"Matthew. I'm going to take the north fork and see ifin I can't spot some track in the snow up yonder." the weather hill man said from his perch on his mule.

The marshal nodded. "Okay Festus. I'll see what I can find down along the lower road. They can't be travelling too fast in this snow."

Festus agreed and spurred the mule into motion. "See you directly Matthew. I'll head back to Dodge before night fall."

"Festus!" Matt called and watched his deputy stop his mount. "If you find them. Don't try anything yourself. We'll get them in the morning."

"Sure thang Matthew." Haggen said and returned his attention to finding the crooks that held up Jonas' General Store and wounded the old store keep. Doc told Matt and Festus that the wound wasn't life threatening, but would still require the store owner quite some time to recuperate.

Festus rode slowly along the road. The snow was thick and wet; any footprint or mark was easily seen and yet he had seen nothing. "Them scallywags have jist gotta be out here somewheres." he muttered to himself.

Festus clutched his canvas coat at the collar and pulled it closer to him as the winter snow continued to fall and the wind blow. It was a damp cold day in Kansas that was quickly slipping into night.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Billy Charles looked over to his older brother, James. "What are we gonna do!"

"What do you mean by that?" James looked up from the edge of the bed where his girl lay quietly.

"I mean...well, I know you didn't mean to shoot Mr Jonas, but ya did." The young man stood up and rung his felt hat in his hands. "And as sure as the sun will come up tomorrow the marshal will be look looking for us..."

James stood and pat his brother on the shoulder. "Ole Jonas didn't see who we were. I give you my word on that."

Billy settled slightly. "Maybe he didn't. Up what about the snow? A blind man could follow our tracks..."

James nodded. "True. But by the looks of it, with night coming on and it just getting dark, no one could follow the tracks to here."

"You sure about that?" Billy pressed.

"I wouldn't lie to my own, now would I?" James smiled at his pup brother who could only smile back. "Suppose not."

Doc ambled down his stairs cursing under his breath about the cold and the snow. His aim was for a nice long drink at the Long Branch Saloon, after all it was bound to be warmer in there than up in his office. Sure he kept the little room warm with his stove, but the cold just seemed to cut through everything that night. The doctor opened the outer door and peeked over the swing doors before quickly stepping into the room.

Kitty spotted the doctor and waved him over. "Doc you look frozen! Come on over here and let me buy you a drink." her blue eyes twinkled and Doc couldn't resist the offer much less who was offering. He smiled and walked slowly over to the table where Kitty sat. "Well, don't be shy. Sit down." she mused.

Doc removed his black felt hat and plopped in down on the chair next to where he took a seat. "This is the best offer I have had all day." he half grumped and laughed at the same time.

Kitty leaned forward. "That bad, huh?" She smiled and pat him on the forearm. "I have a sure cure for that." She then waved to sam who noticed.

"Oh? You startin' to practice medicine too?" He drew his right hand over his moustache as Sam place a glass in front of him and poured a generous glass of whiskey.

"Well if that's what you call it..." Kitty toyed as she watched Doc sipped on his drink. He chuckled as he sat the glass back down on the green felt covered table. "You can prescribe anytime you want, if it's like that."

Kitty smiled and then her look turned more serious. "How's Mr Jonas, Doc?"

"Oh, he'll be just find in a few days. He's a tough old mule."

"Sure hope Matt and Festus find the robbers." Kitty sighed.

"I just hope they get home tonight. It's getting really miserable out there." Doc took another sip of his drink. Kitty's eyes shifted to the door of the saloon hoping soon that the two lawmen would walk through the door and join them for a drink. However, and uneasy feeling swept over her and she shivered.