Newly stood outside the Longbranch and peered nervously over the doors. Yes, there was Matt with Kitty. They were obviously having a good time and it would be a shame to interrupt them with bad news. The best thing would be to come back later. The young man turned to go and bumped into Doc.

"Newly! Where do you think you're going?"

Newly stammered, "I was just...I was going home, Doc."

"Home? We haven't seen you for over a week. Come on in and I'll buy you a drink." The old man ran his hand over his face and said firmly, "Just you, though. I'm not buying drinks for Festus. He gets too many from Kitty as it is."

Newly hung his head. "Festus isn't here."

Doc looked surprised. "He isn't? Well, where is he?"

The young man took a deep breath. He would have to tell them sooner or later. Maybe Doc could help him with the others. "I don't know. He didn't come back with me."

Doc saw the misery in Newly's face. "Newly, maybe you'd better tell me what's going on."

"Can we go up to your office?"

The old man mastered his alarm with a lifetime of training and nodded his head. "Well, sure, Newly. Do you want Matt?"

The young man thought for a moment. "That might be a good idea, Doc. Miss Kitty should probably come too."

Doc looked at his friend and said quietly, "Then I'll get Matt and Kitty and we'll be right up. Put on a pot of coffee, will you?"

"All right." The old man started into the Longbranch and Newly asked, "Doc, you won't be long, will you?"

The old man turned. "Don't worry, Newly. We'll be quick as we can."