Doc gently pulled the gold rimmed glasses from his face and placed them in the metal case he carried in his vest pocket. He could find no mention of the date of July 27th 1868 in any of his entries which deepened his anxiety.

With a deep sigh, Doc stood from his desk and walked to the window in his office. The street below was almost void of people. Doc pulled his watch from his pocket and popped the cover open. He adjusted the face to the light to see the dial which read one thirty-five. He'd completely lost track of the time.

With a slight swipe of his moustache, Doc walked to the small wood stove and placed another small log into the pot belly chamber. He then turned the oil lamp out that hung on the wall by the door. With one last check of the lock he reassured himself that the door was secure.

Doc walked passed his desk and picked up the oil lamp and walked to the bedroom where he prepared to retire for what was the rest of the night. He knew by the way he was feeling it was going to be a long haul and he hoped that come the morning, Percy Crump would be able to fill in some answers to the mystery note.

Doc was even too tired to change into his bed clothes so he just blew out the lamp, pulled his suspenders from his shoulders, sat down and then rolled over with a blanket to cover him. He layed and watched the moon out of this window for what seemed like an eternity before his eyelids finally felt heavy enough to close. With one final tug of the blanket up to his chin, Doc drifted into a deep sleep.

Front Street was hot and dusty. It was a dry summer compared to most in the Midwest, but like all little towns, folks stuck with it and tried to carve a good life for themselves and future generations.

Doc walked along the road toward the one saloon in town - the Buffalo Run. It was seedy, but at least it had beer, even if it wasn't cold. Doc figured his tab was good seeing how he pulled the proprietor's wife through a tough pregnancy. He stepped through the door and walked to the plank bar, "Beer, please," he half smiled at Mr. Hutchinson, "how's Fanny today?" Doc enquired.

"She's fine, Doc," Hutchinson said as he set the beer down in front of the doctor, "How long will it be til I see some money from you?"

Doc's eyebrows rose up, "Oh, I think I'm got for another three or four..." he said before lifting the glass to his lips.

"Look, Doc. I know you don't Fanny good, but I'm running a business here," Hutchinson leaned forward.

Doc set his glass down, "So am I. The table was certainly turned the other night when you wanted my help so badly," Doc almost sneered and knew the heat was getting to him.

Hutchinson scoffed, "I didn't take any oath about having to save lives..."

Doc balled his fits, "One of these days another saloon will open here and you can sit here all by yourself, because I'm sure that anyone can run a saloon better than you!" he barked as he slammed his glass down onto the plank and stormed out of the establishment - he didn't even care that he walked straight into two cowpunchers. "Take it easy old man," the one in black said as the two cowboys looked at each other and burst into a loud laugh before entering the Buffalo Run Saloon.

Doc awoke with a fright. He was breathing hard and sweat covered his body. Slowly he sat up and then ran his hand over his face trying to clear his mind but all he could see was the man he'd see around town - the man in black he was certain of it. Why was he dreaming of the early days in Dodge he wondered to himself. Then he wondered what time it was as the moon had long go and the sky was the light shade of morning blue.

Doc thought about laying down and closing his eyes again but there was someone at the office door.

The town physician pursed his lips, "Damn," he said as he stood and pulled his suspenders up over his shoulders and made his way to the door.

Matt stood on the landing, "Doc? You all right in there?" he said as he tried the door knob again. Matt could count the number of times Doc had looked his office door and they were usually because he felt threatened. "I'm coming, I'm coming," Doc grumbled.

Matt could hear some shuffling from the other side of the door but instead of making more of a scene he waited for Doc to open the office door. With a final click Doc pulled the door open into the room, "Matt?"

Matt's eyebrows lifted slightly, "Doc, are you all right? You look terrible," Matt said as he stepped through the door.

Doc scratched his scruffy cheek, "I'm just fine," he said as he busied himself at this desk. Matt knew differently and tucked his thumbs into his belt, "Are we still going over to Percy Crump's?" Matt changed the subject from Doc's appearance.

Doc looked up from his desk, "Of course we are. I can't even get a decent night's sleep without seeing that fellow..." Doc's shoulder drooped.

"He wasn't in here, was he?" Matt was alarmed and stepped forward.

Doc shook his head, "No. I had a dream and he was in that with some other cowhand. Matt, this is really starting to bother me," Doc's tired eyes lifted to Matt's. Matt nodded, "I know it is and it's bugging me too. Come on. Let's see what Percy has to say," he placed his big hand on Doc's shoulder trying to offer him comfort and support.

The two men left the office and walked down the stairs. Matt was several steps ahead of Doc who was watching his footing down the steps when someone across Front Street caught his attention - it was the other man in his dream. Doc almost lost his balance and grabbed the rail. Matt looked back over his shoulder, "You okay Doc?"

Doc looked down to Matt and then back across the street. The other man was gone. "I'm not so sure, Matt..." Matt followed Doc's gaze across the street - there was no one insight. Matt turned to Doc and he began to really worry about his friend.