Matt, Great Elk and Bishop were once again mounted and on the move. They continued taking turns guarding Bishop by night, which meant that neither of them got a full night's sleep, but they knew that that was the best way to stay vigilant while covering the most distance possible.
They were a day or so outside of Dodge City when they came upon a lone cowboy heading in the in the opposite direction. Matt approached him, "How do, where you headed?"
The cowboy looked at Matt noticing the badge, and answered, "Hello Marshal, just traveling to Oklahoma so seek my fortune."
Matt nodded and the cowboy rode on. Neither Matt nor Great Elk noticed the look exchanged by Bishop and the cowboy.
The cowboy's name was, Jimmy Bates. Bates had worked for Bishop a couple of times, robbing homesteaders, and had been well rewarded.
Bates rode on a ways but decided to change his plans and doubled back. He figured if he helped Bishop out of the mess he seemed to be in, there would be something big in it for him. Besides he didn't care much for Indians or lawmen.
Bates rode back. From a distance he saw Matt and Great Elk setting up camp. He dismounted and moved closer crouching down in the grass where he planned to remain until dark. He was not far from where Bishop was tied up. Bishop's ankles were tied together and his hands were tied behind his back.
Bates waited until he saw that the Indian was asleep and the lawman was keeping watch alone. He crept forward quietly, cut the rope that tied Bishop's wrists and put his gun in Bishop's hands. Matt was looking down and getting some coffee when he heard Bishop move, he looked up and took a step just as Bishop fired at him. Matt was hit and reeled backwards, but returned fire as he fell.
Great Elk was on his feet. Bates, still holding the knife, saw the Indian coming towards him. He took aim and was about to throw the knife, but Great Elk took a leap and knocked Bates over before the knife left his hand.
The two wrestled in the dirt. Bates was able to grab a handful of dusty dirt and rub it in Great Elk's eyes. With Great Elk temporarily blinded, Bates rolled on top of him and was about to stab, but Great Elk shoved with all his might and pushed Bates off. This was the opening that Matt was waiting for. Still lying on his side he was hoping for a clear shot at Bates. He took it and Bates went down.
Great Elk went to Bishop who was sprawled out on the ground, he was dead. Then he ran over to Matt and helped him stand. Matt had taken a bullet in his left shoulder.
Matt stood holding his shoulder, "Bishop?"
"He's dead. Your bullet went right through his heart."
They walked over to see what condition Bates was in. They reached him in time to hear him say, "I should have kept going." Now he too was dead.
Matt looked at Bates saying to himself, "Yep, cowboy, should have kept going for sure."
Matt turned to Great Elk, "Let's bury the cowboy. I want to bring Bishop's body back to Dodge. I want folks to see for themselves that he was captured and killed."
Great Elk looked at Matt's shoulder, "Yes, but first we should take care of your wound. There is a bullet in there that has to come out."
Matt nodded, "I know, can you do it?"
Great Elk answered, "I have done such things before, it will be painful. We don't have anything to dull the pain."
Matt swallowed and answered grimly, "Well do your best. I have a bandage roll in my saddle bag. You can wrap the wound after you get the bullet out."
Great Elk built a fire and thrust his knife into the flames. Matt lay on the ground and Great Elk held him down with his knees. Fortunately, because of the angle of entry, the bullet was near the surface, and Great Elk was able to locate and remove it with the knife quickly. By the time he cleaned, packed and wrapped the wound, Matt had passed out.
After several hours, Matt came to and saw he had been covered with a blanket. He slowly sat up. Great Elk brought him some coffee. Matt saw that the cowboy had been buried and Bishop's body was hanging over his horse.
Feeling somewhat revitalized by the strong, hot coffee, Matt pulled himself to a standing position, "Well, Great Elk, we are only a day outside of Dodge and I'm sure that I can make it on my own. You have witnessed the death of Ed Bishop, ride home and let your people know. "
Great Elk looked at Matt, "If you are sure you can make it, I will do so. I am eager to bring the news to my uncle and aunt."
Matt nodded. The two men clasped hands for a moment.
"Travel well, Great Elk."
"You too my friend."
Great Elk rode home to bear witness. Matt headed back to Dodge with the body of Ed Bishop.
