Doc frowned down at the table, deep in thought. This was bad-maybe the worst he'd ever seen. If he made a mistake now it would all be over. He took a deep breath...

"Golly bill, Doc, ain't you never gonna move?"

The old man was concentrating so hard he jumped as Festus spoke. "It so happens I was about to do just that!" He studied the board and shook his head. "Who's been teaching you to play checkers anyway?"

"Why, you ornery old scutter, we been playin' checkers for more'n four years!"

"I've been playing. You've been learning." Doc shook his head and touched a piece, then moved another.

"Doc, you cain't do that!"

"Can't do what?"

"Make two moves in one turn."

"I only moved one piece!"

"But you touched two pieces. Once you touch a piece that's yore move."

"Oh, for Heaven's sake..." The old man moved the piece back. "There, are you happy?"

Festus shook his head. "I just cain't make out how you don't sweeten up none. 'Pears to me with all the money you got..."

"Money!"

The deputy rolled along. "...and how you ain't got hardly nothin' to do..."

"I do more in one day than you've done in your whole life!"

"...you'd be a mite less touchy, but no, yore alwuz like a bear with a toothache."

Festus moved and Doc leaned forward. He ran his hand over his face and threw up his hands. "I give up."

The deputy was startled. "You mean I win?"

"Yes, you win! And you'd better make the most of it, because it'll never happen again, mark my words." The old man got up and poured a cup of coffee, then sat back down at the table. "When's Matt getting back?"

Festus shrugged. "He's liable to be gone a spell. He tolt me after he got done in Hays he wuz goin' to take a few days and go fishin'."

Doc ran his hand over his face. "Well, I hope he gets back soon."

The deputy looked hurt. "Meanin' what?"

The old man realized what he had said and his exasperation with himself made him speak more sharply than he intended. "Meaning you do a good job but I'll be glad when Matt's back! Now don't go making a mountain out of a molehill."

Festus forced a smile. "Well, I'd best be makin' my rounds, Doc."

Doc sighed. "Have you ever been worried and you don't know why?"

"Reckon I have."

"That's how I feel tonight. I can't explain it, Festus."

The deputy's face warmed. "Yore prob'ly just tuckered out. C'mon, I'll walk you back to your office."

"I suppose that couldn't do too much harm," said Doc ungraciously, but he smiled back as they left the jail together.