With his medical bag in hand, Doc opened the door of his office and stepped out into the early dawn. It was cool, but he knew the day would soon warm up – early September was like that.
Doc made his way down the staircase and to the boardwalk before turning left passed the general store. It was even too early for proprietor Wilbur Jonas to start his day. Doc walked toward the livery stable and found that Hank Miller had indeed prepared his rig.
Doc set his black leather medical bag on the seat and then he adjusted his hat before he climbed up to the seat. Doc settled in for the journey out to Randal and Sarah Dawson's farm. Sarah had not been well for a while now, and with their first baby on its way, Doc spent more time visiting and tending to the woman. He had seen some improvement in her health, but he felt she need to get stronger before the baby was due in about three weeks item.
Doc gathered up the reins and gently flicked them over Popcorn's rump causing the horse to move forward out of the stable. Doc pulled the reins to the left and Popcorn cantered down the street. Soon the buddy was out of view.
Doc enjoyed the quiet time in his buggy and was glad to avoid some of the impending cattlemen that were coming into Dodge later in the day, or tomorrow. Doc knew how much cattle drives meant to the town, but he hated the sorts of men who accompanied them. However, his worry at the present time was Sarah Dawson.
Within the half hour, the rest of Dodge began to stir. First there was the milkman and the Jonas at this store. Other shops opened son after.
Festus Haggen meandered back toward the jail house to report in from his night shift. The deputy opened the door into the jail house to find Matt shaving at the basin and mirror in the area where the marshal slept. Matt looked over his shoulder, "Festus," he noted the hill man's presence.
"Matthew," Festus yawned and walked over to the coffee pot to pour himself a cup of steaming black liquid.
"Anything to report?" Matt asked as he wiped the remaining shaving cream from his face and tossing the towel over his right shoulder.
"Not a thang, Matthew," Festus said between sips of coffee.
"Well, that's good news," Matt smiled as he walked across the room to his desk to pick up his cup.
"When do you think that Silverson will have his cattle here?" Festus asked.
Matt shrugged, "According to the last information I got, he indicated that he'd be here later today or tomorrow. My guess is he'll push through into tonight," he stated.
"Those cowboys had better be on good behaviour this year," Festus grumbled. "After that whole heap of trouble that happened last year."
"He's likely got a batch of new riders. Silverson's not the kind to keep rift-raft around on his payroll," Matt said.
Festus finished his coffee, "Wall, I think I'm gonna get me some sleep and then a bite to eat," the deputy said placing the empty cup down onto the tray.
"If Silverson arrives later, I'll need you around," Matt said. Festus nodded, even though he was yawning. Matt smiled as the hill man left the jail house and walked across the street to the livery stable – the place he called home.
Festus shuffled his way back to the little room near the back of the stable and sat down on the edge of his cot. He didn't even remember laying down as his eyes were closed before his head hit the pillow. A faint snore emanated from the room.
Matt adjusted his gun belt buckle and then plucked his tan hat from the peg next to the door. The marshal then stepped out on to the boardwalk and surveyed the busy street. People, wagons and lone riders travelled back and forth and up and down Front Street.
With a tick of his head, the marshal set out for Del Monicos and breakfast before he started his day it was now eight in the morning. As Matt walked up the street he noticed Jonas setting out his baskets of produce, and next door, Sam Noonan swept the boardwalk in front of the Long Branch Saloon, while Kitty Russell talked to a delivery man in the alley between the saloon and general store. Matt smiled and continued on his way to the restaurant.
Matt was always cordial and tipped his hat to the ladies as he passed by and the were always thankful for his manners in the western wilderness. Most women agreed that past Dodge to the west was nothing but savage country.
Matt opened the door and stepped down into the restaurant and half expected to find Doc ploughing through some eggs and toast. Matt was left to dine alone this morning. The marshal placed his hat on the chair next to the one he sat in and waited for Rudy to take his order.
Rudy exited the kitchen and placed several plates down in front of other waiting customers when he spotted Matt, "Marshal," he smiled and pulled his little pad of paper from his white apron, "What can I get for you this morning," the waiter smiled.
"Doc not around this morning?" Matt decided to ask.
"Ph, Doc was here about an hour or more ago. He said he had a patient to visit," Rudy stated while still waiting for Matt's order.
"Humph," Matt snorted. "He never mentioned that to me last night," he said to himself.
"Marshal?" Rudy asked while motioning to write something as more customers made their way into the restaurant.
Oh, sorry, Rudy," Matt smiled. "I'll have two eggs, a steak and a cup of coffee," he noted.
"Your steak the usual way, I assume," Rudy smiled as he walked over to the coffee pot and poured Matt a cup.
"You've got it ," Matt looked up at the waiter as he delivered the cup and then disappeared into the kitchen. It seemed like everyone was having a busy day, Matt thought to himself as he sipped on the coffee. However, Matt decided that it was all right for everyone to be busy, as he knew his time was coming later in the day or tomorrow and for once he decided to savour the quiet time he had - with or with out Doc.