Matt leaned back in his chair, observing Chester and Festus with a dour expression. They were comparing notes over the coffeepot and their conversation was beginning to make the marshal queasy.
"You mean to say you haven't ever tried eggshells?" asked Chester.
Festus shook his head. "I ain't never heerd of puttin' eggshells in coffee. Now if'n you wuz to throw in a couple teeth from a muskrat..."
"Oh, now just what do muskrat teeth do to the coffee?"
"Soaks up all that bitter taste you get if'n you let it stand 'round too long. After two, three days, you keep putting fresh coffee in, you start gettin' that bitter taste, don'tcha see?"
Chester nodded thoughtfully. "That's what I put the chicory in for...to cut the bitterness."
"Chicory!" Festus looked interested. "I ain't never tried chicory."
"What have you tried?" asked Chester as Matt got to his feet and headed for the door. "Mr Dillon, where you goin'?"
The marshal set his hat on his head and opened the door. "The Longbranch for a cup of coffee."
Chester raised his eyebrows. "Well, this coffee here is just about done."
"I know," said Matt. "That's why I'm going over to the Longbranch."
"Well, forevermore," said Chester as the door closed.
The marshal shook his head, grinning, as he started down the boardwalk. He saw Doc coming and his grin broadened. "Morning, Doc."
"Oh, good morning, Matt. Where are you off to?"
"Over to the Longbranch."
"The Longbranch!" Doc assumed a disapproving expression. "Little early in the day for you to be hitting the hard stuff, isn't it?"
"I just want a cup of coffee, Doc."
"What's wrong with the coffee in your office?"
Matt glanced back at the jail. "Chester and Festus are making it this morning."
"Chester and..." The old man scowled. "Well, why don't you stop them? You're a United States marshal."
"Why don't you stop them yourself?" asked Matt. "Tell you what...I'll even loan you my gun."
"Oh, for Heaven's sake..." Doc ran his hand over his face. "All right, the Longbranch it is."