Emily Short Ordinary Room Description version 4.0.220524 by Emily Short >l Room This room is rather sparsely furnished. There's a bed in the corner with a small nightstand to the left. The opposite wall features a small window. A plain wooden door leads outside and down the stairs. >x nightstand A small bedside table with an open compartment. In the nightstand is a shoulder bag. >x bag A scuffed shoulder bag made from slightly cracked leather. >open bag You open the shoulder bag, revealing a revolver, a draft notice, a drawing and some money. >x gun Your Colt Navy, Model 1861. Freshly cleaned, loaded and ready to fire. >x notice A draft notice for Thomas Marshall, over five years old according to the date. An important document that you always carry with you, as it identifies you as a former member of the army. As a welcome side effect, you can also look up your name if you've had a rough night. >x drawing A folded charcoal drawing, already slightly brittle at the edges. It shows Claire, your wife. You miss her beyond words. You carefully tuck the drawing into the inside of your vest. >x money About twelve dollars. >i You are carrying: a drawing clothing (being worn) >x me You've been through worse, but you could probably do with a bath and a shave. >get bag Taken. >d Saloon You shuffle down the stairs, massaging your aching left shoulder. The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. A woman is behind the counter, taking a drag on her cigarette. She gives you a slightly amused look. >talk to woman What would you like to say to the woman? [1] "How are you doing?" [2] "Looks wild in here." [0] End conversation >1 ["How are you doing?"] The woman behind the counter is Ella, you first met years before. "I'm doing quite well, thanks Tom. Nothing upsets me easily here anymore, at least not a little bar brawl. [1] "Looks wild in here." [2] "There was a fight?" [0] End conversation >2 ["There was a fight?"] "No idea who started it this time. The Mifflin brothers were drinking heavily again and waving dollar bills around, but of course they didn't spend it on anyone but themselves." She shrugs and gives you a little smile. "I suppose some people didn't like that." [1] "Looks wild in here." [2] "Mifflin? Doesn't ring a bell." [0] End conversation >2 ["Mifflin? Doesn't ring a bell."] "Oh, you don't even know the Mifflin brothers? Then they must have turned up when you were already out of town back then. Their names are Calvin and Bob, they put the old mine west of here back into operation and they actually found something again it seems. Ella pauses briefly and takes a long drag on her cigarette. "In any case, they obviously have enough money to get drunk here on a regular basis. That's fine by me." [1] "Looks wild in here." [0] End conversation >1 ["Looks wild in here."] "Things got pretty rough here yesterday when you were already upstairs. I'll clean it all up later," says Ella. "You look pretty exhausted, do you want a coffee? I brewed one as soon as I heard you get up." [1] "A coffee please." [0] End conversation >1 ["A coffee please."] Ella turns around and pours a deep black steaming broth from a small tin pot into a cup and places it on the counter in front of you. "Enjoy your coffee, that'll be a quarter. I'm afraid I'm out of sugar, but I still have a cookie." Ella puts a cookie next to the cup. You put the money down, stick your nose deep into the cup and take a deep breath. Wonderful. [0] End conversation >0 Saloon The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, cleaning the sink. >x beams Massive wooden beams support the ceiling of the large room. A long nail is hammered into one of the beams with a kerosene lamp dangling from it. >x lamp A large kerosene lamp with a handle. It is not lit. >get lamp You can't quite reach it like this, the lamp is hanging a little too high. >x counter The bar counter has a few dark spots and minor carving marks from bored guests, but overall, it looks quite clean. On the counter are a cookie and a coffee cup. >get cup Ella raises an eyebrow. "The cup stays here!" >drink coffee You take a small sip. Not bad. >eat cookie You'd better save that for later. >get cookie You wrap the cookie carefully. >put cookie in bag You put the cookie into the shoulder bag. >i You are carrying: a shoulder bag (open) a cookie a revolver a draft notice some money a drawing clothing (being worn) >close bag You close the shoulder bag. >i You are carrying: a shoulder bag (closed) a drawing clothing (being worn) >l Saloon The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, scratching her chin. >n Main Street You step through the swinging door in front of the saloon. A small canopy protects you from the scorching sun. An unpleasantly hot wind slowly carries a thorny tumbleweed out of the city. There is not a soul to be seen. The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. Three similar-looking wooden buildings are located on the opposite side of the street to the north. The saloon lies to the south. >x building The building in the northwest is apparently the sheriff's office. To the north is a general store and next to it in the northeast is a small barber store. >n Bill's store is not yet open. >nw The front door to the sheriff's office is locked. >ne The barber shop still seems to be closed. >time I didn't understand that sentence. >e Gallows As you pass the last building, the wind hits you hard from the side. You pull your scarf over your nose and continue walking slowly. After a few more steps, you can gradually make out a kind of scaffolding in the cloud of dust in front of you. You are standing in front of a gallows consisting of two posts with crossbars and a noose. A wooden platform serves as a foundation. Further north you think you can recognize some leaning crosses. Heading west, you can return to town. >get rope Even if you could unknot the noose, the rope would be of no use to you in this form. >x rope A thick rope, tied into a noose and cut at the lower end. The gallows were probably decommissioned after the war. >x gallows The gallows consist of two thick posts with crossbars and a rope. The noose is severed. >x platform A wooden platform, apparently hastily put together, forms the foundation of the gallows. It is almost completely covered with sand. >clean platform Without suitable tools, this is a pointless undertaking. >n Cemetery You walk a few steps further towards the crosses. Half-height bushes protect the gravesites and their visitors from the wind. Several crooked crosses stand carelessly crammed next to each other on a small hill, none of them inscribed. Possibly the final resting place of deserters. Further ahead, four crosses stand neatly lined up next to each other, each at the head of a grave thoroughly edged with stones. In the south you can see the outline of the gallows. >x crosses Which of the crosses would you like to read? [1] First cross [2] Second cross [3] Third cross [4] Fourth cross [0] End >1 [First cross] "Biff Clayton" "1837-1868" [1] First cross [2] Second cross [3] Third cross [4] Fourth cross [0] End >2 [Second cross] "Mathilda Brooks, née Walker" "1808-1869" [1] First cross [2] Second cross [3] Third cross [4] Fourth cross [0] End >3 [Third cross] "Wendy Porter" "1816-1875" [1] First cross [2] Second cross [3] Third cross [4] Fourth cross [0] End >4 [Fourth cross] "Lucille Thompson, née Powell" "1845-1878" [1] First cross [2] Second cross [3] Third cross [4] Fourth cross [0] End >5 Cemetery Several crooked crosses stand carelessly crammed next to each other on a small hill, none of them inscribed. Possibly the final resting place of deserters. Further ahead, four crosses stand neatly lined up next to each other, each at the head of a grave thoroughly edged with stones. In the south you can see the outline of the gallows. A gecko sits rigidly on one of the grave crosses basking in the sun. As you reach out for it, it disappears into the bushes in a flash. >x graves Which of the graves would you like to examine? [1] First grave [2] Second grave [3] Third grave [4] Fourth grave [0] End >0 Cemetery Several crooked crosses stand carelessly crammed next to each other on a small hill, none of them inscribed. Possibly the final resting place of deserters. Further ahead, four crosses stand neatly lined up next to each other, each at the head of a grave thoroughly edged with stones. In the south you can see the outline of the gallows. >s Gallows You are standing in front of a gallows consisting of two posts with crossbars and a noose. A wooden platform serves as a foundation. Further north you think you can recognize some leaning crosses. Heading west, you can return to town. >w Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. As the wind drops for a moment, you think you hear a soft whimper from the west. >w Ranch You come to a small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. A young woman sits sobbing on a small bench. >talk to woman What would you like to say to the young woman? [1] "May I help you Ma'am?" [0] End conversation >1 ["May I help you Ma'am?"] The young woman looks up to you, her eyes welling with tears. "Michael is gone!" [1] "Who is Michael?" [2] "What is your name?" [0] End conversation >2 ["What is your name?"] "I'm Lucy." [1] "Who is Michael?" [0] End conversation >1 ["Who is Michael?"] Lucy blows into her handkerchief once. "Michael is my fiancé. He wanted to go to the saloon yesterday." She takes a deep breath and points over to the horses. "When I got here this morning, the horses weren't looked after and there was no sign of Michael. He would never leave the horses to themselves like that!" [1] "Do you have any idea what might have happened?" [0] End conversation >1 She averts her eyes. "I don't know. Before he left yesterday, he said briefly that he had heard something about the Mifflin brothers. When I wanted to know what exactly, he looked at me thoughtfully and said it wasn't that important." Lucy turns back to you. Her gaze wanders past your face, her eyes widen in fear. "Hey, what--" POW! ~~~ Claire whirls around. "To the army? Are you out of your mind?" She is so beautiful when she is angry, but the sparkling fire in her eyes sometimes scares you a little. As you try to stroke her cheek, she quickly turns away. "You know we need the money." You try to sound as firm and determined as possible, but you're not entirely convinced of your decision yourself. She looks out of the dusty window defiantly, her arms crossed in front of her chest. Her chin trembles slightly. Claire... ~~~ Ouch. Your head is pounding again, only this time it doesn't feel like too much whiskey the night before. "Enjoying a little nap, eh?" You slowly open your eyes, looking straight into the weather-beaten face of the sheriff. >stand The sheriff growls indignantly. "Stay here, boy! First you tell me what happened here." >talk to sheriff What would you like to say to Sheriff Dunder? [1] "What happened? How did I get here?" [0] End conversation >1 ["What happened? How did I get here?"] "What happened? That's what I wanted to know from you, boy." Sheriff Dunder takes a step back and leans against his desk. "Deputy Miller found you on the ranch with your face in the dirt and blood on your head. Didn't want you to die there in the sweltering heat, so he dragged you in here." Yeah right, the ranch, Lucy... it's all starting to come back to you. [1] "What about Lucy?" [0] End conversation >1 ["What about Lucy?"] Dunder frowns. "Miller says the ranch was empty, no Michael, no Lucy. What was going on, boy? You briefly recount your conversation with Lucy. The sheriff eyes you critically and finally sighs. "Lucy is the daughter of Mayor Thompson. If something happened to her, you're not the only one with a problem." [1] "Why is this my problem now?" [0] End conversation >1 ["Why is this my problem now?"] The sheriff approaches you slowly and pushes his face in front of yours until the tips of your noses are almost touching. His breath stinks foul and his eyes glare balefully at you. "You've been here one day and already the mayor's daughter has disappeared. I have no idea what exactly you have to do with it and whether your story is true, but I strongly advise you to find out where she is." [1] "Can you tell me something about Lucy?" [2] "May I leave now?" [0] End conversation >1 ["Can you tell me something about Lucy?"] "She's the daughter of Mayor Thompson, his stepdaughter, to be precise. She got engaged to that ranch boy, doesn't suit Thompson at all." Dunder pulls one up noisily and spits under the plank bed. "Her mother must have died a year or so ago. Didn't know her though, only been here a few months myself." [1] "May I leave now?" [0] End conversation >1 ["May I leave now?"] The sheriff turns away from you and nods reluctantly. "Your papers stay here and you're not leaving town. The coach is already through today anyway and you won't be able to afford a horse." Dunder comes closer again and looks at you penetratingly. "Your stuff is on the table. We'll keep an eye on you boy. Don't do anything stupid." [0] End conversation >x table Please select one of the available options or 0 to move on. >0 Sheriff's Office This is Sheriff Dunder's office. Two plank beds are attached to the wall. On the opposite side is a massive desk with Sheriff Dunder sitting behind it. He has pulled his hat half over his face and seems to be dozing off. A passageway apparently leads deeper into the house. The door to the sheriff's office in the southeast leads outside. >x table A mighty desk made of dark wood. On the desk are a draft notice and a shoulder bag (closed). >get bag Taken. >get notice "Your papers will stay here until everything is sorted out." >open bag You open the shoulder bag, revealing a revolver, a cookie and some money. >close bag You close the shoulder bag. >l Sheriff's Office This is Sheriff Dunder's office. Two plank beds are attached to the wall. On the opposite side is a massive desk with Sheriff Dunder sitting behind it. He has pulled his hat half over his face and seems to be dozing off. A passageway apparently leads deeper into the house. The door to the sheriff's office in the southeast leads outside. >x beds Simple wooden platforms to sit or lie on. They have certainly seen a few bandits and/or booze chokes and smell disgusting. >ask sheriff about borthers Just talk to Sheriff Dunder. If you think you need or want to say something specific, you will be able to talk about it. >l Sheriff's Office This is Sheriff Dunder's office. Two plank beds are attached to the wall. On the opposite side is a massive desk with Sheriff Dunder sitting behind it. He has pulled his hat half over his face and seems to be dozing off. A passageway apparently leads deeper into the house. The door to the sheriff's office in the southeast leads outside. >se Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >n (first opening the store door) General Store A small bell jingles brightly as you enter the store. The area for customers is so small that two people can barely turn around at the same time. The shopkeeper Bill appears in the doorway behind the counter, croaks a quiet "morning" and gives you a wry smile. You're standing in front of the counter. Apart from the open wall shelves behind Bill, the store is quite empty. The door to the south leads out onto the road. >talk to bill What would you like to say to Bill? [1] "How's it going?" [2] "What's for sale here?" [3] "Do you happen to know where Lucy is?" [0] End conversation >1 ["How's it going?"] "Well, it has to, right?" Bill grins, showing off a yellow incisor in the upper jaw of his otherwise toothless mouth. "The coach is overdue, and I've got almost nothing left. I hope there was no robbery." [1] "What's for sale here?" [2] "Do you happen to know where Lucy is?" [0] End conversation >1 ["What's for sale here?"] "Everything you see behind me, you'll have to read it yourself. I won't sell you these red herrings though, they're no good anymore." [1] "I can't read most of the labels." [2] "Do you happen to know where Lucy is?" [0] End conversation >2 ["Do you happen to know where Lucy is?"] Bill squints his eyes suspiciously. "Lucy is a fine girl, what's your business with her?" [1] "I can't read most of the labels." [2] "Lucy has gone missing." [0] End conversation >2 ["Lucy has gone missing."] You tell Bill what happened. He seems moved. "Oh boy. I don't know where she might be, maybe with her lad? Anyway, she hasn't been in the store for a few days, and I can't really see much through these dirty windows. I'm sorry." [1] "I can't read most of the labels." [0] End conversation >1 ["I can't read most of the labels."] Bill laughs out loud, croaking, and suffers a small coughing fit. He wipes his mouth on his coat and smiles, looking slightly past you. "I'm sorry, boy. My wife used to label the goods, but she's no more. Her writing was beautiful." He grabs his face, lost in thought, shakes his head briefly and looks at you. "Just ask me if you want something specific, I'll probably remember where it is. I keep tools and stuff in the back anyway." [0] End conversation >0 General Store You're standing in front of the counter, behind it is Bill rubbing his eyes. Apart from the open wall shelves behind Bill, the store is quite empty. The door to the south leads out onto the road. >x shelves The large wall shelves are pretty empty. A few cardboard boxes, tins, small canvas bags and large brown bottles apparently contain flour, sugar, beans and a few other things that you can't identify more precisely from the scrawled labels. >talk to bill You have nothing to say to Bill right now. >l General Store You're standing in front of the counter, behind it is Bill scratching his chin. Apart from the open wall shelves behind Bill, the store is quite empty. The door to the south leads out onto the road. >s Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >ne Barber Shop You briefly nudge the red, white and blue pole next to the entrance door and enter the store. You are pleasantly surprised at how bright and clean it is here. An expansive tilt chair made of red leather is resplendent in front of a large mirror attached to the wall. Small bottles, cans and other novelties are scattered around on various tables and shelves. The parrot sits on a perch and wobbles its head. The barber stands behind the armchair sharpening his scissors. >x parrot A beautiful parrot is tripping up and down on its perch peacefully. >talk to parrot "Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep and doesn't know where to find it. Braak!" >talk to parrot "Yo-ho-ho and a bottle o' rum! Braaak!" >talk to parrot "I shot an arrow as a test, a hundred paces shot it west. Braaaak!" >talk to barber The barber takes a small step towards you and gives you a friendly grin. "Moin Mister! My name is Marten, what can I do for you today? Trim your beard, cut your hair, treat a bullet wound?" What would you like to say to Marten? [1] "Moin? Is that French or something?" [2] "Gunshot wound? I thought you were a barber." [0] End conversation >1 ["Moin? Is that French or something?"] Marten laughs heartily and holds his belly. "Excuse me mister, I can't quite break that habit. I am Frisian." [1] "What brought you here?" [2] "Gunshot wound? I thought you were a barber." [0] End conversation >1 ["What brought you here?"] "I came here over ten years ago on a clipper, was first mate. Actually wanted to go gold prospecting with Molly, but then the war took us elsewhere." [1] "Gunshot wound? I thought you were a barber." [2] "So Molly is your wife?" [0] End conversation >2 ["So Molly is your wife?"] "My wife? Haa-ha-ha!" Marten can barely contain himself and slaps his thighs. "Molly is my bird young lad! We've experienced a lot together at sea. She was there as a fire watcher, she goes off like an alarm at the slightest bit of smoke." [1] "Gunshot wound? I thought you were a barber." [2] "Why was Molly at sea with you again?" [0] End conversation >2 ["Why was Molly at sea with you again?"] "She was our fire watcher, goes off like an alarm at the slightest bit of smoke. I already told you that before!" [1] "Gunshot wound? I thought you were a barber." [2] "Why was Molly at sea with you again?" [0] End conversation >1 ["Gunshot wound? I thought you were a barber."] Marten laughs boomingly. "As a barber on the high seas, it's always useful to know a bit about treating wounds. Besides, there's no doctor here anymore." He pulls a small pipe out of his pocket and puffs some tobacco into it with a practiced movement. "And before you ask, I'm also the gravedigger here. Fortunately, I haven't had much work like that since the war." [1] "Why was Molly at sea with you again?" [0] End conversation >0 Barber Shop An expansive tilt chair made of red leather is resplendent in front of a large mirror attached to the wall. Small bottles, cans and other novelties are scattered around on various tables and shelves. The parrot sits on a perch and wobbles its head. Marten stands behind the armchair checking his razor blade. >sw Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. A cat trots past you at a leisurely pace, gives you a tired look and disappears into the shadows between the houses. >e Gallows You are standing in front of a gallows consisting of two posts with crossbars and a noose. A wooden platform serves as a foundation. Further north you think you can recognize some leaning crosses. Heading west, you can return to town. "Looking for your friends, eh? We don't want to see the likes of you around here anymore!" You look around, puzzled, and see an elderly woman disappear into one of the houses, poking the air wildly with her walking stick. >talk to woman The woman is nowhere to be seen. >x houses A couple of inconspicuous houses in the west. >w Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >w Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. You hear a muffled bang followed by quiet cursing from the west. >w Mine After a short stretch of dusty road, a low ridge rises up in front of you. A few minutes later, you recognize the entrance to a mine. The entrance to the mine is lit by torches on both sides. A thin plume of smoke rises from the highest point of the tunnel and quickly disappears in the wind. A hollow-eyed man with disheveled black hair leans against an empty cart, playing around with his rifle. At the edge of the path, something white flashes out from behind a small shrub. The path to the east leads back to town. >talk to man As you get closer, the man points his rifle at you. "Get the hell out of here, quickly!" You raise your hands apologetically and back off. >x smoke Black smoke is constantly billowing out of the mine. Perhaps caused by the torches burning down there, or by other mining work. >x shrub A handkerchief lies next to the bush, half covered in sand. >get handkerchief You put the hankie in your pocket. >x hankie A somewhat crumpled, white handkerchief made of fine fabric. The initials LT have been carefully embroidered on one corner. >show hankie to man Just talk with the Minenmann. If you think you can show someone something, you will be able to talk about it. >talk to man As you get closer, the man points his rifle at you. "Are you deaf idiot? Piss off!" You raise your hands apologetically and back off. >l Mine The entrance to the mine is lit by torches on both sides. A thin plume of smoke rises from the highest point of the tunnel and quickly disappears in the wind. A hollow-eyed man with disheveled black hair leans against an empty cart, playing around with his rifle. The path to the east leads back to town. >x cart Apart from a few empty carts and some torches, you can't see much at the entrance to the mine. >get revolver You can't see any such thing. >open bag You open the shoulder bag, revealing a revolver, a cookie and some money. >get revolver Taken. >point gun at man I didn't understand that sentence. >aim I didn't understand that sentence. >aim at man I didn't understand that sentence. >talk to man As you get closer, the man points his rifle at you. "Are you deaf idiot? Get lost!" You raise your hands apologetically and back off. >w You can't go that way. >e Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >s Wind Pump After a few yards you arrive at the wind pump that you could see through the window of your room. The windmill is mounted at a height of around fifteen yards on a lattice mast made of long metal rods. It squeaks terribly with every rotation. A metal tail vane automatically points the rotor blades in the direction of the wind. The path leads back to the ranch in the north and towards the hill chain in the west. >x windmill The windmill turns slightly in the wind and squeaks heartbreakingly. >w Hill Chain After a few minutes' walk, you find yourself at the bottom of a low hill chain. A large boulder field of larger and smaller rocks stretches hundreds of yards across. The hills seem to offer good protection from the wind as it is almost windless here. The path in the east leads back to the wind pump of the town. >x rocks You walk up and down the boulder field, but can't see anything special about the boulders with the naked eye. At one point, you believe you notice the scent of smoke, but you can't pinpoint its exact origin. >smell It smells slightly of smoke. >n You see no path in this direction. >e Wind Pump The windmill is mounted at a height of around fifteen yards on a lattice mast made of long metal rods. It squeaks terribly with every rotation. A metal tail vane automatically points the rotor blades in the direction of the wind. The path leads back to the ranch in the north and towards the hill chain in the west. >n Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. Something whizzes past your head and lands in the paddock in front of you. A little boy sprints up and jumps over the fence. Shortly afterwards he reappears with a ball of cloth under his arm and runs off. "You didn't see nothin', mister!" >follow boy The boy is not here anymore. >x paddock A small paddock, enclosed by a waist-high fence. There is nothing here but dried steppe grass. >x hut A small wooden house with a flat, slightly sloping roof, hardly more than a shed. >enter hut You have no business there. Lucy and Michael are definitely not here. >l Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >x stable Some horses are moving around restlessly in the stable. The stench is breathtaking. >enter stable The smell is really unpleasant, and you don't expect to find anything important there. >x bench A simple bench, made of wood. >look under bench You find nothing of interest. >e Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >nw (first opening the door to the sheriff's office) Sheriff's Office This is Sheriff Dunder's office. Two plank beds are attached to the wall. On the opposite side is a massive desk with Sheriff Dunder sitting behind it. He has pulled his hat half over his face and seems to be dozing off. A passageway apparently leads deeper into the house. The door to the sheriff's office in the southeast leads outside. >show hankie to sheriff Just talk with Sheriff Dunder. If you think you can show someone something, you will be able to talk about it. >talk to sheriff What would you like to say to Sheriff Dunder? [1] "I think I've found Lucy's handkerchief!" [0] End conversation >1 ["I think I've found Lucy's handkerchief!"] "Exciting story, boy." He looks at you disdainfully. "Come back when you've found her and try not to get on my nerves any more." [0] End conversation >0 Sheriff's Office This is Sheriff Dunder's office. Two plank beds are attached to the wall. On the opposite side is a massive desk with Sheriff Dunder sitting behind it. He has pulled his hat half over his face and seems to be dozing off. A passageway apparently leads deeper into the house. The door to the sheriff's office in the southeast leads outside. >se Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >s Saloon The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, rolling a cigarette. >talk to ella What would you like to say to Ella? [1] "Have you seen Lucy?" [2] "I think I've found Lucy's hankie." [0] End conversation >1 ["Have you seen Lucy?"] "Lucy? Why?" You briefly tell Ella what happened. "Bloody hell. I last saw Lucy a few days ago, but Michael was here yesterday. I saw him whispering with a few people, then I don't remember. He probably left before the brawl, that's not his thing." [1] "I think I've found Lucy's hankie." [0] End conversation >1 ["I think I've found Lucy's hankie."] You show the handkerchief with the monogram to Ella. "Yes, that must be hers. Where did you find this?" [1] "Close to the mine entrance west of here." [0] End conversation >1 ["Close to the mine entrance west of here."] Ella's face darkens. "I don't like all this at all. She would never go into the mine voluntarily, she's been afraid of it ever since she was a child." She takes a nervous drag on her cigarette and looks you firmly in the eye. "Tom, you have to go in there. I think the entrance is too well guarded. There used to be a tunnel to the south, but it was buried by a pile of rubble a few years ago." [0] End conversation >0 Saloon The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, polishing glasses with a moderately clean-looking cloth. >n Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. A vulture sits on the roof gable in front of you and looks at you suspiciously before flying away. >w Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >w Mine The entrance to the mine is lit by torches on both sides. A thin plume of smoke rises from the highest point of the tunnel and quickly disappears in the wind. A hollow-eyed man with disheveled black hair leans against an empty cart, playing around with his rifle. The path to the east leads back to town. >s You can't go that way. >e Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. You hear the soft rattle of a rattlesnake. As you step next to the house with your revolver drawn, it quickly disappears into the steppe. >s Wind Pump The windmill is mounted at a height of around fifteen yards on a lattice mast made of long metal rods. It squeaks terribly with every rotation. A metal tail vane automatically points the rotor blades in the direction of the wind. The path leads back to the ranch in the north and towards the hill chain in the west. Two coyotes sneak up to within a few yards of you. You pick up a stone and throw it roughly in their direction, causing them to howl and run away. >x rubble You can't see any such thing. >nw You can't go that way. >w Hill Chain A large boulder field of larger and smaller rocks stretches hundreds of yards across. The hills seem to offer good protection from the wind as it is almost windless here. The path in the east leads back to the wind pump of the town. >l Hill Chain A large boulder field of larger and smaller rocks stretches hundreds of yards across. The hills seem to offer good protection from the wind as it is almost windless here. The path in the east leads back to the wind pump of the town. >x rocks You walk up and down the boulder field, but can't see anything special about the boulders with the naked eye. At one point, you believe you notice the scent of smoke, but you can't pinpoint its exact origin. >e Wind Pump The windmill is mounted at a height of around fifteen yards on a lattice mast made of long metal rods. It squeaks terribly with every rotation. A metal tail vane automatically points the rotor blades in the direction of the wind. The path leads back to the ranch in the north and towards the hill chain in the west. >n Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >sw You can't go that way. >w Mine The entrance to the mine is lit by torches on both sides. A thin plume of smoke rises from the highest point of the tunnel and quickly disappears in the wind. A hollow-eyed man with disheveled black hair leans against an empty cart, playing around with his rifle. The path to the east leads back to town. >x rubble You can't see any such thing. >s You can't go that way. >e Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >w Mine The entrance to the mine is lit by torches on both sides. A thin plume of smoke rises from the highest point of the tunnel and quickly disappears in the wind. A hollow-eyed man with disheveled black hair leans against an empty cart, playing around with his rifle. The path to the east leads back to town. >e Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. A scrawny dog chases past you, panting at a monkey's pace, a piece of jerky between its teeth. A few houses further on, you hear someone swearing loudly. >e Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >w Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >e Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >s Saloon The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, scratching her chin. >talk to ella You have nothing to say to Ella right now. >n Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >w Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >s Wind Pump The windmill is mounted at a height of around fifteen yards on a lattice mast made of long metal rods. It squeaks terribly with every rotation. A metal tail vane automatically points the rotor blades in the direction of the wind. The path leads back to the ranch in the north and towards the hill chain in the west. >x lattice The lattice mast consists of welded metal rods. One of the rods near the ground seems to have come loose. >x rod A solid metal rod, about ten feet long with a diameter of about two inches. >fix rod I didn't understand that sentence. >x ground You can't see any such thing. >l Wind Pump The windmill is mounted at a height of around fifteen yards on a lattice mast made of long metal rods. It squeaks terribly with every rotation. A metal tail vane automatically points the rotor blades in the direction of the wind. The path leads back to the ranch in the north and towards the hill chain in the west. A pack of coyotes seem to be watching you from a distance. You make a casual throwing motion and they run off. >x mast The lattice mast consists of welded metal rods. One of the rods near the ground seems to have come loose. >x vane The windmill turns slightly in the wind and squeaks heartbreakingly. >x rubble You can't see any such thing. >nw You can't go that way. >w Hill Chain A large boulder field of larger and smaller rocks stretches hundreds of yards across. The hills seem to offer good protection from the wind as it is almost windless here. The path in the east leads back to the wind pump of the town. >n You see no path in this direction. >e Wind Pump The windmill is mounted at a height of around fifteen yards on a lattice mast made of long metal rods. It squeaks terribly with every rotation. A metal tail vane automatically points the rotor blades in the direction of the wind. The path leads back to the ranch in the north and towards the hill chain in the west. >n Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >w Mine The entrance to the mine is lit by torches on both sides. A thin plume of smoke rises from the highest point of the tunnel and quickly disappears in the wind. A hollow-eyed man with disheveled black hair leans against an empty cart, playing around with his rifle. The path to the east leads back to town. >x smoke Black smoke is constantly billowing out of the mine. Perhaps caused by the torches burning down there, or by other mining work. >l Mine The entrance to the mine is lit by torches on both sides. A thin plume of smoke rises from the highest point of the tunnel and quickly disappears in the wind. A hollow-eyed man with disheveled black hair leans against an empty cart, playing around with his rifle. The path to the east leads back to town. >s You can't go that way. >take rod You can't see any such thing. >e Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >s Wind Pump The windmill is mounted at a height of around fifteen yards on a lattice mast made of long metal rods. It squeaks terribly with every rotation. A metal tail vane automatically points the rotor blades in the direction of the wind. The path leads back to the ranch in the north and towards the hill chain in the west. squeeeak ... squeeeeeak ... You can't stand to hear that damn wind pump anymore, let alone see it. What is it for anyway? You wipe the sweat from your brow and consider running more often to make faster progress. >take rod You lever the rod back and forth until the remaining weld seam detaches from the lattice mast. It is so long and heavy that you have to carry it with both hands. >w Hill Chain A large boulder field of larger and smaller rocks stretches hundreds of yards across. The hills seem to offer good protection from the wind as it is almost windless here. The path in the east leads back to the wind pump of the town. >l Hill Chain A large boulder field of larger and smaller rocks stretches hundreds of yards across. The hills seem to offer good protection from the wind as it is almost windless here. The path in the east leads back to the wind pump of the town. >x rocks You walk up and down the boulder field, but can't see anything special about the boulders with the naked eye. At one point, you believe you notice the scent of smoke, but you can't pinpoint its exact origin. > hit rocks with rod That doesn't make any sense to me at all. >x boulders You walk up and down the boulder field, but can't see anything special about the boulders with the naked eye. At one point, you believe you notice the scent of smoke, but you can't pinpoint its exact origin. >e Wind Pump The windmill is mounted at a height of around fifteen yards on a lattice mast made of long metal rods. It squeaks terribly with every rotation. A metal tail vane automatically points the rotor blades in the direction of the wind. The path leads back to the ranch in the north and towards the hill chain in the west. >n Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >e You shouldn't walk around town with a long metal rod. >ne You can't go that way. >drop rod You place the rod on the ground. >e Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. A window shutter flies open with a loud bang and a blanket is vigorously shaken out by two thick arms. It disappears in an impressive dust cloud and the window is slammed shut again with a crash. >ne Barber Shop An expansive tilt chair made of red leather is resplendent in front of a large mirror attached to the wall. Small bottles, cans and other novelties are scattered around on various tables and shelves. The parrot sits on a perch and wobbles its head. Marten stands behind the armchair popping his nose. >get parrot Marten gives you a suspicious look. You leave it alone for now. >give cookie to parrot Molly greedily grabs the cookie and munches it down in no time at all. >talk to barber What would you like to say to Marten? [1] "Why was Molly at sea with you again?" [2] "Any idea how to get into the mine?" [0] End conversation >2 ["Any idea how to get into the mine?"] "The mine? Why would you want to go in there?" You tell Marten what's going on. For the first time, he makes a serious face. "Aah. That's bad news. Don't think you'll get in through the front, not with those boys there. Maybe there's another way in." [1] "Why was Molly at sea with you again?" [2] "May I borrow Molly for a little while?" [0] End conversation >2 ["May I borrow Molly for a little while?"] "What, you wanna take my bird with you? Because of Lucy?" Marten scratches thoughtfully at the tattooed anchor on his upper right arm. "Well, if she goes with you voluntarily, that's fine with me. She'll run off when things get dicey. But please take good care of her!" [1] "Why was Molly at sea with you again?" [0] End conversation >0 Barber Shop An expansive tilt chair made of red leather is resplendent in front of a large mirror attached to the wall. Small bottles, cans and other novelties are scattered around on various tables and shelves. The parrot sits on a perch and wobbles its head. Marten stands behind the armchair polishing the mirror. >get molly You hold your outstretched arm out to Molly. She looks briefly at Marten, who nods approvingly, then hops along on your arm and makes herself comfortable on your left shoulder. "BRAAAK!" >se You can't go that way. >sw Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >w Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. You can also see a metal rod here. >get rod You take the metal rod. >w Mine The entrance to the mine is lit by torches on both sides. A thin plume of smoke rises from the highest point of the tunnel and quickly disappears in the wind. A hollow-eyed man with disheveled black hair leans against an empty cart, playing around with his rifle. The path to the east leads back to town. >s You can't go that way. >w You can't go that way. >e Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >s Wind Pump The windmill is mounted at a height of around fifteen yards on a lattice mast made of long metal rods. It squeaks terribly with every rotation. A metal tail vane automatically points the rotor blades in the direction of the wind. The path leads back to the ranch in the north and towards the hill chain in the west. >w Hill Chain A large boulder field of larger and smaller rocks stretches hundreds of yards across. The hills seem to offer good protection from the wind as it is almost windless here. The path in the east leads back to the wind pump of the town. Molly paces restlessly up and down on your shoulder. >x smoke You can't see any such thing. >l Hill Chain A large boulder field of larger and smaller rocks stretches hundreds of yards across. The hills seem to offer good protection from the wind as it is almost windless here. The path in the east leads back to the wind pump of the town. Molly paces restlessly up and down on your shoulder. >x boulders You walk up and down the boulder field when Molly suddenly starts flapping excitedly and hops off your shoulder onto one of the boulders. "Braak! BRAAAAK! FIREEEE!" >x boulder Molly sits on the boulder and flutters excitedly. As you examine the boulder more closely, you recognize what appears to be a larger cavity behind a thumb wide crevice. >x cavity There seems to be a larger cavity behind the thumb wide crevice. You hold your hand inside and feel a faint draught. >put rod in cavity You pry, push and curse, but unfortunately the gap is not wide enough to push the rod in. You probably won't get any further here without a suitable tool. >drop rod You place the rod on the ground. >look through cavity There seems to be a larger cavity behind the thumb wide crevice. You hold your hand inside and feel a faint draught. >x bag A scuffed shoulder bag made from slightly cracked leather. In the shoulder bag is some money. >e Wind Pump The windmill is mounted at a height of around fifteen yards on a lattice mast made of long metal rods. It squeaks terribly with every rotation. A metal tail vane automatically points the rotor blades in the direction of the wind. The path leads back to the ranch in the north and towards the hill chain in the west. >n Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >e Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >n General Store You're standing in front of the counter, behind it is Bill coughing croakily. Apart from the open wall shelves behind Bill, the store is quite empty. The door to the south leads out onto the road. >talk to bill What would you like to say to Bill? [1] "Do you have a chisel or something like that?" [0] End conversation >1 ["Do you have a chisel or something like that?"] Bill blinks at you. "A chisel? Nah, I don't have one of those." He thinks for a moment and smiles. "But I should have a gooseneck somewhere around the back." [1] "What the heck is a gooseneck?" [0] End conversation >1 ["What the heck is a gooseneck?"] The shopkeeper looks at you in amazement and then laughs croakily. "Where do you come from, boy? A crowbar! Hold on, I'll go and get it." He disappears through the passageway in the back. A couple of minutes and a few dubious noises and expletives later, he steps back up to the counter, his sparse hair full of cobwebs. "Sorry boy, I can't find it. I just can't see well enough without my pince-nez." [1] "Can I have a look maybe?" [2] "Where are your pince-nez?" [0] End conversation >1 ["Can I have a look maybe?"] Bill backs away and squints his eyes. "And then you knock me out back there? Nah nah, you stay right here in the front boy!" [1] "Where are your pince-nez?" [0] End conversation >1 ["Where are your pince-nez?"] Bill looks through the stained windows, lost in thought. "I don't know." He raps his knuckles on the counter. "I must have still had them when I went over to my wife's grave this morning. I couldn't see ten feet in this sandstorm without them." [1] "Um, what is your wife's name?" [0] End conversation >1 ["Um, what is your wife's name?"] "Her name was Mathilda." He pulls up his nose and rubs his eye. "Called her Hilda most of the time." [0] End conversation >0 General Store You're standing in front of the counter, behind it is Bill rubbing his eyes. Apart from the open wall shelves behind Bill, the store is quite empty. The door to the south leads out onto the road. >s Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >e Gallows You are standing in front of a gallows consisting of two posts with crossbars and a noose. A wooden platform serves as a foundation. Further north you think you can recognize some leaning crosses. Heading west, you can return to town. >e You can't go that way. >n Cemetery Several crooked crosses stand carelessly crammed next to each other on a small hill, none of them inscribed. Possibly the final resting place of deserters. Further ahead, four crosses stand neatly lined up next to each other, each at the head of a grave thoroughly edged with stones. In the south you can see the outline of the gallows. >x crosses Which of the crosses would you like to read? [1] First cross [2] Second cross [3] Third cross [4] Fourth cross [0] End >2 [Second cross] "Mathilda Brooks, née Walker" "1808-1869" This is probably the grave of Bill's wife. [1] First cross [2] Second cross [3] Third cross [4] Fourth cross [0] End >0 Cemetery Several crooked crosses stand carelessly crammed next to each other on a small hill, none of them inscribed. Possibly the final resting place of deserters. Further ahead, four crosses stand neatly lined up next to each other, each at the head of a grave thoroughly edged with stones. In the south you can see the outline of the gallows. >x grave Which of the graves would you like to examine? [1] First grave [2] Second grave [3] Third grave [4] Fourth grave [0] End >2 [Second grave] You carefully run your fingers through the fine sand on the grave until your fingers feel something. There they are, Bill's pince-nez! You gently blow the sand off the lenses and pocket them. [1] First grave [2] Second grave [3] Third grave [4] Fourth grave [0] End >0 Cemetery Several crooked crosses stand carelessly crammed next to each other on a small hill, none of them inscribed. Possibly the final resting place of deserters. Further ahead, four crosses stand neatly lined up next to each other, each at the head of a grave thoroughly edged with stones. In the south you can see the outline of the gallows. >s Gallows You are standing in front of a gallows consisting of two posts with crossbars and a noose. A wooden platform serves as a foundation. Further north you think you can recognize some leaning crosses. Heading west, you can return to town. >w Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >n General Store You're standing in front of the counter, behind it is Bill scratching his chin. Apart from the open wall shelves behind Bill, the store is quite empty. The door to the south leads out onto the road. >talk to bill What would you like to say to Bill? [1] "I believe I've found your pince-nez." [0] End conversation >1 ["I believe I've found your pince-nez."] You gently place the pince-nez on the counter. Bill's face brightens and he looks at you gratefully. "There they are! Thank you very much, my boy! Without them, I'd be pretty screwed in the long run." [1] "Could you have another look for that crowbar now?" [0] End conversation >1 ["Could you have another look for that crowbar now?"] "Of course! I'll be back in a minute." A seemingly endless minute later, Bill reappears in the doorway and slams the crowbar down on the counter in front of you. "It's normally eight bucks, but if you don't need it forever, I'll lend it to you, you seem like an honest guy." [0] End conversation >0 General Store You're standing in front of the counter, behind it is Bill leaning on his walking stick. Apart from the open wall shelves behind Bill, the store is quite empty. There is a crowbar on the counter. The door to the south leads out onto the road. >s Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >w Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >s Wind Pump The windmill is mounted at a height of around fifteen yards on a lattice mast made of long metal rods. It squeaks terribly with every rotation. A metal tail vane automatically points the rotor blades in the direction of the wind. The path leads back to the ranch in the north and towards the hill chain in the west. >w Hill Chain A large boulder field of larger and smaller rocks stretches hundreds of yards across. The hills seem to offer good protection from the wind as it is almost windless here. The path in the east leads back to the wind pump of the town. Molly sits on a boulder and flutters her wings excitedly. You can see a metal rod here. >i You are carrying: a revolver a handkerchief a shoulder bag (open) some money a drawing clothing (being worn) >x gooseneck You can't see any such thing. >e Wind Pump The windmill is mounted at a height of around fifteen yards on a lattice mast made of long metal rods. It squeaks terribly with every rotation. A metal tail vane automatically points the rotor blades in the direction of the wind. The path leads back to the ranch in the north and towards the hill chain in the west. >n Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >e Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >n General Store You're standing in front of the counter, behind it is Bill scratching his chin. Apart from the open wall shelves behind Bill, the store is quite empty. There is a crowbar on the counter. The door to the south leads out onto the road. >get crowbar Taken. >s Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >w Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >s Wind Pump The windmill is mounted at a height of around fifteen yards on a lattice mast made of long metal rods. It squeaks terribly with every rotation. A metal tail vane automatically points the rotor blades in the direction of the wind. The path leads back to the ranch in the north and towards the hill chain in the west. >w Hill Chain A large boulder field of larger and smaller rocks stretches hundreds of yards across. The hills seem to offer good protection from the wind as it is almost windless here. The path in the east leads back to the wind pump of the town. Molly sits on a boulder and flutters her wings excitedly. You can see a metal rod here. >put crowbar in cavity You push the flat, straight end of the crowbar into the gap and hammer on the curved end with a flat stone. You knock and pry for a while until a flat, hand-width piece of rock finally breaks off the boulder. The gap is now much wider. You put the crowbar back in. >x cavity There seems to be a larger cavity behind the narrow crevice. You hold your hand inside and feel a faint draught. >put rod in cavity You don't have a rod. >get rod You take the metal rod. >put rod in cavity You slowly push the long metal rod into the gap. It fits perfectly! You grab the rod with both hands at the free end and push it hard towards the mountain. The boulder seems to move slightly. "BRAAAK!" Molly croaks excitedly and settles on your shoulder. You look around again - there doesn't seem to be anyone within earshot. You brace yourself against the rod again with all your weight, and lo and behold - the boulder comes loose! RRRRRRRRRRRRRRR... ~~~ You haven't been here at the pier for ages. As always, she wanted to save the money for later, but today you really wanted to go to the sea with her. "With or without the hat, what do you think?" Claire is sitting on a stool, laughing and holding the hat flapping wildly in the wind. You gave the artist two dollars, hopefully it'll be a nice picture. His piece of charcoal flits across the paper hastily and with skilled strokes. Seagulls circle at the end of the pier and screech loudly as a little boy tries to catch them. She turns her head and smiles at you. You clench your fist in your pocket, clutching the ring tightly. Where are you, Claire? ~~~ You open your eyes. It seems like you hit your head (again), this time probably when you tried to jump to safety from the rolling boulder it seems. At least that seems to have worked. You slowly pick yourself up and pat the dust off your shoulders. What a shitty day. >l Hill Chain A large boulder field of larger and smaller rocks stretches hundreds of yards across. The hills seem to offer good protection from the wind as it is almost windless here. To the north, a narrow passage about shoulder-high can be seen between the stones, with a bent metal rod lying next to it. A few yards off is the boulder that previously closed off the tunnel entrance. The path in the east leads back to the wind pump of the town. >n Cave You squeeze through the narrow gap. After a few small steps, you can stand comfortably and move freely. The air is pleasantly cool and damp, and it slightly smells of smoke. It's so dark that you can hardly see your own feet. To the south, pale light filters through the long, narrow cave entrance. >s Hill Chain A large boulder field of larger and smaller rocks stretches hundreds of yards across. The hills seem to offer good protection from the wind as it is almost windless here. To the north, a narrow passage about shoulder-high can be seen between the stones, with a bent metal rod lying next to it. A few yards off is the boulder that previously closed off the tunnel entrance. The path in the east leads back to the wind pump of the town. >e Wind Pump The windmill is mounted at a height of around fifteen yards on a lattice mast made of long metal rods. It squeaks terribly with every rotation. A metal tail vane automatically points the rotor blades in the direction of the wind. The path leads back to the ranch in the north and towards the hill chain in the west. >n Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >i You are carrying: a crowbar a revolver a handkerchief a shoulder bag (open) some money a drawing clothing (being worn) >e Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >s Saloon The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, rolling a cigarette. >get lamp You can't quite reach it like this, the lamp is hanging a little too high. >get lamp with crowbar I only understood you as far as wanting to get the lamp. >talk to woman You have nothing to say to Ella right now. >light lamp You don't have a lamp. >get lamp You can't quite reach it like this, the lamp is hanging a little too high. >i You are carrying: a crowbar a revolver a handkerchief a shoulder bag (open) some money a drawing clothing (being worn) >light lamp You don't have a lamp. >l Saloon The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, wiping the counter with a bored expression. >n Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >e Gallows You are standing in front of a gallows consisting of two posts with crossbars and a noose. A wooden platform serves as a foundation. Further north you think you can recognize some leaning crosses. Heading west, you can return to town. >x platform A wooden platform, apparently hastily put together, forms the foundation of the gallows. It is almost completely covered with sand. >remove sand You aren't wearing the sand. >get sand You try to scrape the sand away with your feet, but in this wind that seems to be a pointless endeavor. Perhaps you would have more success with proper tools. >clean platfomr You can't see any such thing. >clean platform Without suitable tools, this is a pointless undertaking. >w Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >n General Store You're standing in front of the counter, behind it is Bill leaning on his walking stick. Apart from the open wall shelves behind Bill, the store is quite empty. The door to the south leads out onto the road. >talk to bill What would you like to say to Bill? [1] "Do you have a shovel for me?" [0] End conversation >1 ["Do you have a shovel for me?"] "No, unfortunately I don't have any more. I sold my last one to Marten." [0] End conversation >0 General Store You're standing in front of the counter, behind it is Bill rubbing his eyes. Apart from the open wall shelves behind Bill, the store is quite empty. The door to the south leads out onto the road. >drop crowbar You'd rather keep the crowbar. >s Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >ne Barber Shop An expansive tilt chair made of red leather is resplendent in front of a large mirror attached to the wall. Small bottles, cans and other novelties are scattered around on various tables and shelves. The parrot sits on a perch and wobbles its head. Marten stands behind the armchair sorting some tins. >talk to marten What would you like to say to Marten? [1] "You must have a shovel, right?" [0] End conversation >1 ["You must have a shovel, right?"] Marten laughs boomingly and blinks at you. "You think I dig the graves here with my hands or what? Of course I have a shovel! I just got a new one a few days ago from Bill, the old cheapskate!" [1] "May I borrow your shovel? It is really important." [0] End conversation >1 ["May I borrow your shovel? It is really important."] "Is this for the Lucy thing?", Marten asks. You nod. He tilts his head and strokes his beard. "Well okay then, I'll go get it for you." He briefly disappears in the back of the store and reappears shortly afterwards with a large sturdy-looking shovel in his hand. "It's a bit muddy, so clean it up if it bothers you. And make sure I'll see it again!" You thank him and take the shovel. [0] End conversation >sw Please select one of the available options or 0 to move on. >e Please select one of the available options or 0 to move on. >0 Barber Shop An expansive tilt chair made of red leather is resplendent in front of a large mirror attached to the wall. Small bottles, cans and other novelties are scattered around on various tables and shelves. The parrot sits on a perch and wobbles its head. Marten stands behind the armchair popping his nose. >sw Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >e Gallows You are standing in front of a gallows consisting of two posts with crossbars and a noose. A wooden platform serves as a foundation. Further north you think you can recognize some leaning crosses. Heading west, you can return to town. >dig sand Please indicate what you want to dig with which tool. >dig sand with shovel Piece by piece, you free the platform from the large pile of sand, while the wind whips relentlessly in your face. Directly under the gallows, a sturdy wooden board becomes visible, which has been carefully nailed to the pedestal with mana lot of large nails. >x board You can't see any such thing. >x mana You can't see any such thing. >x pedestal A large wooden plate was nailed to the platform directly under the gallows. >look under gallows You find nothing of interest. >pull rope It is fixed in place. >l Gallows You are standing in front of a gallows consisting of two posts with crossbars and a noose. A wooden platform serves as a foundation. Further north you think you can recognize some leaning crosses. Heading west, you can return to town. >x foundation A large wooden plate was nailed to the platform directly under the gallows. >use crowbar on plate You pry one nail after another out of the platform, not without regularly swearing and asking yourself out loud what the hell you're doing here. About half an hour and a broken fingernail later, you have successfully removed all the nails. Drenched in sweat, you push the wooden panel aside to reveal a square, dark opening. >d You can't go that way. >x opening It's too dark to see what's in there, and you don't feel like sticking your hand in just like that. >x rope (the rope) A long, thick rope, at least ten yards long. >get rope (the rope) You throw the coiled rope over your shoulder. Quite heavy. >* walkthrough mentioned it only I didn't understand that sentence. >x rope (the rope) A long, thick rope, at least ten yards long. >w Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >s Saloon The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, blowing her nose into her kitchen towel. >get lantern with shovel I only understood you as far as wanting to get the lamp. >get lamp You can't quite reach it like this, the lamp is hanging a little too high. >attach rope to lantern You would achieve nothing by this. >talk to ella What would you like to say to Ella? [1] "Can I borrow that lamp?" [0] End conversation >1 ["Can I borrow that lamp?"] You briefly tell Ella about the tunnel entrance that you have uncovered. She smiles and nods. "You're welcome to take the lamp with you, but I need it back by tonight!" [0] End conversation >0 Saloon The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, scratching her chin. >get lamp You can't quite reach it like this, the lamp is hanging a little too high. >i You are carrying: a rope a shovel a crowbar a revolver a handkerchief a shoulder bag (open) some money a drawing clothing (being worn) >u Room This room is rather sparsely furnished. There's a bed in the corner with a small nightstand to the left. The opposite wall features a small window. A plain wooden door leads outside and down the stairs. >out Saloon The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, taking a drag on her cigarette. >use rope Please specify the two things you want to use together. >use rope and lamp You can't use multiple objects with that verb. >use rope on lamp The rope is too thick to tie the lamp to and you don't really want to let it out of your hand anyway. >use shovel with lamp You try to push the lamp off the nail with the shovel, but unfortunately you don't succeed. Surely there must be an easier way? >use crowbar with lamp You try to fumble down the lamp with the crowbar, but you don't succeed. There must be an easier way. >use crowbar with nail You cannot use the crowbar with that. >i You are carrying: a rope a shovel a crowbar a revolver a handkerchief a shoulder bag (open) some money a drawing clothing (being worn) >use gun with lamp It wouldn't be a good idea to shoot at the lamp. >use gun with nail You can't reach it, and you don't really want it anyway. >use gun with beam You should save your ammunition. >l Saloon The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, sorting the drinks. >jump You jump on the spot. >get on counter That's not something you can enter. >l Saloon The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, polishing glasses with a moderately clean-looking cloth. >climb counter Little is to be achieved by that. >x chair Inconspicuous wooden chairs and stools, some patched together with thin boards. >x table A few round wooden tables are scattered randomly around the room. >get on chair The way the chairs are standing right now, you see no reason to. >get on table I believe Ella will take care of that on her own. >talk to ella You have nothing to say to Ella right now. >l Saloon The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, scratching her chin. >n Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >n General Store You're standing in front of the counter, behind it is Bill leaning on his walking stick. Apart from the open wall shelves behind Bill, the store is quite empty. The door to the south leads out onto the road. >talk to bill What would you like to say to Bill? [1] "Do you have kerosene lamps?" [0] End conversation >1 ["Do you have kerosene lamps?"] Bill shrugs his shoulders regretfully. "Haven't got any at the moment boy, sorry." [0] End conversation >0 General Store You're standing in front of the counter, behind it is Bill coughing croakily. Apart from the open wall shelves behind Bill, the store is quite empty. The door to the south leads out onto the road. >talk to bill You have nothing to say to Bill right now. >s Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >s Saloon The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, wiping the counter with a bored expression. >x lamp A large kerosene lamp with a handle. It is not lit. >x handle You can't see any such thing. >get lamp You can't quite reach it like this, the lamp is hanging a little too high. >get handle You can't see any such thing. >i You are carrying: a rope a shovel a crowbar a revolver a handkerchief a shoulder bag (open) some money a drawing clothing (being worn) >throw rope at lamp Futile. >throw shovel at lamp Futile. >use crowbar with lamp You try to fumble down the lamp with the crowbar, but you don't succeed. There must be an easier way. >use shovel with lamp You try to push the lamp off the nail with the shovel, but unfortunately you don't succeed. Surely there must be an easier way? >get on table I believe Ella will take care of that on her own. >get on chair The way the chairs are standing right now, you see no reason to. >get chair The chairs are too bulky to take away. >l Saloon The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, blowing her nose into her kitchen towel. >get on stage That's not something you can enter. >x stage An unadorned wooden platform that has often served as the backdrop for mediocre dance routines and many a brawl. >get on platform That's not something you can enter. >climb stage Little is to be achieved by that. >x beams Massive wooden beams support the ceiling of the large room. A long nail is hammered into one of the beams with a kerosene lamp dangling from it. >climb beams Little is to be achieved by that. >l Saloon The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, scratching her chin. >x counter The bar counter has a few dark spots and minor carving marks from bored guests, but overall, it looks quite clean. On the counter is a coffee cup. >get on counter That's not something you can enter. >throw cup at lamp (first taking the coffee cup) Ella raises an eyebrow. "The cup stays here!" >i You are carrying: a rope a shovel a crowbar a revolver a handkerchief a shoulder bag (open) some money a drawing clothing (being worn) >use bag on lamp I have no idea how that's supposed to work. >use hankie on lamp You can't use the handkerchief with that. >attach rope to lantern You would achieve nothing by this. >pull nail You can't reach it, and you don't really want it anyway. >pull chair You place one of the chairs under the ceiling beam with the lantern. >* should have been able to climb on or get on chair here :/ I didn't understand that sentence. >get lantern If you get on the chair, you can probably reach the lamp now. >get on chair You climb onto the chair under the beam. Saloon (on the chair) The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, polishing glasses with a moderately clean-looking cloth. >* even get chair... I didn't understand that sentence. >get lantern You take the lamp off the nail. >d You get down from the chair. Saloon The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, taking a drag on her cigarette. >l Saloon The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, sorting the drinks. >talk to ella What would you like to say to Ella? [1] "Do you have anything to light the lamp?" [0] End conversation >1 ["Do you have anything to light the lamp?"] Ella frowns. "I'm almost out of matches and it's hard to smoke without fire." She blows an impressive cloud of smoke over you and points to the door. "I'm sure Bill still has some, feel free to bring me some as well." [0] End conversation >o Sorry, that can't be corrected. >0 Saloon The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, polishing glasses with a moderately clean-looking cloth. >n Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >n General Store You're standing in front of the counter, behind it is Bill leaning on his walking stick. Apart from the open wall shelves behind Bill, the store is quite empty. The door to the south leads out onto the road. >n You can't go that way. >talk to bill What would you like to say to Bill? [1] "Do you sell matches?" [0] End conversation >1 ["Do you sell matches?"] Bill's face brightens. "Of course I do! The good old ones without that security bullshit, you can light them anywhere." He puts a small brown paper bag on the table. "That'll be a dollar." You put a crumpled dollar bill on the counter. Bill pockets it. [0] End conversation >light lamp Please select one of the available options or 0 to move on. >0 General Store You're standing in front of the counter, behind it is Bill rubbing his eyes. Apart from the open wall shelves behind Bill, the store is quite empty. There is a small brown envelope with matches on the counter. The door to the south leads out onto the road. >light lamp You have nothing to light the lamp. >get matches Taken. >light lamp You take one of the matches and swipe it over your ragged thumbnail, then gently holding it to the wick of the lamp. A cozy light spreads out. >s Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >w Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >s Wind Pump The windmill is mounted at a height of around fifteen yards on a lattice mast made of long metal rods. It squeaks terribly with every rotation. A metal tail vane automatically points the rotor blades in the direction of the wind. The path leads back to the ranch in the north and towards the hill chain in the west. >w Hill Chain A large boulder field of larger and smaller rocks stretches hundreds of yards across. The hills seem to offer good protection from the wind as it is almost windless here. To the north, a narrow passage about shoulder-high can be seen between the stones, with a bent metal rod lying next to it. A few yards off is the boulder that previously closed off the tunnel entrance. The path in the east leads back to the wind pump of the town. >d You can't go that way. >n Cave The air is pleasantly cool and damp, and it slightly smells of smoke. A large, pointed boulder marks the edge of a precipice to the north. To the south, pale light filters through the long, narrow cave entrance. >x rock A man-sized, pointed rock stands right on the edge of the precipice. >tie rope to rock You tie the rope around the rock and secure it with a proper knot. >down You take the handle of the kerosene lamp between your teeth and grasp the rope with both hands. With your feet braced against the rock face, you slowly rappel down into the dark abyss. ~~~ Vault After what feels like an eternity, your feet finally feel solid ground again. Sweat runs down your back as you turn away from the wall. Your strained panting paints small clouds of steam into the glow of your lantern. A deep rumble, apparently not far away, makes you fall silent in a flash. Carefully, you follow the dim light of the curved tunnel ahead of you. As the passage widens and becomes brighter, you can hear voices more and more clearly. Carefully, you take cover behind a waist-high stone ledge from which you can see the large vault below you, illuminated by countless torches. ~~~ About a dozen men seem to be working at various stations some distance away. Some are stirring in large, fired steel kettles, others are handling large vats covered with cloth, while others seem to be rolling something flat and forming it into balls. It smells bad and sweet at the same time, making you feel a bit dizzy. Just a few yards away from you is a large rock alcove. A young couple crouches on the ground behind the bars, sometimes whispering to each other. That's Lucy! Then the young man must be Michael. In front of it, a grumpy-looking fellow sits on a flattened stone, his arms resting on his thighs and a pistol in his right hand. >l Vault About a dozen men seem to be working at various stations some distance away. Some are stirring in large, fired steel kettles, others are handling large vats covered with cloth, while others seem to be rolling something flat and forming it into balls. It smells bad and sweet at the same time, making you feel a bit dizzy. Just a few yards away from you is a large rock alcove. A young couple crouches on the ground behind the bars, sometimes whispering to each other. That's Lucy! Then the young man must be Michael. In front of it, a grumpy-looking fellow sits on a flattened stone, his arms resting on his thighs and a pistol in his right hand. >talk to lucy Maybe later, first you have to take care of the guard. >x guard The man looks glumly at the ground in front of him and scratches his feet in the sand. Occasionally he glances at the young couple in the makeshift cage or lets his gaze wander in your direction, but you are obviously unrecognizable in the semi-darkness behind the rocky ledge. >hit guard with shovel He's too far away and sometimes looks in your direction. >shoot guard That would cause quite a stir. A more inconspicuous approach would probably make more sense. >l Vault About a dozen men seem to be working at various stations some distance away. Some are stirring in large, fired steel kettles, others are handling large vats covered with cloth, while others seem to be rolling something flat and forming it into balls. It smells bad and sweet at the same time, making you feel a bit dizzy. Just a few yards away from you is a large rock alcove. A young couple crouches on the ground behind the bars, sometimes whispering to each other. That's Lucy! Then the young man must be Michael. In front of it, a grumpy-looking fellow sits on a flattened stone, his arms resting on his thighs and a pistol in his right hand. >i You are carrying: some matches a lamp (providing light) a shovel a crowbar a revolver a handkerchief a shoulder bag (open) some money a drawing clothing (being worn) >l Vault About a dozen men seem to be working at various stations some distance away. Some are stirring in large, fired steel kettles, others are handling large vats covered with cloth, while others seem to be rolling something flat and forming it into balls. It smells bad and sweet at the same time, making you feel a bit dizzy. Just a few yards away from you is a large rock alcove. A young couple crouches on the ground behind the bars, sometimes whispering to each other. That's Lucy! Then the young man must be Michael. In front of it, a grumpy-looking fellow sits on a flattened stone, his arms resting on his thighs and a pistol in his right hand. >n You can't go that way. >e You can't go that way. >w You can't go that way. >s Cave The air is pleasantly cool and damp, and it slightly smells of smoke. A large, pointed boulder marks the edge of a precipice to the north. A rope is tied to the pointed boulder. To the south, pale light filters through the long, narrow cave entrance. >n Vault About a dozen men seem to be working at various stations some distance away. Some are stirring in large, fired steel kettles, others are handling large vats covered with cloth, while others seem to be rolling something flat and forming it into balls. It smells bad and sweet at the same time, making you feel a bit dizzy. Just a few yards away from you is a large rock alcove. A young couple crouches on the ground behind the bars, sometimes whispering to each other. That's Lucy! Then the young man must be Michael. In front of it, a grumpy-looking fellow sits on a flattened stone, his arms resting on his thighs and a pistol in his right hand. >grab guard I didn't understand that sentence. >get guard I don't suppose the fellow would care for that. >talk to guard Not a good idea. >l Vault About a dozen men seem to be working at various stations some distance away. Some are stirring in large, fired steel kettles, others are handling large vats covered with cloth, while others seem to be rolling something flat and forming it into balls. It smells bad and sweet at the same time, making you feel a bit dizzy. Just a few yards away from you is a large rock alcove. A young couple crouches on the ground behind the bars, sometimes whispering to each other. That's Lucy! Then the young man must be Michael. In front of it, a grumpy-looking fellow sits on a flattened stone, his arms resting on his thighs and a pistol in his right hand. >hit guard What do you want to hit the fellow with? >crowbar He's too far away and sometimes looks in your direction. >l Vault About a dozen men seem to be working at various stations some distance away. Some are stirring in large, fired steel kettles, others are handling large vats covered with cloth, while others seem to be rolling something flat and forming it into balls. It smells bad and sweet at the same time, making you feel a bit dizzy. Just a few yards away from you is a large rock alcove. A young couple crouches on the ground behind the bars, sometimes whispering to each other. That's Lucy! Then the young man must be Michael. In front of it, a grumpy-looking fellow sits on a flattened stone, his arms resting on his thighs and a pistol in his right hand. >i You are carrying: some matches a lamp (providing light) a shovel a crowbar a revolver a handkerchief a shoulder bag (open) some money a drawing clothing (being worn) >throw crowbar at guard You lack the nerve when it comes to the crucial moment. >get rock You can't see any such thing. >s Cave The air is pleasantly cool and damp, and it slightly smells of smoke. A large, pointed boulder marks the edge of a precipice to the north. A rope is tied to the pointed boulder. To the south, pale light filters through the long, narrow cave entrance. >get rock That's hardly portable. >s Hill Chain A large boulder field of larger and smaller rocks stretches hundreds of yards across. The hills seem to offer good protection from the wind as it is almost windless here. To the north, a narrow passage about shoulder-high can be seen between the stones, with a bent metal rod lying next to it. A few yards off is the boulder that previously closed off the tunnel entrance. The path in the east leads back to the wind pump of the town. > I beg your pardon? >get rock The current position of the boulder is just fine. >l Hill Chain A large boulder field of larger and smaller rocks stretches hundreds of yards across. The hills seem to offer good protection from the wind as it is almost windless here. To the north, a narrow passage about shoulder-high can be seen between the stones, with a bent metal rod lying next to it. A few yards off is the boulder that previously closed off the tunnel entrance. The path in the east leads back to the wind pump of the town. >e Wind Pump The windmill is mounted at a height of around fifteen yards on a lattice mast made of long metal rods. It squeaks terribly with every rotation. A metal tail vane automatically points the rotor blades in the direction of the wind. The path leads back to the ranch in the north and towards the hill chain in the west. >get rock You can't see any such thing. >w Hill Chain A large boulder field of larger and smaller rocks stretches hundreds of yards across. The hills seem to offer good protection from the wind as it is almost windless here. To the north, a narrow passage about shoulder-high can be seen between the stones, with a bent metal rod lying next to it. A few yards off is the boulder that previously closed off the tunnel entrance. The path in the east leads back to the wind pump of the town. >get rod The long metal rod is bent and even more unwieldy than before. You no longer want to carry it around with you. >l Hill Chain A large boulder field of larger and smaller rocks stretches hundreds of yards across. The hills seem to offer good protection from the wind as it is almost windless here. To the north, a narrow passage about shoulder-high can be seen between the stones, with a bent metal rod lying next to it. A few yards off is the boulder that previously closed off the tunnel entrance. The path in the east leads back to the wind pump of the town. >e Wind Pump The windmill is mounted at a height of around fifteen yards on a lattice mast made of long metal rods. It squeaks terribly with every rotation. A metal tail vane automatically points the rotor blades in the direction of the wind. The path leads back to the ranch in the north and towards the hill chain in the west. >m I didn't understand that sentence. >n Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >get rock You can't see any such thing. >l Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >w Mine The entrance to the mine is lit by torches on both sides. A thin plume of smoke rises from the highest point of the tunnel and quickly disappears in the wind. A hollow-eyed man with disheveled black hair leans against an empty cart, playing around with his rifle. The path to the east leads back to town. >e Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >e Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >nw Sheriff's Office This is Sheriff Dunder's office. Two plank beds are attached to the wall. On the opposite side is a massive desk with Sheriff Dunder sitting behind it. He has pulled his hat half over his face and seems to be dozing off. A passageway apparently leads deeper into the house. The door to the sheriff's office in the southeast leads outside. >talk to sheriff You don't have anything to say to Sheriff Dunder right now. >se Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >ne Barber Shop An expansive tilt chair made of red leather is resplendent in front of a large mirror attached to the wall. Small bottles, cans and other novelties are scattered around on various tables and shelves. The parrot sits on a perch and wobbles its head. Marten stands behind the armchair checking his razor blade. >talk to barber You have nothing to say to Marten right now. >sw Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >n General Store You're standing in front of the counter, behind it is Bill leaning on his walking stick. Apart from the open wall shelves behind Bill, the store is quite empty. The door to the south leads out onto the road. >talk to bill You have nothing to say to Bill right now. >s Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >s Saloon The saloon consists of a few round tables with chairs and a small stage. Next to it, a staircase leads up to your room. On the other side is a long counter. Two massive beams run under the ceiling. The swing doors to the north lead outside. Ella is behind the counter, blowing her nose into her kitchen towel. >talk to ella You have nothing to say to Ella right now. >n Main Street The wide, dusty road runs from east to west. The sheriff's office is to the northwest, the general store lies to the north and the barber shop to the northeast. The saloon lies to the south. >w Ranch A small wooden hut with an adjoining stable and a large fenced-in paddock. There is a small bench in front of the house. A narrow path leads south to the wind pump. The main road leads further out of town from the east to the west. >s Wind Pump The windmill is mounted at a height of around fifteen yards on a lattice mast made of long metal rods. It squeaks terribly with every rotation. A metal tail vane automatically points the rotor blades in the direction of the wind. The path leads back to the ranch in the north and towards the hill chain in the west. >w Hill Chain A large boulder field of larger and smaller rocks stretches hundreds of yards across. The hills seem to offer good protection from the wind as it is almost windless here. To the north, a narrow passage about shoulder-high can be seen between the stones, with a bent metal rod lying next to it. A few yards off is the boulder that previously closed off the tunnel entrance. The path in the east leads back to the wind pump of the town. >get stone You can't see any such thing. >n Cave The air is pleasantly cool and damp, and it slightly smells of smoke. A large, pointed boulder marks the edge of a precipice to the north. A rope is tied to the pointed boulder. To the south, pale light filters through the long, narrow cave entrance. >get rope You throw the coiled rope over your shoulder. Quite heavy. >n Vault About a dozen men seem to be working at various stations some distance away. Some are stirring in large, fired steel kettles, others are handling large vats covered with cloth, while others seem to be rolling something flat and forming it into balls. It smells bad and sweet at the same time, making you feel a bit dizzy. Just a few yards away from you is a large rock alcove. A young couple crouches on the ground behind the bars, sometimes whispering to each other. That's Lucy! Then the young man must be Michael. In front of it, a grumpy-looking fellow sits on a flattened stone, his arms resting on his thighs and a pistol in his right hand. >use rope on guard You can't use the rope with that. >i You are carrying: a rope some matches a lamp (providing light) a shovel a crowbar a revolver a handkerchief a shoulder bag (open) some money a drawing clothing (being worn) >tie rope into lassoo I only understood you as far as wanting to tie the rope. >l Vault About a dozen men seem to be working at various stations some distance away. Some are stirring in large, fired steel kettles, others are handling large vats covered with cloth, while others seem to be rolling something flat and forming it into balls. It smells bad and sweet at the same time, making you feel a bit dizzy. Just a few yards away from you is a large rock alcove. A young couple crouches on the ground behind the bars, sometimes whispering to each other. That's Lucy! Then the young man must be Michael. In front of it, a grumpy-looking fellow sits on a flattened stone, his arms resting on his thighs and a pistol in his right hand. >use gun on guard He's too far away and sometimes looks in your direction. >x guard The man looks glumly at the ground in front of him and scratches his feet in the sand. Occasionally he glances at the young couple in the makeshift cage or lets his gaze wander in your direction, but you are obviously unrecognizable in the semi-darkness behind the rocky ledge. >x michael The young man repeatedly puts his hand on his companion's arm or strokes her face reassuringly. >l Vault About a dozen men seem to be working at various stations some distance away. Some are stirring in large, fired steel kettles, others are handling large vats covered with cloth, while others seem to be rolling something flat and forming it into balls. It smells bad and sweet at the same time, making you feel a bit dizzy. Just a few yards away from you is a large rock alcove. A young couple crouches on the ground behind the bars, sometimes whispering to each other. That's Lucy! Then the young man must be Michael. In front of it, a grumpy-looking fellow sits on a flattened stone, his arms resting on his thighs and a pistol in his right hand. >x alcove Just a few yards away from you is a large rock alcove. A young couple crouches on the ground behind the bars, sometimes whispering to each other. That's Lucy! Then the young man must be Michael. >get in alcove That's not something you can enter. >x man The man looks glumly at the ground in front of him and scratches his feet in the sand. Occasionally he glances at the young couple in the makeshift cage or lets his gaze wander in your direction, but you are obviously unrecognizable in the semi-darkness behind the rocky ledge. >x niche Just a few yards away from you is a large rock alcove. A young couple crouches on the ground behind the bars, sometimes whispering to each other. That's Lucy! Then the young man must be Michael. >x alcove Just a few yards away from you is a large rock alcove. A young couple crouches on the ground behind the bars, sometimes whispering to each other. That's Lucy! Then the young man must be Michael. >use gun on man He's too far away and sometimes looks in your direction. >use revolver on man He's too far away and sometimes looks in your direction. >n You can't go that way. >s Cave The air is pleasantly cool and damp, and it slightly smells of smoke. A large, pointed boulder marks the edge of a precipice to the north. A rope is tied to the pointed boulder. To the south, pale light filters through the long, narrow cave entrance. >n Vault About a dozen men seem to be working at various stations some distance away. Some are stirring in large, fired steel kettles, others are handling large vats covered with cloth, while others seem to be rolling something flat and forming it into balls. It smells bad and sweet at the same time, making you feel a bit dizzy. Just a few yards away from you is a large rock alcove. A young couple crouches on the ground behind the bars, sometimes whispering to each other. That's Lucy! Then the young man must be Michael. In front of it, a grumpy-looking fellow sits on a flattened stone, his arms resting on his thighs and a pistol in his right hand. >d You can't go that way. >x man The man looks glumly at the ground in front of him and scratches his feet in the sand. Occasionally he glances at the young couple in the makeshift cage or lets his gaze wander in your direction, but you are obviously unrecognizable in the semi-darkness behind the rocky ledge. >x niche Just a few yards away from you is a large rock alcove. A young couple crouches on the ground behind the bars, sometimes whispering to each other. That's Lucy! Then the young man must be Michael. >x michael The young man repeatedly puts his hand on his companion's arm or strokes her face reassuringly. >use gun on man He's too far away and sometimes looks in your direction. >use gun on guard He's too far away and sometimes looks in your direction. >drop hankie You take the bright white handkerchief and let it slide over the edge of the ledge as the guard briefly looks at the prisoners. A moment later, the man turns his head back in your direction and frowns in irritation. He stands up, slowly walks towards you and bends down in front of you to grab the hankie. "Where the hell did that come from?" >hit man with shovel POW! You strike the man down with a well-aimed blow with the shovel. You look around furtively, but none of the workers seem to have heard anything. You quickly put the bright handkerchief back in your pocket. >l Vault About a dozen men seem to be working at various stations some distance away. Some are stirring in large, fired steel kettles, others are handling large vats covered with cloth, while others seem to be rolling something flat and forming it into balls. It smells bad and sweet at the same time, making you feel a bit dizzy. Lucy and Michael rattle the bars and gesticulate wildly in your direction. You slowly get the impression that they urgently want to talk to you. >talk to lucy [1] "Everything okay with you?" [0] End conversation >1 ["Everything okay with you?"] Lucy glares at you, her expression a wild mixture of desperation and sheer rage. "Please get us out of here damnit!" You use your crowbar to pry the bars apart so that they both can just squeeze through. The young man breathes a sigh of relief and holds out his hand to you. "Thank you very much sir. I am Michael." You shake his hand. [1] "What happened to you?" [0] End conversation >1 "We don't have time for this now!", Lucy hisses excitedly. "They're cooking up some mess here, and my stepfather is in on it!" Her eyes widen and she hastily pulls you both back into the niche. "Watch out, they're coming!" Vault A very dapper-looking middle-aged man with a cane and bowler hat and a much younger, dirtier and wildly gesticulating fellow stroll in your direction. They stop just a few steps away. "What else are we supposed to do Ron? They'll start singing as soon as we let them out!" "That's still Mr. Thompson to you, Cal. I'll talk to Lucy when she's calmed down a bit, then we'll see." Ah, the younger man must be Calvin Mifflin then! ~~~ The young man looks down and shakes his head. "Well, I don't know Ro-- Mr. Thompson. She sounds like a smart mouth to me." With a quick, almost casual movement, Thompson swings the cane and brings the knob down on the man's left knee with lightning speed. "AAAARGH!" the man cries out in surprise and collapses instantly. As if nothing had happened, Thompson continues to speak in a consistently sonorous voice. "It's not your place to talk about her like that. If she and her groom don't come to their senses, we will have to find another solution I'm afraid." Lucy turns crimson red. "YOU GODDAMN---" ~~~ Michael quickly presses a hand over Lucy's mouth, but it's too late. Thompson takes a few steps to the side to look into the alcove. His eyes widen. "The prisoners are free! Over here, now!" Several men look up and run down from the cave entrance in your direction, some reaching for their weapons. >shoot men You raise your revolver and hit two of the charging men in the chest and stomach before a bullet shreds your knee. You fall to the ground, screaming. --- WHITE LIGHT --- No, that's not what really happened. In reality of course, you had come up with a much smarter solution. The white fog slowly clears before your eyes. The men are still charging towards you. >s You grab Lucy and Michael, pushing them over towards the ledge. Bullets whiz past your heads, and as you turn around, you feel a searing pain in your left shoulder that throws you to the ground. --- WHITE LIGHT --- No, that's not what really happened. You did it differently somehow, you're sure of it. The white fog slowly clears before your eyes. The men are still charging towards you. >i You are carrying: a handkerchief a rope some matches a lamp (providing light) a shovel a crowbar a revolver a shoulder bag (open) some money a drawing clothing (being worn) >throw lamp You'd rather keep the lamp. >l Vault Several men run down from the cave entrance in your direction, some with their weapons drawn. You perceive the situation as if in slow motion. Your right hand twitches slightly. Everything seems like a blur, but next to the cave entrance a cart loaded with barrels catches your eye. >shoot barrels You pull up the revolver, aim carefully and shoot at the barrels on the cart. You believe to see a watery liquid trickling out of one of the barrels just before a powerfully swung bandit fist smashes your nasal bone with full force. --- WHITE LIGHT --- No, that's not what really happened. In reality of course, you had come up with a much smarter solution. The white fog slowly clears before your eyes. The men are still charging towards you. >push cart It's far too far away. >x cart A cart with four spoked wheels, loaded with several wooden barrels. A large wooden wedge under one of the wheels prevents the cart from rolling away. >shoot wedge You squint your left eye and carefully aim at the wooden wedge holding the cart in place. You breathe out halfway and pull the trigger. The shot releases perfectly and sends the wooden wedge flying in a high arc. The cart rumbles loudly through the resulting cloud of dust and rolls straight towards you. The men pause and turn around, their eyes widening in fear. "The nitro! GET OUT!" You turn to Michael and Lucy, who are staring past you with their mouths wide open. You leap onto them and push them to the ground just before the world explodes around you. --- WHITE LIGHT --- Sheriff's Office You're lying on one of the plank beds in the sheriff's office. Michael and Lucy are sitting in the corner, the young man wearing a slightly bloody bandage around his head. Sheriff Dunder is sitting behind his desk. >talk to sheriff What would you like to say? [1] "What happened?" [2] "What were they doing in that cave?" [3] "Where is Thompson?" [0] End conversation >2 ["What were they doing in that cave?"] Lucy stands up hastily. Her lower lip is trembling. "Those crooks made some kind of filth for folks to smoke! And that's after what happened to my mother!" She struggles to keep her composure and turns to Michael, who takes her in his arms. [1] "What happened?" [2] "What happened to your mother?" [3] "Where is Thompson?" [0] End conversation >2 ["What happened to your mother?"] Michael turns to you. "Lucy's mother must have smoked opium and became very ill at some point. Unfortunately, she passed away last year." Lucy cries. "I never understood exactly what was wrong with her. That asshole! My real father would never have let that happen!" [1] "What happened?" [2] "Where is Thompson?" [0] End conversation >2 ["Where is Thompson?"] Dunder sighs and raises his hands. "Unfortunately, we don't have him yet. Deputy Miller was the first one at the mine entrance after the explosion. A few of the bandits must have made it out coughing and crawling. Marten took care of them." He sits down next to Lucy. "Most of the others weren't so lucky. Cal Mifflin is dead, we've got his brother Bob in the back here in a cell. Miller sure had to climb over a few bodies before he found you back there." Stepping over dead bodies... The terrible memories of the events at Red Rock briefly drill a path into your consciousness, and a cold shiver runs down your spine. [1] "What happened?" [2] "What exactly did they produce?" [0] End conversation >1 ["What happened?"] Dunder stands up and puts a hand on Lucy's shoulder. "Well, as far as I've understood these two correctly, you saved their lives after a cart of nitro barrels rolled loose in the cave and exploded." He blinks at you slyly. "What a coincidence, eh?" [1] "How's your head, Michael?" [2] "What exactly did they produce?" [0] End conversation >2 ["What exactly did they produce?"] "We assume that they produced Chandu." The sheriff looks at your questioning face and laughs. "Yeah, that's about how I looked at first, but Marten explained it to me. You know that opium stuff those Chinese fellas smoke? The governor still tolerates it, but it's no longer welcome here. It makes people sick." He pulls a flask out of his pocket, takes a sip and holds it out to you. You take it gratefully. "Well, they it looks like they brought opium down into that vault, then did all sorts of things with it and ended up with these little balls. They're probably easier to sell, and Marten thinks they're stretched with plant fibers or something, hence all the secrecy." [1] "How's your head, Michael?" [2] "What an effort!" [0] End conversation >1 ["How's your head, Michael?"] Michael grabs his head and adjusts his bandage a little. "Oh, it's all right now. It must have bled a lot when they found us, but Marten looked at it and bandaged it up straight away." [1] "How did you end up there anyway?" [2] "What an effort!" [0] End conversation >1 ["How did you end up there anyway?"] "I'd heard that things weren't quite right at the mine and that Thompson had a hand in it. So, when Cal and Bob turned up at Ella's that evening and things were getting heated, I thought it would be a good time to check it out." Michael notices Lucy's reproachful look and raises his arms apologetically. "I wanted to tell you at first, but it could have just been empty talk. After all, it's about your fa-- um, stepfather." Lucy takes a deep breath, and he continues speaking quickly. "Anyway, unfortunately the mine wasn't as deserted as I thought, I was discovered and locked up." [1] "What an effort!" [0] End conversation >1 ["What an effort!"] Dunder nods. "Well, that stuff probably spoils pretty quickly when it's no longer pure, and outside in the fresh air the production doesn't seem to work. I don't know. I guess it was sold over in the city as quickly as possible." He glances at the door. "When Bob wakes up and we catch Thompson, maybe there will be more answers." Answers... You suddenly remember what brought you to this place and take the drawing out of your vest that you showed to many people in town the day before. [1] "Michael, do you know this woman?" [0] End conversation >1 ["Michael, do you know this woman?"] You show Michael the drawing. He studies it carefully and smiles. "Of course! This woman arrived at the ranch late the other night. Her horse almost collapsed under her, and she looked like she could really do with a good night's sleep." He returns the drawing. "I offered her a room at Ella's, but she didn't want one. So I let her sleep in the hay and looked after her horse. When I went to check on her the next morning, she and her horse had disappeared." [1] "Where was she going?" [0] End conversation >1 ["Where was she going?"] "She had given me a few dollars that evening and said she wanted to go to the city because her husband was in a military prison there." Oh Claire, no! [1] "I have to get there as quickly as possible!" [0] End conversation >1 ["I have to get there as quickly as possible!"] "Military prison, eh? Well, that's none of my business right now." Dunder opens the drawer of his desk and hands you your draft notice. "The governor's men will be here soon to find Thompson and question Mifflin." Michael clears his throat. "Um, we haven't even properly thanked you for everything you've done for us yet. So... Thank you very much." He shakes your hand a little awkwardly. Lucy looks at you, her eyes red, and gives you a quick, tight hug. [1] "Here's your hankie. It sure helped me a lot." [0] End conversation >1 ["Here's your hankie. It sure helped me a lot."] Lucy's tear-stained face lights up a little. "Thank you!" She takes the handkerchief from your hand and blows her nose. "Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of money, and I won't touch my stepfather's money for sure. But we'd like to offer you Billy, he's our fastest horse." She looks at Michael, who nods eagerly. "Just leave him with my cousin Marc in Tanner Street when you're in the city." You accept with gratitude and get up. [0] End conversation >0 Steppe You sit on Billy, a freshly saddled young stallion, your shoulder bag firmly in your grasp. The slowly setting sun casts long shadows on the dusty path in front of you, leading east out of town. You turn around one last time and raise your hand towards Ella, Marten and Bill, who are standing in the street waving back at you. Looking ahead, you set the black horse into a gentle trot. There is still a long way to go. Why did you think I was in prison, Claire? Who told you that? No matter. You would find her and soon you would be together again, you were sure of that... But that would be a story for another day. ~~~ ~~~ FIN ~~~ ~~~ Thank you for playing Dust. I really hope you enjoyed it. I would be happy to receive suggestions, praise and criticism at https://intfiction.org, my Discord at https://bit.ly/Ikes-Discord or by email to dust@ikeserver.de. Many thanks to Olaf Nowacki, Hannes Schüller, Michael L. and my family for testing and helpful advice. This game was translated from the original German version Staub with kind help from mathbrush and DeepL. The cover image was created with help from Stable Diffusion XL. 2024 © IkeC >