Doc checked the bandage on Matt's leg. "How's that feel?"

"A lot better. Thanks, Doc." The marshal lay back on his narrow bed as Doc gathered his instruments together. Kitty came forward with a chair and Matt sat up again. "Kitty, I don't need somebody to stay with me."

"I didn't ask you."

Kitty's eyes met Matt's and he saw the strain in them. He thought about all they had gone through that day and reached for her hand, smiling. "I suppose I might need my pillow fluffed later."

She smiled back and sat down and Doc ran his hand over his face to hide his own grin, then turned to Festus. The deputy had been subdued all the way back from Old Dodge. He had locked Garth up and gone off to send a telegram to Judge Brooker with barely a word and now he sat at the table in front of Matt's desk with his eyes downcast. "Festus?" There was no response and the old man touched the deputy on the shoulder. "Festus!"

Festus looked up. "Well?"

"Come on up to the office with me...I want to take a look at your hands."

The deputy contemplated his hands, crusted with dried blood from tearing frantically at the stone wall of the jail after Doc was taken out to be hung. "They're all right."

Doc frowned and looked at Matt and the marshal said sternly, "Festus, go with Doc. That's an order."

Festus got slowly to his feet and made his way outside. They watched the door close, then Kitty said quietly, "Doc?"

The old man came over to her and put a reassuring arm around her shoulders. "You just concentrate on the marshal here. I'll take care of Festus."