Festus stood in the doorway of the law office and fussed with the badge that Matt asked him to wear, He was certain that it meant that he was the deputy only because that is what Matt had told him. There was no earthly way that the hill man was going to read the words engraved on the badge itself. With another huff of breath he ran his ratty shirt sleeve over the gleaming surface with a hint of a smile on his lips. The hill man's head lifted as he watched the tall marshal approach.
"Festus, you know what Doc says about you polishing that badge...there won't be a thing left of it!" Matt pat the deputy on the shoulder as he passed him and stepped into the office. "Foot. What does that old scutter know anyway. Thar ain't no way that my rubbin' my sleeve over this here badge is gonna make it disappear. Maybe I otta tell him the same thang about his moustache!" Festus waved his hands in exasperation.
Matt smiled as he looked up from his desk. "Save that one until I get back. I want to see his reaction." he chuckled as he gather some papers and walked from behind his desk and readied to leave.
Festus looked slightly sheepish at the marshal as he was caught between feeling badly for the slight outburst and the honest truth that it would be a heck of a lot of fun to see ole Doc's face with such a line. The hill man followed Matt out the door, "How long ya think you'll be gone fer, Matthew?"
As the two men crossed Front Street, Matt answered, "Oh. I don't expect that this trial will last more than a week. Its pretty clear cut. Hank Raft is guilty and will be sentenced to hang." Both men entered the livery stable where Matt began to saddle his tall buckskin. "I'll be back as soon as I can't." he eyed Festus who seemed fidgety. "Oh, don't you fret none, Matthew. There won't be a lick of trouble here in ole Dodge while yer away. I give ya my word on that." Festus held up his left hand.
"Uh, Festus. Use your right hand..." Matt pointed and smiled.
"Oh. Sure..." and the hill man quickly switched hands and smiled weakly. "You know my word is my word."
"Yup, I do. It's just that there are always unforseen things and I just want you to do your best." Matt pulled the synch tight. "You've been around enough to know and if things do get out of control, have Doc or Kitty send me a telegram."
"Oh, I will Matthew! But I don't want you to be worrying while yer away. Thar ain't nothing gonna happen that I can't take care of directly. This here badge will tell me what to do if it does!" Festus tucked his thumb under the badge and lifted it from his vest. "You'll see." he smiled.
Matt pulled Buck from his stall and lead him out onto the street where he pulled himself up into the saddle. "I know you'll be fine, Festus." Matt brushed the brim of his hat and rode down the street. A strange empty feeling fill the hill man. Sure he was deputy and all, but what was he suppose to be doing? As he watch Matt ride out of sight, he removed his saggy worn hat and scratched his temple. The only thing he could think of doing was walking over to the Long Branch to see what Miss Kitty had to say about the whole situation. With a shrug, Festus turned and walked up the street toward the saloon. "It sure is a good thang that Matthew can read writing...this job sure would be boring otherwise." he shook his head as he strolled up the dusty street.