"Doc?"
The old man stirred in his seat, then sat up. "What is it, Newly?"
"I just checked with the conductor...we should be pulling into Denver in another five or six hours."
Doc sat up and pulled out his watch. "We made good time."
Newly smiled. "We sure did, all things considered. Doc, Miss Kitty said to let you know Festus is waking up."
Doc stood up and stretched. "I'd better give him some more laudunum then. I don't want him trying to move around...he's getting jostled enough as it is."
They made their way to the baggage car. Kitty stood next to Matt, her eyes heavy. The marshal was sound asleep and Doc examined him before kneeling next to Festus. "How you doing, Festus?"
The deputy blinked drowsily at his friend. "I feel like I couldn't whup a weak kitten."
Doc checked his pulse. "Well, we're going to be in Denver very soon and then you're going to see what a real hospital looks like."
"Is Matthew all right?"
"Matt's just fine." The old man gave the deputy another heavy dose of laudunum. "Now go back to sleep." He waited until Festus dozed off, then got to his feet.
"How is he, Doc?" asked Newly.
Doc looked down at Festus and ran a hand over his face. "When did you say we're getting to Denver?"
"Five or six hours."
"Well, Newly, I think I'll stay here with Matt and Festus. Why don't you take Kitty back to the passenger car?"
"Oh, Doc..." Kitty started to protest but the old man cut her off.
"Kitty, you're beautiful but you look dead on your feet. Go on with Newly...I'll call you if I need you."
Kitty looked mutinous but Newly offered her his arm and after a moment she took it. "I'll go, Doc, but you don't look so good yourself, you know."
Doc smiled. "In my case, sleep wouldn't be much of an improvement." Kitty laughed and the old man shooed her and Newly out, then returned to his patients for what was left of the night.