The north wind was raw as during the January night. Clarence Cox was a trapper from Canada and was on a mission. He'd been trailing his former partner now for the better part of a year. He was looking to get his share of the money they had made during the successful season of collecting furs of all kinds.

Cox was angry at the time of his partner's departure, but over time his anger grew into contempt – a feeling that was never before in the younger man.

Clearly he suited his outdoor environment and with his shaggy fair beard and long hair that crept out from under his fur hat. His appearance often turned heads as not many in Kansas had seen a Hudson's Bay coat with its bright coloured strips of green, red and black.

Cox set to making his camp. He figured that by noon the following day he'd make it to Dodge City, where he had hoped to meet up with Isaac Talbot. He had rehearsed what he'd say and how he'd act once he found his former friend, but a part of him was even afraid of himself.

With a few quick whacks of his axe, he made short work of some branches on a nearby cedar tree. Quickly he wove the boughs through the branches of several other trees, which encircled the fire to create a windbreak for the night.

Cox placed more wood on the fire and sparks rise into the night air. They swirled wildly with the cold wind. He was thankful that this would be his last night outside for a week or so and with any luck the cold snap will end with February just a week of so way. He needed new supplies and it was time for a bath - a long hot soaking bath.

"Sparky, you old mule. You're dang cold out there in the woods," Clarence said to his pack mule of ten years. "Come on into the camp where the fire is warm," Cox motioned and the mule followed his cue.

Clarence smiled and pulled his ground sheet over the mule for added warmth against the bone chilling winter night. "Tomorrow night, you will dine like a king, my four-legged friend. I promise you that," Cox said as he squatted next to the fire for warmth with his hands spread out and opened over the orange and white flames. Soon it would be time to eat the last can of beans he owned. Cox was happy at the thought of buying more supplies.

Once everything was settled and more wood was added to the fire, Clarence pulled his remaining food supplies from the leather sack, which was tied to the back of his saddle. He was now feeling warmer as the fire grew in size. Cox fished around in the sack and found his last can of baked beans. He also located his bull's head can opener - dinner would soon be served.

Clarence punctured the top of the can and set it next to the fire while he chewed on a strip of beef jerky which satisfied him until his beans were warmed through. Yes indeed, he looked forward to that hot bath and a proper meal. More so, he looked forward to finding Isaac Talbot. His eyebrows furrowed at the thought of meeting up with this former partner again.

However, the smell of the steaming beans lifted into the air broke his thoughts about what he'd say and likely do to Talbot. "Now do they smell like heaven in a can?" he said to no one. Sparky snorted. Cox's eyes lifted to the mule, "Just eat the oats, alright?" Again the mule snorted causing Cox to laugh out loud.

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Doc pulled his heavy winter coat over his shoulders and adjusted the collar as he prepared to face the new day. At least the sun was shining, although he knew that it offered faults hope to its warmth. The January cold snap didn't seem like it was ever going to end.

Dodge citizens were scarily seen with the winter weather the way it has been. Doc knew that would lead to a rush of unwell folks as soon as the warmer temperatures arrived – it was always the way.

The doctor opened his office door and a brief billow of fog formed caused by the warm air of his office hitting the cold air outside. The doctor shuttered as he stepped out onto the landing and pulled the door closed behind him.

Doc pulled his coat collar tighter, as he walked down the stairs to the boardwalk below. Wilbur Jonas greeted the doctor while he was setting out his barrels of brooms and shoves, "Good morning Doc," he smiled while he briskly walked back to his store door.

"Jonas," Doc replied. "Do you think it will ever warm up?"

Jonas shrugged, "I sure hope so. This weather isn't too good for business," Jonas waved an adieu as he quickly stepped through the door into the warmth of the store. Doc shook his head and snicker. Then he stopped and wondered to himself way he was standing on the boardwalk in the cold instead of being somewhere enjoying breakfast and some hot coffee.

With a quick readjustment of his coat collar and pulling his hat down a little further Doc turned toward Del Monico's. That is when he caught sight of a fellow in a long off-white coat with stripes near the bottom.

Doc studied the man, who he figured as in his mid to late 30s, but seemed also confident beyond his years. He looked well travelled and yet seemed to have an air of confidence about him. The man led his pack mule down Front Street and paid no attention to its buildings or other surroundings.

Doc shrugged again as he assumed the man was going to be in Dodge for a few days and maybe he'd get a chance to ask about the coat that seemed to stand out from others in Kansas. Quickly Doc walked to the restaurant to meet Matt and Kitty for breakfast and not give the stranger another thought.

Clarence slowly moved down the street and found the livery stable. He looked up and noticed a steady column of white smoke billowing up into the cold air. He knew that not only was the stable warm, but also maned by someone.

Clarence pulled the large door aside and pulled Sparky into the darkened stable, "Anyone around?" he hollered.

Hank Miller stepped out from his back room, "Yeah. What can I do for you?"

"Have you got a spare stall for Sparky?" Clarence pulled the mule closer to him.

"Over there," Hank pointed. Cox nodded and walked the mule over to the stall, "Can you also tell me where I might find a room, bath and a good meal?" Cox asked as he pulled the saddle off Sparky.

"All three can be found at Ma Smalley's Boarding House just up the street to the left. She'll be happy to have the business," Hank said as he went about his business.

"Much obliged," Cox responded.

"If yer looking for a drink, the Long Branch is up the way too. If you are looking for the law, Marshal Dillon's office is right across the road," Hank looked up at the man. "You aren't from these parts, are you?"

"No. I'm from Canada and am on a mission," Cox said as he swung his saddle and trappings over his shoulder. "I'm sure we'll see more of each other," he smiled and left the stable.

Hank thought for a moment and then shrugged before going on with the duties of the day.