Chicago, the Windy city. Each of the members of the group were contacted by Wesley Tucker an employee of the Holt and Balcom Company.
"I need your help, we're experimenting with a new steam operated saw in the woods around Wisconsin. We need to have a new valve which is being constructed in the Coleman Valve Works in Lakewood, but the trouble is our rivals are trying to gazumo is by either stealing or destroying the valve. What I need to do is get that to my employer safely. What I want is some added security to ensure I get through to the logging camp with the valve. I'm willing to pay you 50 dollars each for your trouble."
The group quickly agreed and travelled on the train to Lakewood, travelling individually they did not speak to each other.
Arriving in Lakewood late in the evening they headed to the saloon, Wesley quickly retired to bed bu the others stayed in the saloon bar.