text: [Themes: Western, Fantasy]
  
  > describe your surroundings
  The "Biscuit Residence" would hardly constitute a walk-in closet by your standards, but what it lacks in size is more than made up for by the charming decor of splintered wood, dense cobwebs, and the occasional trail of mouse droppings. There is a small wood stove nestled in one of the corners, whereas in the opposite corner is a couple of bedrolls, saddles and other supplies. There are a table and a couple of chairs in the center of the room. In front of the stove, you can just make out a good-sized rectangular cutout in the wood floor.
  
  Sitting at the table are two rugged-looking gnomish cowboys playing cards.
  
  "I'll bet ya two buck-a-bins on this winner."
  
  You are invisible.
  
  > look at the stove
  The coal-black stove is made from cast iron, has a grille on the front, and a flat surface on top for cooking. A flue runs from the back of the stove up through the roof.
  
  "You know I ain't got that kind of money, ya old fart!"
  
  You are invisible.
  
  > Close flue
  That's not something you can close.
  
  "Well, how 'bout that ol' watch you come across?"
  
  You are invisible.
  
  > examine the flue
  The flue is about 4 inches in diameter and has numerous dents and scratches. About halfway up the flue, there is a lever.
  
  "Hell, why not. I ain't wearin' no woman's watch and there ain't enough gold in it to sell. Hell, I'll even throw in this old apple to sweeten up the pot." Frank puts the watch and an apple on the table.
  
  You are starting to return to your normal opaqueness.
  
  > Go east
  The streambed turn east here and vanishes into the thick bushes and weeds. To the west is an old run-down shack which looks several years past its prime. There is a hitching post just outside the door.
  
  There is a horse here tied to the hitching post.
  
  On the horse are a blanket and a pair of saddlebags (which is closed).
  
  You are starting to return to your normal opaqueness.
  
  > wait a while
  Time passes.
  
  You are starting to return to your normal opaqueness.
  
  Suddenly, you feel a little heavier on your feet.
  
  > Go west
  The "Biscuit Residence" would hardly constitute a walk-in closet by your standards, but what it lacks in size is more than made up for by the charming decor of splintered wood, dense cobwebs, and the occasional trail of mouse droppings. There is a small wood stove nestled in one of the corners, whereas in the opposite corner is a couple of bedrolls, saddles and other supplies. There are a table and a couple of chairs in the center of the room. In front of the stove, you can just make out a good-sized rectangular cutout in the wood floor.
  
  Sitting at the table are two rugged-looking gnomish cowboys playing cards.
  
  You can also see a green apple and a gold watch here.
  
  The two cowboys talk quietly as they continue the game.
  
  You are invisible.
  
  > pull the lever
  The lever moves effortlessly, and more important, quietly. You close the flue.
  
  The two cowboys talk quietly as they continue the game.
  
  Dark smoke starts to pour out of the front grille.
  
  You are invisible.
  
  > Wait
  Time passes.
  
  The two cowboys talk quietly as they continue the game.
  
  Dark smoke is starting to fill the room!
  
  Both Biscuit brothers jump up from the table and rush towards the stove. James quickly opens the flue damper and the smoke starts to dissipate.
  
  "Damn stove is startin' to act up Frank. Teach ya to steal cheap junk. HA! Let's get back to cards. I'm feelin lucky!"
  
  Both cowboys return to the table and resume their card game.
  
  You are invisible.
  
  > examine the grille
  Dark smoke pours out of the grille. The fire behind the grille appears to be struggling.
  
  The two cowboys talk quietly as they continue the game.
  
  Dark smoke is starting to fill the room!
  
  Both Biscuit brothers jump up from the table and rush towards the stove. James quickly opens the flue damper and the smoke starts to dissipate.
  
  "Damn stove is startin' to act up Frank. Teach ya to steal cheap junk. HA! Let's get back to cards. I'm feelin lucky!"
  
  Both cowboys return to the table and resume their card game.
  
  You are invisible.
  
  > take the apple
  Startled by the apple's take to flight, the Biscuit brothers draw their guns and start shooting every which way. Although Frank takes a bullet in the leg and James one in the arm, the majority of bullets seem to have zeroed right in on you.
  
  > examine the flue
  The flue is about 4 inches in diameter and has numerous dents and scratches. About halfway up the flue, there is a lever.
  
  The two cowboys talk quietly as they continue the game.
  
  You are invisible.
  
  > examine the fire
  Through the vertical slats of the grille you can make out a good size fire burning in the stove.
  
  The two cowboys talk quietly as they continue the game.
  
  You are invisible.
  
  > break it
  Violence isn't the answer to this one.
  
  The two cowboys talk quietly as they continue the game.
  
  Dark smoke is starting to fill the room!
  
  Both Biscuit brothers jump up from the table and rush towards the stove. James quickly opens the flue damper and the smoke starts to dissipate.
  
  "Damn stove is startin' to act up Frank. Teach ya to steal cheap junk. HA! Let's get back to cards. I'm feelin lucky!"
  
  Both cowboys return to the table and resume their card game.
  
  You are invisible.
  
  > examine the cutout
  The cutout is about 2 feet square and has a wooden cover.
  
  The two cowboys talk quietly as they continue the game.
  
  You are invisible.
  
  > open the cover
  You manage to quietly slide the cover over a few feet, exposing an opening down into the floor.
  
  The two cowboys talk quietly as they continue the game.
  
  You are invisible.
  
  > pull the lever
  The lever moves effortlessly, and more important, quietly. You close the flue.
  
  The two cowboys talk quietly as they continue the game.
  
  Dark smoke starts to pour out of the front grille.
  
  You are starting to return to your normal opaqueness.
  
  > wait
  Time passes.
  
  You are starting to return to your normal opaqueness.
  
  > wait a while
  Time passes.
  
  You are starting to return to your normal opaqueness.
  
  Suddenly, you feel a little heavier on your feet.
  
  > examine cover
  The wooden cover has two hand-sized indentations.
  
  The two cowboys talk quietly as they continue the game.
  
  Dark smoke is starting to fill the room!
  
  Both Biscuit brothers jump up from the table and rush towards the stove. Frank quickly notices the open cutout and jumps over it, as does his brother. James quickly opens the flue damper and the smoke starts to dissipate.
  
  "How in the hell did that happen, Frank?"
  
  "Don't reckon I know, Jim, but sumpin isn't right here."
  
  "Well, let's get back to cards."
  
  Frank moves the cover back over the cutout and the two cowboys resume their card game.
  
  You are invisible.
  
  > Go east
  The streambed turn east here and vanishes into the thick bushes and weeds. To the west is an old run-down shack which looks several years past its prime. There is a hitching post just outside the door.
  
  There is a horse here tied to the hitching post.
  
  On the horse are a blanket and a pair of saddlebags (which is closed).
  
  You are invisible.
  
  > take the blanket
  The horse looks relieved to have the blanket removed from his back.
  
  Taken.
  
  You are invisible.
  
  > put the blanket on the opening
  You carefully cover the opening with the horse blanket.
  
  The two cowboys talk quietly as they continue the game.
  
  You are invisible.
  
  > Wait
  Time passes.
  
  The two cowboys talk quietly as they continue the game.
  
  Dark smoke is starting to fill the room!
  
  Both Biscuit brothers jump up from the table and rush towards the stove. Frank is the first to find your trap, as the blanket quickly gives way permitting an immediate plunge into the cellar. James, following quickly, also takes the deep plunge and even manages to destroy the ladder during his fall. The Biscuit brothers are trapped.
  
  You are invisible.
  
  > take the apple
  Taken.
  
  (from the cellar)
  "Ruins the whole day, doesn't it Frank?"
  
  The smoke in here is so thick you can hardly breathe!
  
  You are invisible.
  
  Taken.
  
  (from the cellar)
  "Who in the hell is goin to get us out of here?!"
  
  The smoke seems to be clearing a bit.
  
  You are starting to return to your normal opaqueness.
  
  > go east
  The streambed turn east here and vanishes into the thick bushes and weeds. To the west is an old run-down shack which looks several years past its prime. There is a hitching post just outside the door.
  
  There is a horse here tied to the hitching post.
  
  On the horse is a pair of saddlebags (which is closed).
  
  You are starting to return to your normal opaqueness.
  
  Suddenly, you feel a little heavier on your feet.
  
  > give the apple to the horse
  The horse devours the green apple.
  
  > ride the horse
  How do you propose to do that from where you are standing?
  
  > get on the horse
  Outside Old Shack (on the horse)
  The streambed turn east here and vanishes into the thick bushes and weeds. To the west is an old run-down shack which looks several years past its prime. There is a hitching post just outside the door.
  
  On the horse you can see a pair of saddlebags (which is closed).
  
  You pull yourself onto the horse.
  
  > untie the horse
  How can you do that while sitting on the horse?
  
  > stand
  You get off the horse.
  
  The streambed turn east here and vanishes into the thick bushes and weeds. To the west is an old run-down shack which looks several years past its prime. There is a hitching post just outside the door.
  
  There is a horse here tied to the hitching post.
  
  On the horse is a pair of saddlebags (which is closed).
  
  > untie the horse
  You untie the horse from the rail.
  
  > ride the horse
  The horse just shakes his head and starts to doze off.
  
  > Beetlebaum
  "Beetlebaum!"
  
  > Blizzard
  Beetlebaum races off through the brush at breakneck speed, stripping you of all your possessions. The landscape flies by as the old horse seeks the shelter of George's shack so as not to have to brave the oncoming blizzard. Following nearly invisible trails, the horse breaks out of the brush onto the main trail. Without hesitation, the horse continues north along the trail across Clear Creek and then northeast toward Blind Canyon.
  
  As the horse makes the last turn into the canyon, Beetlebaum startles at the sight of something up ahead on the trail. At this point, you and the horse go your own separate ways. Beetlebaum falls to the ground, quickly regains his footing, and continues his journey north to shelter. You, on the other hand, fly through air with the greatest of ease until falling face first onto the dusty trail.
  
  As you get up and take inventory of your faculties, you feel something cold against your head and hear the click of a gun's hammer.
  
  The trail winds its way from the southwest through a shadowy canyon formed in the cleft of two large hills. You cannot help but feel confined and vulnerable by the sheer walls of this gorge and the limited visibility in front of you and behind. The trail continues to the north.
  
  You can see Black Thad McGee here.
  
  "Well, what do we have here? Huh, little missy? Seems like you and me have some unfinished business."
  
  Thad puts the pistol back into the holster.
  
  > Go north
  "Don't be runnin off there missy. I've done shot more than a few in the back."
  
  "Yuh see now, you kinda spoiled my shootin' with your little tricks. Yuh know, it's pretty damn hard for an old guy like me tuh make a livin' without a good shootin' hand. But I learned. Yah, I learned to use muh other hand. Sure the boys laughed a spell 'bout it, but I done showed 'em just like I is goin' to show yuh.
  
  > kick Thad
  Violence isn't the answer to this one.
  
  "Yuh know, I waited quite a spell for this day. Yuh see, no one could figure what happened to yuh. But I waited. Yup, I knew we'd cross paths again. And here we both be. Me with muh guns, yous with nothin. Sounds pretty fair to me!"
  
  > Beetlebaum
  "Well, 'nuff of this jawin'. Better say your prayers missy!"
  
  As soon as you blurt it out, echoes of "Beetlebaum" fill the canyon.
  
  > Beetlebaum
  Black Thad pulls out a pistol from his holster.
  
  The sound of a galloping horse fills the canyon!
  
  > Beetlebaum
  Black Thad carefully checks the gun for bullets.
  
  Black Thad's eyes turn big as saucers as he spots the daunting sight of George and Beetlebaum racing down the trail at full gallop. Beetlebaum's eyes are filled with rage, his nose flared, and thick white foam spews from his mouth. Just as Beetlebaum lowers his head for a full charge, George screams out in an earsplitting yell, "HERE COMES BEETLEBAUM!"
  
  Black Thad, out of reflex, goes for his right gun first to shoot the charging horse. His thumbless hand fumbles the gun around and then drops it to the ground. In an instant, but an instant too late, he goes for his other gun with his good hand. Beetlebaum, with his ears back, plows into Black Thad like a freight train. Black Thad is launched into the air from the collision and slams into the canyon wall. What life may have been left in Black Thad is certainly concluded by the ensuing rockslide.
  
  After the dust clears a little, George stares at you for a moment and says, "I just knew you'd be the one to clean up around these parts. Heck, when I tricked ol' Frank into goin' above to rile yuh up, I could just feel it in mah bones. Beetlebaum, get yer miserable hide over here!"
  
  As Beetlebaum saunters over, still wet with sweat, George opens the saddlebag and takes out a blue gumball and hands it to you. "Go on, get on home! I don't take to no good-byes from no woman." George pauses, and then breaks out in a big smile and chortles, "Ah heck, ya done good. Hell, ya done great. I's can't thank ya enough fer helpin' out. Let's get some grub and get ya on yer way."
  
  After a pleasant meal of beans and jerky, you say your good-byes to the old cowboy. Following a long hug and a quick peck on the cheek, you finally partake of the blue gum. Quicker than an instant, you find yourself.... On the Floor
  
  You are lying on the floor staring at the ceiling. Your head feels surprisingly good considering your previous antics. In fact, you feel quite refreshed from your hiatus from consciousness.
  
  > Inventory
  You are carrying:
  a gold watch (being worn)
  
  > Examine watch
  The dainty wristwatch is made from 18kt gold and shines like the sun.
  
  > stand
  As you get to your feet, you begin to realize that you must have really had a good whack to the head. Dismissing the previous events as a bad dream, you continue your routine and get ready to start dinner.
  
  It isn't until some time later that evening that you discover an odd gold locket and a note under your pillow.
  
  The note reads:
  "Thank you ma'am for all your help on getting things settled around Deadeye. With the Biscuit Brothers and Black Thad out of the way, people are startin to move back towards town. There's even talk about reopenin the mine and maybe drillin some more wells. Beetlebaum is feelin spry as a colt, and hell, I may even rebuild the ol Gumball Factory.
  
  Thanks again for yer help and I hope the locket comes in handy from time to time.
  
  (signed) George & Beetlebaum
  
  > P.
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  There is information available on the following:
  
  Who are George and Beetlebaum?
  About Various Objects and Places in the Game
  Scoring
  Things to Try
  > And Finally...
  
  > go north
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  There is information available on the following:
  
  > Who are George and Beetlebaum?
  About Various Objects and Places in the Game
  Scoring
  Things to Try
  And Finally...
  
  > go north
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  There is information available on the following:
  
  Who are George and Beetlebaum?
  > About Various Objects and Places in the Game
  Scoring
  Things to Try
  And Finally...
  1. The House
  The house depicted is the house we currently live in. As this game was originally written for my wife, I wanted her not to get too lost to start with. This portion of the game was my experimenting with Inform and I decided to leave it in after several revisions. Incidentally, my wife has never played the game.
  
  2. Gold Watch
  The gold watch was a Christmas present I gave my wife. Since she was the protagonist in the experimental version, it was the only motivation I could contrive at the time.
  
  3. Deadeye Gulch
  The buildings and so forth in Deadeye Gulch are a combination of my recollections of Deadwood, South Dakota and Virginia City, Montana. The rosewood bar in the Saloon is based on the "Silver Dollar" in Miles City, Montana.
  
  4. Chokecherry Bushes
  Chokecherry bushes are a staple of the Montana landscape. The small black berries are somewhat tart and are especially good when canned.
  
  5. Willow Tree
  The willow tree in the story was based on a willow tree across the street from where I grew up. The tree was in Fred Dorn's yard at the time, and was recently cut down since it was dying from old age.
  
  6. Trystanium & Tombstone Jay
  Trystanium is named after and based on my nephew Tristan. The Tombstone Jay is named after my nephew TJ. Both are great kids who helped test the game along with their dad, who is "John Bro" in the story.
  
  7. Gold Nugget
  The gold panning bit was based on my brother's attempt to make his fortune when we were on vacation in Deadwood years ago. For the record, he did manage to find a few flakes.
  
  8. Slot Machine
  The slot machine puzzle is based on a 5th grade homework problem provided by one of my co-workers. We spent a lot of time fooling around with this puzzle at the office.
  
  9. Tombstone
  The tombstone at Boot Hill is based on a tombstone found on a small island at Canyon Ferry, Montana.
  
  10. Clear Creek
  Clear Creek is a little stream that runs across my uncle's farm in Montana. In addition to many other adventures, this is where I had my first introduction to a rattlesnake.
  
  N = next subject                                                  P = RETURN = read subject                                          Q = re sume game
  There is information available on the following:
  
  Who are George and Beetlebaum?
  > About Various Objects and Places in the Game
  Scoring
  Things to Try
  And Finally...
  
  > go north
  N = next subject                                                  P = RETURN = read subject                                          Q = re sume game
  There is information available on the following:
  
  Who are George and Beetlebaum?
  About Various Objects and Places in the Game
  > Scoring
  Things to Try
  And Finally...
  The scoring for this shindig goes as follows:
  
  Getting lost gum                          5 pts
  Opening safe                              5 pts
  Turning over the pencil sketch           10 pts
  Opening Master Bedroom closet             5 pts
  Entering Clearing                        15 pts
  
  Cleaning table                            5 pts
  Unlocking Livery door                    10 pts
  Getting square tin                        5 pts
  Reading crumpled note                     5 pts
  Taking cowboy boots                       5 pts
  Getting the small rock                    5 pts
  Making orange gumball                    10 pts
  Making coin                               5 pts
  Finding whiskey bottle                   10 pts
  Getting derringer                         5 pts
  Shooting Black Thad                      10 pts
  Getting iron bar                          5 pts
  Entering Beaver Dam                      10 pts
  Sharpening knife                          5 pts
  Cutting willow branch                     5 pts
  Removing locket from hole                10 pts
  Entering Cactus Patch                     5 pts
  Opening Mine Entrance                     5 pts
  Answering first riddle                    5 pts
  Answering second riddle                   5 pts
  Taking Trystanium                        10 pts
  Putting Tryst in locket                   5 pts
  Taking brass key                          5 pts
  Finding handcar                           5 pts
  Oiling handcar                            5 pts
  Getting past rattlesnakes                10 pts
  Opening sod shack door                   10 pts
  Removing pile of rocks                    5 pts
  Entering Dry Stream Bed                   5 pts
  
  Obtaining gold watch                     20 pts
  Feeding horse (Beetlebaum)                5 pts
  Riding Beetlebaum                        15 pts
  Winning showdown at Blind Canyon         30 pts
  
  350 pts
  
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  There is information available on the following:
  
  Who are George and Beetlebaum?
  About Various Objects and Places in the Game
  > Scoring
  Things to Try
  And Finally...
  
  > go to the north
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  There is information available on the following:
  
  Who are George and Beetlebaum?
  About Various Objects and Places in the Game
  Scoring
  > Things to Try
  And Finally...
  Have you tried:
  
  Drinking the water on the bathroom floor?
  Swimming at the Beaver Dam?
  Cutting two branches off of the willow tree?
  Interacting with the rattlesnakes?
  Kissing Black Thad at the Saloon?
  Throwing the dynamite at stuff?
  Looking under the table in the vault?
  Following the Road to Herringville?
  Taking the Black Rod?
  Mapping the Mine?
  
  N = next subject                                                  P = RETURN = read subject                                          Q = re sume game
  There is information available on the following:
  
  Who are George and Beetlebaum?
  About Various Objects and Places in the Game
  Scoring
  > Things to Try
  And Finally...
  
  > go to the north
  N = next subject                                                  P = RETURN = read subject                                          Q = re sume game
  There is information available on the following:
  
  Who are George and Beetlebaum?
  About Various Objects and Places in the Game
  Scoring
  Things to Try
  > And Finally...
  This game was for me the ultimate adventure in just trying to put it together and complete it. It took the better part of 18 months to write. Having really no programming experience of this nature, even the simplest things seemed to take forever. The feedback I have received on the game has been well beyond anything I could have imagined. I would like to thank each of you folks who took a moment and dropped me a note. It made the whole project worthwhile.
  
  Next on the list, no game would be complete without recognizing the pioneering work of Willie Crowther and Don Woods. The original Adventure was nothing short of amazing to me when I played it on a XEROX Sigma 7 about 20 years ago. I didn't finish the game until the early 80's on my C64. What a thrill!
  
  Of course, the folks at Infocom really cut the cake for me. The thrill of getting a disk drive for my C64 and Zork I on the same day was nothing short of orgasmic. Getting so much entertainment into 80k of memory is truly one of the major accomplishments of the computer age. My favorite game to this day is Enchanter.
  
  And speaking of thrills, the day I found the interactive community out on the Net was nothing short of a religious experience. So many good folks with a common interest. I thank you all for keeping the art alive.
  
  Last of all, I'd like to thank my brother. He introduced me to Adventure and we played pretty much most of the I-F games together, although geographically never in the same place. And, accordingly, this game is dedicated to him.
  
  And finally, long live George and Beetlebaum!
  
  N = next subject                                                  P = RETURN = read subject                                          Q = re sume game
  There is information available on the following:
  
  Who are George and Beetlebaum?
  About Various Objects and Places in the Game
  Scoring
  Things to Try
  > And Finally...