Please read the overview and all the descriptions of the suspects before the party. Sometimes we hide clues in these descriptions.
Overview
Yesterday in Mitchido Richard Woods – a wealthy landowner– was shot down in cold blood whilst he was riding to town. He leaves behind his wife Katherine and daughter Annabel. There is a gathering of his family and the townsfolk to discuss what should be done. The people at the meeting look uneasy. They are not sure who will be arrested as the murderer and they are afraid that the gunslingers that are present might take the law into their own hands if they don’t like the verdict.
Suspect descriptions
Katherine Woods
(widow of the murdered man) My parents moved to the country. I was annoyed, because I preferred the city where I could go to the opera. The people in Mitchido bored me. They were so uncultured. Joe was the only one who seemed to read. We used to discuss Shakespeare together when we talked after Church on Sundays. When I turned 17, the men came courting me. I liked Joe the best, but my parents said his parents were poor and that he would not be able to provide very well for me. Richard also came a courting. He seemed rougher than a rodeo rider’s chaps, but my parents insisted that I marry him. I hated him, but there was no way to escape him. He decided that I was never to leave the ranch for any reason and so I have been kept here like a bear in a trap. He wouldn’t even allow ladies to visit me in case they might mention their husbands. His jealousy knew no bounds. I wasn’t even allowed to go to Church. Dress suggestions: Conservative period wear (eg long skirt with half apron, bonnet, gloves & boots).
Annabel Woods
(daughter of the murdered man) When I was little, I remember hearing Mummy crying. The next morning she looked sad. I guessed Mummy and Daddy had argued because they weren’t talking to each other at all. When I asked Daddy why he’d been mean to Mummy, he said that it was because Mummy didn’t love him. When I was growing up Daddy and I spent quite a lot of time together. I was his helping hand. He taught me how to ride and shoot and he called me his little tomboy. Spring Leaf and I also spent time together when I was young. She taught me all sorts of Indian secrets. One time, Spring Leaf and I exchanged blood and swore to be blood sisters for the rest of our lives. I told Daddy and he was very angry with me and with Spring Leaf. When I turned 12, Daddy tried to get me to give up wearing pants. He said it was time I acted like a little lady. I refused but he insisted. After that, I avoided spending time with Daddy. I wore a skirt but I continued to act as if I didn’t. Dress suggestions: Wear pretty period wear (eg long skirts with long half aprons, bonnets, gloves and boots).
Clyde Williams
(Sheriff) Richard and I went to school together. He was one of the school bullies and used to beat me up all the time when I was younger. Later, when I had grown up to be taller than him and learned how to box, he stopped beating me up. But the resentment was still there. My father was the town Sheriff and he was grooming me to take over from him. Richard’s father was doing the same. He was a landowner. Richard’s father and my father were great friends, so we had to be civil to one another. It wasn’t till I was about to take over from my Dad, that I realized why he had been great friends with Richard’s Dad. It was because Richard’s Dad always gave him a supplement to his Sheriff’s wages. I protested to my Dad that it was unethical, but he said it was the tradition and that if I wasn’t courteous enough to accept Richard’s Dad’s generosity, then he wouldn’t recommend me to become Sheriff when he retired. Dress suggestions: Make a cardboard star as a badge.
Joe Calsis
(barber) When I was at school, Richard teased me and said I was the son of the red and white pole – meaning I was the barber’s son. Richard always picked on my weakest points. He knew I was proud of my perfect hair, so he got some other boys to hold me down and then he cut large chunks out of my haircut. I had to wear a hat. My father refused to say anything about it to Richard’s father, because he was hoping I would win a scholarship and Richard’s father was the main contributor to the school scholarships. Although I had been groomed to be a barber from an early age, I still dreamed of another type of life. My books were my escape. My mother said it was a shame I couldn’t be a librarian. I knew I would never be allowed to marry Katherine, but it didn’t stop me from loving her. Dress suggestions: A barber’s apron, carry a small striped barber’s pole and/or some scissors.
Frank Reyes
(landowner) When I was growing up, Richard was in the same year as me. He was always attacking the younger boys. When I married Nancy, I was the happiest man alive. We had a big celebration. I even invited Katherine and Richard. They had been married about a year by then and Katherine was very pregnant with Annabel. Richard came and left his pregnant wife at home to fend for herself. A year after our marriage, Nancy died giving birth to our son. He died too. I was devastated. I could never think of re-marrying – my memories of Nancy are so strong, I could never forget her. Annabel loved to ride. She looked like a princess on her pony and she took to visiting me even though she knew her Dad and I were feuding because he dammed up a river, rendering a fifth of my property useless. Dress suggestions: Wear check pants, flannel shirt, bow tie or tie and braces, as you are a farmer you may like to add some straw poking out of your shirt.
Eddie Thomas
(African farm worker) My parents worked for a family who were very cruel and made them work 7 days a week. They were Richard’s parents. When I was 4, my father died. He was only 45. When I was 5, my mother died of a sickness. They put me in the orphanage in town till I was 9 and old enough to work. In the orphanage, I became friends with Luke. We were great buddies and they were fun times in my life. The Nuns in the orphanage were strict but kind. Ever since the orphanage, I have been a devoted Christian. And God has been kind to me. He sent me to work for Mr Frank and he is a good boss. He lets me have Sundays off so I can go to Church. Being black, I only get to stand at the back of the Church, but I’m just happy to be there. Mr Frank lets me ride in the back of the sulky, so I don’t even have to walk to Church. I’m very lucky to work for him. Dress suggestions: Curly black wig, check pants, plain shirt, bow tie and braces.
Luke Hansen
(farm hand) My parents were wealthy, but they were killed by Indians when they were coming by wagon to settle the land. I grew up as an orphan in Mitchido. And Eddie was my friend. The Nuns gave me an education. After I finished school, I found work with Mr Woods as a farm hand. I worked hard for him and I enjoyed the work with the cattle. Mr Woods taught me how to ride like a bronco buster and to shoot like a bounty hunter. I felt sorry for Mrs Woods because she was never allowed to leave the ranch or even to speak with us farm workers. Last year Mr Woods sacked me because I had romantic intentions towards his daughter Annabel. Now I work for Frank and he treats me like a son. Dress suggestions: Plaid pants rolled up, plain shirt, bow tie/tie & braces. Hay poking out.
Red-Eye Mitchell
(gunslinger) My parents were killed when I was little by Crow Indians, but I was lucky because one of the Indians liked my red hair and took me back with him. They called me “Red As The Sun”. My hair’s not as red now though. The Indians taught me how to ride bare-back and hands free. I learnt how to shoot a gun going full gallop. But when I became a man, they said I had to leave because I wasn’t one of them. Then I worked as a stockman for a while, but word got around about how good I was with a gun. Being brought up Indian, I haven’t been held back by all these Christian ethics. If a man is bad, I have no hesitation in killing him. People pay me to kill for them. The money is good and I can hide well because of my Indian training, so the law never catches up with me. Frank Reyes has brought me to town because he wants someone on his side to help with a showdown. Dress suggestions: Bring a toy gun, water pistol or cardboard cutout of a gun (no real guns, please).
Lulu Peachy
(Can-Can girl) I dreamed of being an opera singer, but my mother was too poor to send me to singing lessons. My father abandoned us when I was little. I suppose that’s why I have never really trusted men much. After I turned 12, I went to work in a factory. When I turned 17, someone offered me a job as a Can-Can girl. I thought it sounded more fun so I did it. After I had been with the show about a month, they said that they had been offered a permanent spot in Mitchido in the country. Being young, I thought that sounded exciting. The sponsors of the show get a front row seat. Richard was my sponsor and I was his filly – as he liked to call me – for over a year. He felt that gave him the right to tell me what I should perform and how I should live my life. Someday I would prefer to be a singer in a larger town. Dress suggestions: A Can-Can girl outfit with lots of petticoats (starched stiff).
Spring Leaf
(Native American girl) When I grew up – the boy in the next tepee – “Red As The Sun” – was my friend. When the boy became a man, he was told to leave. I was very sad. My parents said it had to be because he was not the same as us. Then the whites decided they wanted our land and they came and killed us. Their leader was General Woods and he killed my parents. He would have killed me too, but he decided to take me back as his maid. I was only 10 and very distressed, because my parents and friends had been killed. I did not talk for over 2 years. I was made to do chores. After I turned 12, I became the maid of General Woods’ son Richard. His wife Katherine was nice to me, but Mr Woods treated me very badly. Dress suggestions: A Native American squaw outfit including suede shirt & skirt & feathers.
Margaret Read
(shop-owner’s wife) I went to school with Richard and Katherine, but I wasn’t friends with them. I was very good with numbers at school, but because I was a woman, I couldn’t become an accountant. My husband and I met at school and a few years after we left school, he stuttered out a proposal of marriage. I knew he wasn’t much of a man, but I loved him anyway. We found we couldn’t have children so there wasn’t much for me to do except to help my husband manage the store. My husband is a bit timid and if anyone starts to question the price of the goods, he just panics – a bit like a horse when it stands on a rattler. They rear and buck and lose the plot completely. But if I’m around, if there’s any trouble about money, I just pull out my gun. That stops most people quibbling over a few oats. Dress suggestions: Conservative period wear (eg long skirts with long half aprons, bonnets, gloves and boots).
Optional authorities descriptions
Dr Conroy Splint (medical doctor) Richard Woods was a few years ahead of me at school, so I didn’t get to know him much. Frank took over the running of the family farm, but I preferred to learn how to help people, so I studied medicine. As a doctor I’ve seen what some men do to their women and I know how Richard Woods had been treating Mrs Woods. I have never married as my work keeps me too busy, but I have a few friends such as Norma Picket. She’s a fine woman. Dress suggestions:Wear conservative period wear (eg check pants, plain shirt, bow tie or tie and braces). Carry a black bag possibly with a stethoscope and/or thermometer inside.
Ludwick Lucas (lawyer) I am Richard Wood’s lawyer. I am very conservative and very well-respected in my profession. Although I have been Richard’s lawyer for many years, I have never really liked him as a person. Dress suggestions: Wear a suit and look very serious.
Optional witnesses descriptions
Nicholas Read (shop-owner) I also went to school with Richard and Katherine. But they ignored me just like they ignored Margaret. I wasn’t particularly good at school, but I got through it. I inherited the store from my parents. They died young of tuberculosis. I met Margaret at school and when it was time, I proposed to her. I knew Margaret was a bit on the bossy side, but I knew she’d be a good wife. I’m not that timid. I just don’t like people criticizing the way I run my business. Margaret and I do enjoy our card games. We also hear a lot of talk because of the shop, but I wouldn’t call us gossips, just friendly people. Dress suggestions: Conservative period wear (eg check pants, plain shirt, bow tie or tie and braces).
Miss Norma Picket (school teacher) I went to school with Richard and Katherine, but I wasn’t really friends with either of them. I was friends with Margaret. We were best friends. We did everything together. I still visit Margaret and her husband quite often. We like to play a hand of bridge or two. They keep me informed on all the town’s gossip. My father was a farmer. I loved looking out over our fields with all the wheat waving its heads of grain. There is nothing more beautiful than a prairie, now is there? Although I’m very strict with my students, I do care about their welfare. Annabel and Luke were my students. Dress suggestions: Wear conservative period wear (eg long skirts with long half aprons, bonnets, gloves and boots). Carry a ruler or a cane.
Fergie Withers (maid) I have been Mr Reyes maid for many years. I became his maid when he married his wife. I was so upset when Mrs Reyes died giving birth. I was devastated. She had been such a lovely lady. So I stayed on to take care of Mr Reyes. He has always been a good person to work for. I always like it when Miss Annabel visits us. Miss Annabel loves the blueberry muffins I make. I am due to retire soon. Dress suggestions: Wear conservative period wear (eg long skirts with long half aprons, bonnets and boots). Carry a feather duster.
Fifi Amouray (Can-Can girl) I was hopeless at school because all I could think of were the boys. My dad was a ill and my mother died early. So I had to work as soon as I could just to survive. I had always loved music and dancing and singing, so I decided to work in a saloon. I thought it would be much more fun than being a maid. I am a dancer at the same bar as Lulu and we are close friends. I can kick my legs higher than any other gal in the chorus. Dress suggestions: A Can-Can girl outfit including lots of petticoats (starched stiff).
Running Stream (Native American squaw) Like Spring Leaf, my parents were killed. We came from the same tribe. I came to work for Dr Splint as his cook. He is a good kind man. I am lucky. Spring Leaf and I are friends. We meet up briefly each week when we go to town to pick up the supplies. Dress suggestions: Wear a Native American squaw outfit including suede shirt and skirt and feathers.
Wally Finley: I own the saloon. I grew up in Philadelphia, but when my Dad died, I inherited quite a bit of money. I heard “The Lone Star Saloon” in Mitchido was for sale, so I moved here and bought it. It wasn’t much of a bar when I took over it, but I have tried to improve it by hiring some dancers like Lulu. They’re fine girls and they put on a really good show kicking their pretty legs as high as they can. The only trouble with owning a saloon is that you get some customers you just don’t like. Real trouble ones like Richard Woods. Dress suggestions: Wear conservative period wear (eg check pants, plain shirt, bow tie or tie and braces). Carry a towel and some empty glasses when you arrive.
Clem “Bubba” Longneck: I’m a farmhand. I grew up in the heart of Texas right below the Hill Country in Goat Neck. But me and my hat and my horse, well we decided to travel a bit, so we crossed the Medina and kept on riding and that’s how we ended up in Mitchido. I took the only job I could find which was to be a farmhand for Richard Woods. I took Luke’s job after he’d been sacked for liking Annabel. I told Mr Woods that I didn’t care for tomboys like Annabel and he was fine with that. Can’t say I liked Mr Woods much, but I liked his long horn cattle real well. Dress suggestions: Wear real cowboy gear and a big ten-gallon hat.
Charlie Hashbrowns: I’m a cook at the saloon. I’ve lived in this town since I was a small boy and I’ve seen more gunfights than potatoes in a barrel. Anyone complains about my cooking, they get out of town real quick, I can tell you. I don’t give them a chance to wipe the grease off their face. Dress suggestions: Grubby shirt with short or rolled up sleeves and grubby trousers. You’re overweight so you may want to add some padding.
Sami Suds: I’m a young boy working as a kitchen-hand at the saloon. My dad got me this job. It’s not a bad job but when Charlie the cook gets mad, like when someone says they don’t like his cooking, pots and pans get thrown all over the place and I get out of there real quick before he starts on the knives. Dress suggestions: Stained white shirt and trousers.
Gordon Grimly: I run the funeral parlor. Some people might think this is a depressing job but somebody’s got to do it. I’m the body who puts the body in the box, you might say. You bring “˜em in an’ I’ll lay “˜em out. I’ve seen some blood spilt and some tears shed in this town I can tell you. Dress suggestions: Dark suit with a waistcoat, black polished shoes and a black top hat made out of cardboard.
Bruce Brownloaf: I’m the town baker. I might look like I’m rolling in dough but it ain’t the kind you can spend. I’m up before the birds are awake firing up the ovens and kneading the dough. It’s hard work but it keeps me warm in winter and I give any leftover bread to the orphanage. I haven’t got any kids myself so I like to help those who don’t have parents. Dress suggestions:White trousers, white shirt and white apron. Have flour in your hair and on your hands and arms. Carry a loaf of bread.
Chad Moneybags: I’m the manager of the Mitchido Bank. I love the smell of money, that’s why I became a bank manager. I started off as a teller and worked my way up and now I get to handle lots and lots of bank notes. I don’t even care if It’s not all mine. But I make a good living and I’m very well respected in town. At night I spend hours polishing my coins before I go to bed. Dress suggestions: A business suit, with a waistcoat and a western string tie with a gold toggle, and polished shoes. If possible have a fob watch in your waistcoat pocket. Have coins in your pocket that you jingle constantly.
Ellie Finework: I make the prettiest lace in town. My fine lace collars can make any dress look a million dollars. My small delicate fingers can tat quicker than a trap can catch a mouse in a barn. My grandmother taught me how to do it and I will teach my daughters how to make lace when they’re old enough. Dress suggestions: A plain colored dress with a lace collar and cuffs, a pretty hat with flowers and dainty shoes.
Dorothy Dolittle: They call me the town gossip and I admit I love to gossip. I think It’s important to know what everyone is doing and to let others know. Otherwise what would we have to think about? If anyone knows anything they must tell me so I can tell others. Who needs a daily newspaper when they’ve got me? They also say I’m a tittle-tattle but I just like to make sure everyone is doing the right thing. Dress suggestions: A not so new flowery dress, apron and hat.
Thomas Forge: I’m a Blacksmith and I may look kinda grubby but that’s because I work hard all day over a hot furnace beating bits of iron into shape. I’m big and I’m strong. In fact I’m so strong I can lift a horse clear off the ground if I have to. Dress suggestions:An old dark short sleeve shirt and grubby and/or torn dark trousers. Put a smear or two of black boot polish on your face and arms and be unshaven or bearded. Pad out to emphasize your size.
Father Joseph O’Hara: Bless you all my children. I’m a Preacher who’s come all the way from Ireland to save your souls and Christian your children. Anyone who comes to me is guaranteed to go away cleansed and forgiven. I love performing weddings when the Church is decked out with flowers and the dear children are singing in the choir. Dress suggestions: A preacher’s outfit – black with a white collar and black shoes. Hang a cross around your neck.
Mary Williams (Sheriff’s wife) When I was growing up, Clyde seemed to me to be one of the only boys at school that wasn’t a bully. At school, Richard was always playing nasty pranks on the girls like leaving gum on the seat so your skirt stuck to it – that sort of thing. Clyde and I became boyfriend and girlfriend from an early age. He was so much fun in a gentle sort of way. Katherine came to town when I was 15 and we became friends. I was and still am – madly in love with Clyde – he reminds me of a big huggable Clydesdale – tough and reliable. Dress suggestions:Conservative period wear (eg long skirts with long half aprons, bonnets, gloves and boots).
Shirley: I am a Can-Can girl. I am the one that’s always giggling while she kicks up her heels. Dress suggestions: Bright colored short dress with fishnet stockings and high heel shoes.
Suzette: Everybody says I’m the prettiest girl in town and I sure do know how to give everyone a good time. I am a Can-Can girl. Dress suggestions: Bright colored short dress with fishnet stockings and high heel shoes.
Sylvia: People call me Saucy Sylvia because I’m cheeky. I am a Can-Can girl and I sing in the chorus as well. Dress suggestions: Bright colored short dress with fishnet stockings and high heel shoes.
Sonia: Ask any of the men in town about me and they’ll tell you “That Can-Can girl Sonia, she’s a flirt”. You’ll catch me after dark at the saloon dancing my troubles away. Dress suggestions: Bright colored short dress with fishnet stockings and high heel shoes.
Nancy Newtone: I am a music teacher. I teach children the piano. Many people think I’m too strict but if you want them to learn, you have to be hard on them. When the children are naughty or don’t practice, I tap their fingers with a stick. But when they’re good I give them candy. Dress suggestions: A plain dark colored dress and hat. Carry a music book.
Barbara Wordsworth: It’s just as well I’m a librarian because I just love books. When no-one comes in I spend my time rearranging the shelves and dusting off dust jackets. Not many people in this town read books so I get lots of time to do some reading myself. My best customers are Joe and Annabel. Dress suggestions: Conservative frock, flat shoes, a shawl, glasses and a hat. Carry a book or two.
Willie AllWood: I’m a carpenter. Houses are my specialty but I can build a barn or shops or even a saloon bar. People say I’m a bit slow but I say, if you want it to last don’t expect it done fast. I’m not cheap but I’m a good worker. Dress suggestions: Workman’s shirt, trousers and boots. Wear a western style hat and carry a bag of tools.
Donni Sleepsweet: I own the local drapery store. I sell sheets, towels, dress fabrics and curtains. I’m very popular with the women because I get lots of beautiful fabrics for them to make dresses out of. When it comes to bedding, you can sleep easy with sheets from Sleepsweets. Dress suggestions: Neat clean shirt, bow tie and trousers.
George Gumsore: There’s an awful lot of bad teeth, not to mention bad breath, in this town so my business is booming. When I started out I had a few teething problems but when people realized what a good dentist I am, my business took off like a colt in a thunderstorm. Dress suggestions: Conservative shirt and trousers. Carry a pair of pliers.
Ethel Manyrooms: If you need somewhere to stay, come and see me. My tariff is reasonable. My boarding house is as clean as can be and as neat as a pin, but I warn you, there’s no eating, drinking, spitting or smoking cigars in my establishment. Dinner’s at six and sheets are changed every fortnight. Dress suggestions: Dress and apron and flat shoes. You are a large woman so pad yourself out.
Rose Berry: I am just a young woman who tries to make a simple living by picking wild berries and making them into jam. I also make lovely cactus pickles and sell them to the chef at the saloon. He puts them in his beef and pickle sandwiches. When I make enough money I’m going to buy a handcart so I can sell my jams and pickles door to door. Dress suggestions: A simple dress, apron, flat shoes and a hat. Carry a jar of jam or pickles.
Isaac (Fingers) Ingles: My fingers are my fortune. Not that I make a fortune playing the piano in the saloon bar. I barely make enough money to keep me, but the chef feeds me so I’m happy. It’s a dangerous place to work but the girls are nice to me. Dress suggestions: Shirt and bow tie, dark trousers.
Joe Jamieson: I’m the bartender in the saloon bar. I’m big and strong and can take care of any problems. We don’t get too much trouble in here but when we do, those swinging doors just don’t stop swinging as I keep flinging those troublemakers out into the street. Dress suggestions: Shirt and trousers. Pad out to create muscles.
Lewis Leatherback: I’m a saddler. I make big saddles for big horses, little saddles for ponies and sidesaddles for ladies. You can sit safe and secure on my saddles. They’re made from the finest leather you can get around these parts. You’ll be happy if you’re saddled with one of my saddles. I can also make you a pretty neat belt and chaps. Dress suggestions: Cowboy shirt, strong fabric trousers, boots with spurs, chaps and a western hat.
Nancy Nimblefingers: I am a dressmaker. I make all my dresses by hand. I sit and sew all day long. At night it gets hard as I only have candlelight to work by but I manage. I make dresses for most of the ladies in town, especially the young ones. And women come to me from all over the west just to get fitted for a frock. I like making fancy dance frocks best of all. And I love dancing myself. Dress suggestions: A pretty but conservative dress and hat. Have a tape measure around your neck and wear a padded dressmaker’s wristband stuck with pins.
Alfred Steerbuck: I’m the town butcher. I buy cattle from the ranchers, slaughter them myself and slice the meat into slabs. Sometimes I go out and shoot a deer or two just for variety. I’m big and strong and I like to flirt with the women who come into my shop. Dress suggestions: Bloodstained workman type shirt and trousers and a striped butcher’s apron.
Hank Hangaround: I don’t do much. I just hang around town. Sometimes people give me money for food “˜cause they feel sorry for me. But I’m always happy. Never pick a fight with anyone. I’m a good lookin’ man. Can’t understand why the ladies don’t go for me. Dress suggestions: Tattered, dirty clothes and hat.
Maude Muckadoomop: I clean the rooms at the “˜otel. I just does me job and gets out of there. I got six children to support and a lazy no-good husband. You might not believe it now, but I used to be the prettiest girl in town. Could get any man I wanted. I just chose the wrong one I guess. Dress suggestions: Tattered dress, old flat shoes, grubby apron and an old scarf tied around the head to keep the hair clean. Blacken one tooth. Carry a mop and bucket or a feather duster.
Boy: My real name is Walter but everyone just calls me Boy. I’m an errand boy for Mr Read who owns the store in town. They call it a grocery store but it sells everything from tea and sugar to fencing wire. I do have a name but everyone calls me “˜Boy’ because I’m small and I look young. My mother died when I was a baby and I don’t know who my father is – or was. I have to deliver food and stuff on horseback to people who live out of town. I’d rather be a gunslinger. I live by myself in a little room at the back of the shop. I haven’t many friends. Dress suggestions: short trousers and shirt, a western style hat and boots.
Bessie Broadbottom: I run the local post office but I never get any letters myself because I don’t know anyone out of town. I know everybody in town and I love to gossip with them when they come into my post office. Ever since my husband died in a gunfight 17 years ago, I’ve had to fend for myself. I don’t have any children to support – it’s just me and my cat Fluff. I sit in the post office every day and sort letters. Dress suggestions: Conservative dress and hat. Flat shoes and pad out your bottom, as you’re a large lady. Carry a toy cat.
Cedric Dart: I’m a tailor. I’ve made or adjusted most of the men’s suits in this town. I guess now everyone will their black ones out for the funeral. Dress suggestions: Wear pants and a dress shirt. Carry a tape measure and some pins.
Milly Bonnet: I’m a milliner. The ladies of this town are always asking me to make my hats to be like the latest fashions in Paris – even though we are in a small town. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse and wear a hat or bonnet. Carry some felt and ribbons.
Horatio Horten: I’m the farrier in this town. Richard was always trying to pay me less than anyone else for shoeing his horses. Dress suggestions: Wear workingman clothes. Carry a horseshoe, a hammer and some nails.
Honey Beeswax: I make candles of all shapes and sizes. Everyone needs them, so I’m always busy. I love doing fancy ones for special occasions. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse. Carry some candle or two.
Sam Stirling: I’m a surveyor. Often I’m called in to settle arguments over boundaries and fences between neighbors. Dress suggestions: Wear workingman clothes. Carry a map and a compass.
Minette Milne: I work at the mill – grinding flour. I help keep the equipment clean. I have a weakness for boiled candy, so I see Margaret Read far too often at her store. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse and an apron. Carry some flour and/or boiled candy.
Flavius Fitz: I’m an artist. I spend my time doing portraits of the wealthy folk. Richard never asked me for a portrait even though he could have afforded one. Dress suggestions: Wear paint covered clothes. Carry a sketchbook and/or some oil paints and/or a palette.
Bertha Thomas: I’m a midwife. I help deliver babies. Katherine and I went to school together and I helped deliver Annabel all those years ago. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse. Carry some towels.
Ramsey Arvant: I’m a soldier. I’m back on leave in my old hometown. I went to school with Luke. We’re still friends. Dress suggestions: Wear an army uniform.
Selma Parsley: My husband and I grow herbs and vegetables. We sell them at the local stores, so Margaret Read is a customer of mine. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse. Carry some herbs such as parsley and some vegetables in a basket.
Hugo Stone: I go around to people’s homes and sharpen their knives and scissors. I was at the Woods’ only last week. Dress suggestions: Wear working clothes and carry a knife sharpener and cloth.
Aretta Sparkle: I make jewelry. Actually I’m also a gold and silversmith. I learned that from my Dad, bless his departed soul. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse and some gold and silver jewelry. Carry some jewelry making tools.
Don Dairyman: I’m the milkman. I deliver everyone’s milk around town. But I don’t deliver to the Woods’ as they are a ways out of town. They have their own milking cow. Dress suggestions: Wear working clothes. Carry some a bottle of milk (empty a glass juice bottles and fill with milk).
Ursula Sheen: I’m the dishwasher at the saloon. The glasses take a lot of work. But It’s worth it. That’s why we have so many customers. People notice details like that. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse. Wear an apron.
Berg Blockman: I bring ice to all the houses in town during summer. In winter, I shovel the sidewalks. Sometimes in winter I also make ice sculptures. The kids love watching me create them. Dress suggestions: Wear workman clothes. Carry a small cooler with some ice in it.
Florence Day: I work as a nurse at the hospital. I do my best to care for the sick and dying. I remember when Annabel had her appendix removed. She was such a cute kid. Dress suggestions: Wear a long white skirt and white blouse and a white nurse’s bonnet. Carry a thermometer.
Sid Sootie: I’m the local chimney sweep. Because most people in these parts have combustion stoves, I’m busy all year round. I like my job although it is a bit messy. Dress suggestions: Wear workman clothes. Put soot on your face. Carry some brushes.
Tatiana Emery: I’m a governess for some of the children at one of the outlying farms. I just happened to be in town today as it is my day off. It’s a shock to hear of the murder. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse. Carry some textbooks.
Duggie Baldric: I take my wagon from house to house selling all sorts of things like ribbons, hair-restorers, trinkets, candies and cure alls. Dress suggestions: Wear check pants and a hat. Carry some trinkets.
Charlotte Chessum: I’m a companion for one of the wealthy ladies in town. I keep her amused, so that time passes quickly for her. Sometimes we ride our horses out near where the Woods have their ranch. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse. Carry a novel.
Percy Penwick: I’m a retired judge. I’m busy writing my memoirs. I suppose I will add this new drama to them. Richard’s late father and I had been friends. But Richard was nothing like his father. Dress suggestions: Wear a suit. Carry journal in which you are writing your memoirs.
Sister Mary: I’m a nun. I teach at the Catholic school in town. I’m a strict disciplinarian. But I do it for the children’s sake. They need discipline. I took care of Luke when he was young. Dress suggestions: Wear a long black dress or long black skirt and white or black blouse. Wear a white nun’s habit and a cross around your neck.
Dandie Andrews: I’m a handyman about town. Sometimes I’m fixing squeaky doors. The next minute I’m sanding floors. I do it all. Dress suggestions: Wear workman clothes and carry a few tools.
Candace Witherson: I’m a secretary for one of the lawyers in town. I’ve just learned shorthand and It’s made me so much more productive. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse. Carry a notepad full of your notes in shorthand.
Sholto Rooney: I’m a roofer. I’m great at getting cedar shingles to fit together. I suppose It’s because I was good at jigsaw puzzles when I was a kid. Dress suggestions: Wear workman clothes. Carry some tools.
Henrietta Rose: I make quilts. I love it. It’s a very creative way to use up everyone else’s scraps of material. Katherine Woods bought one from me. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse. Carry a small quilt you just finished making.
Travis Treeman: I run the timber yard in town. I mainly sell to carpenters and people building and repairing their houses. But I also sell firewood too. Dress suggestions: Wear workman clothes or a uniform. Carry a small piece of timber.
Chandra Whitener: I do the laundry of the wealthier folks in town. Bleach is my blessing. It always amazes me how people with such fancy airs and manners can make their clothes such a mess. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse. Carry some bleach and/or a laundry basket with a few clothes in it.
Moritz Morton: I collect taxes for the government. No one can escape their dues no matter how wealthy or how poor they are. It’s their citizen’s responsibility. But Richard was always behind on paying his taxes. Dress suggestions: Wear a suit and carry a ledger of who owes you money.
Edie Enuncia: I teach elocution lessons to some of the children of the wealthier folks in town. I make sure they say their “Rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain” and so on. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse. Carry a book on elocution or phonetics or a dictionary.
Laurence Latimer: I teach Latin at school and also to private students at night. Latin gives them a firm basis on which to understand both scientific terms and also our language in general. But Luke was hopeless at Latin. That’s why he’s ended up nothing but a farm hand. Dress suggestions: Wear a suit or other formal clothes. Carry a book on Latin or a dictionary.
Flossie Florat: I sell flowers door to door. Beautiful they are and fragrant too. Now I suppose I’ll be making a few wreaths and other arrangements to take out to Katherines. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse. Carry some flowers in a basket.
Bennet Boxtet: I’m a beekeeper. I’ve sold some to the Woods family from time to time. People love my honey and I love my bees. Dress suggestions: Wear workman clothes and a net over your hat. Carry some honey from your hives.
Meave Mullens: My husband and I run a distillery. We make a lot of what they drink at the saloon. They’re good customers of ours. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse. Carry some corks.
Gus Grovenor: I have what some say is the worst job in town. I collect from the out houses. So my horse and buggy and I spend a lot of time in back lanes. Someone has to do it – for sanitation sake if nothing else. Dress suggestions: Wear workman clothes.
Kizzie Kurtsy: I teach dancing. Some of my girls have, unfortunately, ended up as can-can girls at the saloon. But I’d hoped instead that they would go on to some ballet schools in the big cities. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse.
Ned Stallion: I teach horse riding skills. I also break in horses. Some call me the “horse whispere” because of my affinity with horses. I must admit they are more fun to be around than some people in this town. Dress suggestions: Wear riding britches and a check flannel shirt or a cowboy outfit. Carry a whip if you can find one.
Haidee Haughton: Because the girls here generally can’t afford to go to finishing schools in Europe, I teach them decorum, good manners and proper etiquette. It’s amazing to me, but some girls don’t even know how to set a table properly or which fork to use for fish and so on. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse. Carry a book on etiquette.
Kenton Krest: I’m a retired schoolteacher. Now I help people research their family histories. So I’m a genealogy expert. I helped Frank Reyes research his family tree recently. We found out that one of his ancestors was an archbishop. Dress suggestions: Wear a suit or other formal clothes. Carry a family tree.
Tabitha Estry: I’m the one all the ladies come to with their tapestry problems. They say I have a knack for it. Katherine Woods often comes to me. She seems to find tapestry difficult to master. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse. Carry some tapestry you are working on (or to pretend you are working on).
Lyall Clayton: I’m a potter. My wife decorates my pots and she does a great job at it too. It’s satisfying work. Love working on the wheel. I find it relaxing in an odd sort of way. Dress suggestions: Wear workman clothes. Carry a pot you have made (or to pretend you have made).
Bettina Bobbin: I spin wool. I love the feel of the lanolin that comes out of the wool. I get into a real rhythm with my foot treadle. Katherine sometimes buys wool from me for her sweaters. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse. Carry some wool.
Hartwell Harris: I’m the local vet. Richard came to see me recently about a horse of his that had gone lame. When I told him I could fix it the inflammation and I told him my fee, he said he’d just shoot the horse and be done with it. That’s what he was like. Dress suggestions: Wear trousers and a flannel shirt. Carry a vet’s bag (like a doctor’s bag).
Rohanna Ludville: I live at home with my parents. I’m a spinster. Secretly I write novels under a male pseudonym. Maybe I will write one about this event. This sort of thing doesn’t happen very often. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse. Carry a journal in which to take notes.
Eustace Evans: I run the local bathhouse. Sometimes the cowboys treat themselves to a soak when they’ve been paid. I get all sorts. Even the sheriff himself comes in for a soak. Dress suggestions: Wear workingman clothes. Carry a towel.
Oda Orange: I make the best marmalade in town. It wins an award every year at the town fair. I think it is because I use my husband’s oranges and they are so sweet. Katherine asks me for the recipe but that’s my secret so I won’t share it. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse. Carry some marmalade (take the label off the jar and pretend you made it).
Quentin Maubery: I run the abattoir and knackery and I also make leather. Richard used to sell his cattle and old horses to me. He was always arguing about what they were worth. It will be a pleasure not to have to deal with him any more. Dress suggestions: Wear workman clothes. Carry some leather (eg a belt) and say you made it.
Keira Christie: I play the harp. Sometimes people invite me to their dinners to provide the entertainment. People find it soothing and melodious. Dress suggestions: Wear a long dress or long skirt and blouse. Carry a photo of your harp.
Augustine Sole: I’m a cobbler. I make all sorts of shoes. I made the shoes Richard was found in. Bless his soul. Dress suggestions: Wear trousers, a shirt and a sports jacket. Carry a leather shoe and pretend you made it.