The fire had burned so low only glowing coals were left before Doc dared to lean over and whisper, "Festus? Are you all right?"

Festus stirred, then shook his head, wincing. "I'm all right. Them fellers asleep, are they?" Doc nodded and the deputy strained at the ropes tying him to the buggy wheel. "These ropes is tighter'n the feathers on a prairie chicken's rump."

Doc tugged at his own bonds. "I can't believe this. They could take us all the way to Nebraska before they realize they made a mistake." His voice was tight with frustration and Festus spoke reassuringly.

"I'm thinkin' Matthew'll be on our trail before that."

Doc shook his head. "It could be a while before he realizes anything is wrong."

"Not oncet he gets my message."

The old man looked sharply at his friend. "What are you talking about?"

"Remember when I fell down by the buggy?"

"Well?"

"I tuck my badge off'n dropped it in the road. Now if'n we're lucky, somebody'll find that badge and turn it in."

Doc was impressed. "I hate to say it but that was a good idea." The deputy looked smug and the old man snapped, "Everybody's entitled to one good idea in their life. That's probably the only one you'll ever have."

One of the men by the fire mumbled in his sleep and turned over and Doc and Festus fell silent. Their captor settled down again and the deputy murmured, "We'd best try'n get some shut-eye too. They's fixin' to start at first light." Doc scowled but didn't say anything more and soon the only sounds to be heard were the music of the crickets and the snoring of the men.