Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth - Conclusion

[CapnJim]

......Will Sir Rufus have prevailed, well my moneys on him , two shillings and six pence should cover it.

My money's US Dollars.  What was the exchange rate back then?

[Doug ex-em4]

My money's US Dollars.  What was the exchange rate back then?

A lot more favourable to the £ than it is now.

Doug

[Doug ex-em4]

Early morning in Much Rampling




All is quiet






Maybe TOO quiet?





At this time of the morning, the streets should be bustling with people and traffic




Atop The Folly Tower, the sharp-eyed Renfrew McGruel, head gamekeeper of Sir Rufus Pitt-Bulstrode, spots movement to the north. Could this explain the deserted streets of Much Rampling?

YES….!




Alerted by a hail from McGruel, Sir Rufus, Lord Lieutenant of Borsetshire, prepares his men for the fight against the encroaching Archer gang with an inspiring address





Meanwhile, the loutish Dan Archer, harangues his ruffianly followers






Mrs P (centre, in green) and Clarrie (large lady on the right) are already being difficult. Dan would be wise not to rely on their support





It’s all too likely that the peace of Much Rampling is about to be ripped asunder…….


Doug

[Mad Lord Snapcase]

It’s all too likely that the peace of Much Rampling is about to be ripped asunder…….

This does not bode well for the salubriousness of the residents of Much Rampling. Is 'Mrs. P.' the psychopathic housekeeper from Lower Loxley? Aka, Mrs. Pugsley? If so, watch out!

[Doug ex-em4]

Is 'Mrs. P.' the psychopathic housekeeper from Lower Loxley? Aka, Mrs. Pugsley? If so, watch out!

No - Mrs Perkins - mother of Peggy Archer the notorious bordello operator and drug dealer.

Doug

[Mad Lord Snapcase]

No - Mrs Perkins - mother of Peggy Archer the notorious bordello operator and drug dealer.

Blimey, guv'nor! I thought she was six feet under, pushing up the daisies! Old Polly Perkins is still running the Ambridge underworld, eh? Well, well, well. Wasn't Mrs. P. implicated when the Old Bill discovered Walter Gabriel in flagrante delicto during a raid on the Grey Gables Discipline Parlour?

[marianas_gamer]

Rousing, in the best meaning of the word! Always happy to hear more of the craziness that you fellas get up to!

[Doug ex-em4]

Blimey, guv'nor! I thought she was six feet under, pushing up the daisies! Old Polly Perkins is still running the Ambridge underworld, eh? Well, well, well. Wasn't Mrs. P. implicated when the Old Bill discovered Walter Gabriel in flagrante delicto during a raid on the Grey Gables Discipline Parlour?

Mrs P and Walter share a lively, not to say lurid, history. However these days, her main activity is being supremely irritating to the Ambridge capo di tutti Dan Archer. Her daughter, Peggy is much more involved in the Archer "business" on a daily basis.

Rousing, in the best meaning of the word! Always happy to hear more of the craziness that you fellas get up to!

Thank you - I can promise/warn you that there’s so much more to come from the Piddler triumvirate

Doug

[Doug ex-em4]

Although all this armed activity is ostensibly intended to punish the Archer gang for their disgraceful assault upon Constable Smallbottom, the man himself is reluctant to take a leading rôle. As Sir Rufus leads his men against the foe, Smallbottom is noticeable hanging back. "Er, I’m just going to make sure everything’s ok in the Old Town" he calls to the rest of the group as they stalwartly advance.





Meanwhile, Dan Archer has his own problems with reluctant followers. Mrs P is still arguing the toss. Doris (in blue hat), on the other hand is eager to get to grips with the enemy.






She takes up a commanding position in the butter market, supported by Tom Forest






Doris can be seen here in the butter market with Tom Forest to her right. Next to him is young Phil Archer and to his right, by the wall, is Dan himself. Further back in the field by the gate is Bert "Sizzler" Fry. The rest of Dan’s gang have made themselves scarce.
Sir Rufus’ men are straggling into action. Wrench, with Lewis gun has gained a good position behind the park wall and Freddie Pitt-Bulstrode is at the corner to his right. The rest are still moving up although there is no sign of Smallbottom





That’s because the constable is guarding the entrance to an alleyway which is no doubt an important thing to do




It looks like the time for manoeuvre is over…….


Doug

[Mad Lord Snapcase]

Looks as if the tension is mounting. Keep it coming.

Smallbottom seems to be one of those blokes who enters the pub at the head of a group, but by the time you get to the bar, he's behind everybody else!

[Doug ex-em4]

Looks as if the tension is mounting. Keep it coming.

Smallbottom seems to be one of those blokes who enters the pub at the head of a group, but by the time you get to the bar, he's behind everybody else!

He probably is but you have to remember the dreadful trauma he recently suffered….

Doug

[CapnJim]

I think we've reached the calm before the storm.   My guess is that gunplay will break out at any time now....

[Doug ex-em4]

I think we've reached the calm before the storm.   My guess is that gunplay will break out at any time now....

Regrettably, you’re absolutely correct……



Oh dear…! Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear - now that was brutal. Accurate fire from Wrench and Freddie has brought down Tom Forrest and Young Phil. Dan, never the most subtle of tacticians, reacts true to form. With a fearsome oath on his lips, he charges across the open space at Freddie whilst Doris gives covering fire. Dan is now in advanced middle-age and arrives somewhat out of breath so his brawl with Freddie is inconclusive






This gives Sir Rufus the opportunity to join in the melee, supported by von Strepsil and de Leominster




Doris is still trying to help by taking potshots from the shelter of the butter market





Wrench spots Sizzler Fry scurrying across the square towards the corner of the Old Town - surely Smallbottom can deal with this?






Apparently not - Fry is in position





Fry prepares to aid Dan who is still battling against increasing odds






But it is not to be - ever cool in a crisis, Wrench eliminates the threat







Simultaneously, Dan is also overwhelmed







Doris escapes and joins the faint hearts who evaded the fight and they make their way back to Ambridge. Dan, Tom Forrest, Sizzler Fry and young Phil are all taken into custody - all the leading lights of the Archer gang have now been taken care of. Sir Rufus and his victorious associates hasten to give Smallbottom the good news



And so the local threat to established order and stability in Borsetshire has been neutralised and Sir Rufus can turn his attention to the existential threat from outside the county…..

[CapnJim]

I just knew Sir Rufus and his allies would come out on top.  It's good to know that, at least for now, the cause of law and order has prevailed!  Well done!

[syrinx0]

Indeed what a relief!  Poor Smallbottom. Will he ever recover his nerve?