[55] - [Voice]

[doctor_j_crane]

To all you new folks in town, I'm the veterinary surgeon here. I'll fix up your animals if needs be. For a price, of course.

[Town/old people filter]

Same cost for you folks. But don't be telling the new people if I change the prices for them. They're just passing through, you can't count on them for good business. So we've all got to do what we've got to do.

[New people/outlaws and ruffians]

I'll fix you up too, if you're willing to pay. Just don't be expecting prime doctor service and I won't be expecting doctorly prices. Just don't be asking my brother about those sorts of things if you see him in town. If you do that we'll all end up with lawmen involved.

I also have a few things stronger than drink if necessary. [In case some of you have a burning desire to use horse medication or something.]

Comments

town filter

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

It's a hell of a horse you've got there. You ever considered gettin' a new one?

Least that's something. [Sigh. Sigh forever.]

town filter

[feels-no-love.livejournal.com]

George saw me through the war, Doc. I can't put him down.

Probably put him out to stud, though, once I get a place and some land. Been thinking about it again.

town filter

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

I can see how he managed that. [Half to himself.] Hell of a horse.

[Oh gosh, the notion of a dozen more George's doesn't make Crane happy.] How far off are you from gettin' the land?

town filter

[feels-no-love.livejournal.com]

I gotta sort some things out first. I got the money, but I need a plan. Not to mention the gentlest mares in the state.

town filter

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

You'll need the gentlest mare in the country.

town filter

[feels-no-love.livejournal.com]

I know, I know. I was thinking of hiring Vegas to help me find her. Though I'll probably start with three mares. Herded together they'll be less scared of 'im, but any more than that to start would be unmanageable.

Anyway, Doc, the trouble with George isn't in his blood. It's the war. It can poison men, so why not horses?

town filter

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

I suppose you could do that. [Crane does not approve of this plan. It might actually work.]

[Pause.] I doubt the horse can do much thinkin' on the morality of war.

town filter

[feels-no-love.livejournal.com]

It's the frenzy itself that ruins a man, not any philosophizing about it. Same with horses. He can stand steady as the big guns go off right next to him, but he's not so good with people.

town filter

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

I suppose this might be true. He did have some good breedin', if I recall.