Mr. Howden
(turning to Baxley)
I didn’t think they’d be here so soon, we’ve bigger problems than I originally expected.
(he thinks of a viable lie and addresses the crowd)
As you can see, this is a very operationI run here, we’d be happy to accommodate all of you but our supplies are quite limited, HOWEVER… just a few miles west of here is a town called Sage Flats. Her representative is a personal friend of mine and one who’d be more than obliged to accommodate about half of you.
(a few grumbling and swearing is heard from the crowd)
Like I said, I’d be happy to accommodate all of you but we ain’t enough room and supplies to go around. Now if a few of you wouldn’t mind, make tracks on over there, after you have rested of course.
(a few Prospectors begin to clear out)
As for the rest of you, welcome to Silver Moon, Colorado. Who needs to go to California where it’s already over populated when you have young Colorado who opens her arms with loving support? Come, stay, and make yourselves at home.
(with open arms as the crowd cheers)
Baxley
(sliding next to Mr. Howden with his back towards the Prospectors and in a low voice)
So what are we going to do let everyone pull into town so they can eat up all of our food?
Mr. Howden
(sarcastically and without breaking his smile)
Yes, that’s exactly what I intend on doing.
Baxley
We ain’t got much resources in this dry spell, you know.
Mr. Howden
Once they have established themselves, they'll quickly see it for themselves and will either pitch in or move out, let them decide on their own, after all is that not what we did?
Baxley
Yes…
Mr. Howden
Then they will as well.