[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

[kingfor-aday.livejournal.com]

That's a mite dishonest, Dr Crane.

[he sounds so unsurprised.]

town filter

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

Nah, it's not. I'm helping out the people of the town, you see. I could just raise the price, but I don't want to be doing that to all of the good people of the town.

Town Filter

[thebestnose.livejournal.com]

You're terrible, Doc.

But I got a filly who ain't walkin'. I'd hate to put her down, but if she's lame, I ain't got a choice. Come take a look?

Town Filter

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

Just a little.

[Pause.] Will do. That don't sound too good, mind you. She been acting strangely the past few days?

TOWN BROS

[hatestriangles]

You know someone's gonna go runnin' their mouth to one'a those new folks and you'll find yourself in hot water, don'tcha? You'd better pull in your horns, doc.

TOWN BROS

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

That ain't going to be you, is it Dawsey? Because you might be finding yourself in some mighty fine trouble next time that horse of yours is lame.

TOWN BROS

[hatestriangles]

Nah, I ain't gonna rat you out, so calm yourself and quit jawin'. I meant it as a warnin', friend. You an' I both know you ain't exactly the most well-liked feller in town.

TOWN BROS

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

This is about them cattle, ain't it? Because everyone knows that wasn't anything to do with me. [Sulk, sulk. Was it a disease or Crane getting more business? Who knows.]

Town Filter

[thebestnose.livejournal.com]

Yeah. Well, yesterday she was layin' down and lookin' sick. I was too busy to check. She was in the same spot today.

TOWN BROS

[hatestriangles]

Yeah, well that ain't been proved one way or another jus' yet. But it sure didn't help your reputation none. [COWS ARE SRS BUSINESS. >|] You're the vet. Thought you were s'posed to be able to help 'em.

Town Filter

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

Was she rolling around and pawing at the ground? [Slightly less ridiculous than it sounds - Crane thinks that the horse might have foundered.]

Re: town filter

[kingfor-aday.livejournal.com]

Mmmhm.

Greed is a sin, you know. Aren't you making enough as it is, doctor?

TOWN BROS

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

If it ain't proven, it ain't proven.

I helped them as much as I could. It was some sort of disease.

town filter

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

I don't like your implication. We're in hard times, ain't we?

TOWN BROS

[hatestriangles]

[Why doesn't he believe you, bro?]

You sure you didn't jus' leave it at a lick and a promise, doc?

TOWN BROS

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

I don't get no more business off a dead animal, Dawsey. You know that.

Re: town filter

[kingfor-aday.livejournal.com]

Hard times where you don' need to be chargin' people more than they can afford, that's all.

town filter

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

And I won't. Not to them people in the town.

[truth_is_cold]

Well Mr. Crane, hopefully you're not too much more expensive than you were before I departed for the front. My horses are due a good examination.

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

Don't believe that I am. Your horses make it back in reasonable shape?

Re: town filter

[kingfor-aday.livejournal.com]

But then you'll make yourself rich on the passing trade, will you?

[damn, rampant capitalism does not suit his religious outlook.]

town filter

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

The money goes back into the town. Besides, I've got my brother to be lookin' out for.

[truth_is_cold]

Perseus made it back in fine condition, and Vegas has been tending to my horses in my absence. He's reported nothing amiss, but verifying their good health should help, especially if I intend to sell a few.

Private

[thebestnose.livejournal.com]

Nah. [She knows what he's getting out.] I think it's the colic.

TOWN BROS

[hatestriangles]

Yeah, yeah, reckon you're right an' I figure you already know I take my job mighty serious. It gets my back up when I lose animals afore I intend to let 'em go.