Festus got to his feet. A wave of dizziness fell on him and he shook his head, then moved slowly to the horses and unbuckled Matt's saddlebag. The marshal and Newly, right behind their friend, saw him take out the little folding shovel Matt always carried on long trips. "Festus, what are you doing?" asked Matt.

Dizzy again, Festus turned carefully and leaned against the horse. His voice was painfully raspy, but he spoke firmly. "I got to bury Ben, Matthew."

Matt and Newly exchanged a look, then the marshal took a step forward and reached for the shovel. Festus gripped it but he was too weak and Matt got it away from him easily. "The only thing you've got to do right now is rest."

Festus looked at him imploringly. "Matthew, I cain't rest 'til that old man is buried. You don't know what he done for me!" Festus slumped to the ground and his next words came out with a sob. "You don't know what he done to me."

Matt knelt beside his friend. "I'll take care of him, Festus, but I want you to wait here and get some rest. Now that's an order."

Festus caught his arm. "Just do me one thing, Matthew. If yore goin' to bury Ben, bury that gold with him."

Matt looked up at Newly, then back at his friend. Festus sat there, head hanging wearily, and Matt asked, "What about his family?"

"He didn't have no family."

"Then the gold belongs to you."

"No, it don't! I don't never want to see it or hear of it again!" The deputy's voice rose hysterically and Matt put his hands on his friend's shoulders.

"Take it easy, Festus. I'll do whatever you want." He shook his head and looked up at Newly. "Pass me that canteen."

Newly handed the canteen to Matt and the marshal gave it to Festus, watching him carefully. The deputy's dehydrated body craved water but it was still too soon to let him drink as much as he wanted and after a few frantic gulps Matt took the canteen away from him and stood up, his eyes pained as he turned to Newly. "Stay with him."

"Sure thing, Matt."

Matt looked at Festus for a long moment, then turned and walked off. Newly unfastened a bedroll and spread it out. "Come on, Festus, just lie down for a while."

Festus looked at him dully, then stretched out on the blanket. Newly covered him, then sat down to wait for the marshal's return.