Kitty stepped out of the Long Branch just as Newly led the dazed hill man past her and up the stairs to Doc's office.
"Doc," Kitty said stopping the physician as he walked by. "What happened?"
Doc shook his head before he spoke. "I left him alone for a moment and fell asleep, when I woke up, he was gone."
"Doc, I'm sorry," Kitty said quickly. "Newly asked, if I'd come sit with him so you could get some rest."
"It's not your fault Kitty," Doc replied quietly. "I'm the one who fell asleep."
"Well," Kitty said picking up her skirts. "I'm going up there right now and watch him so you can get some rest."
"It's alright," Doc said evenly. "Newly's there now."
"No it's not," Kitty retorted. "I'm going to Delmonico's to get you both something to eat and then your going to take a nap while I keep an eye on Festus."
"And your not going to take no for an answer are you?" Doc said swiping his mustache.
"You know me better than that, Curley," Kitty said calling the physician by his nickname.
The next morning, Doc found himself summoned to Judge Brooker's office along with Matt and Newly.
Doc was none to please to find Marshal Abbott present when they walked in.
"Doctor Adams," Brooker said looking up from his books. "Tell me how deputy Haggen is?"
"I can't tell you anything more Judge," Doc said as Brooker leaned back in his chair..
"I understand the deputy isn't getting any worse, Doctor Adams but he isn't getting any better either and now it's a possibility that he's a danger to the community," Brooker said thoughtfully. "My hands are tied, if he is a danger, he'll have to be committed."
"Wait," Doc said stepping forward. "Before you do that give me the chance to treat him first!"
"How," Brooker replied curiously. "You stated earlier, there was no treatment."
"That's true," Doc said quietly. "But there may be one thing that could bring him out of this shock and only one man that I'm confident in enough to try it. But, I'll need your help Judge to get him here and I think you owe it to Matt to give me the time before you sign any order to lock Festus away for the rest of his life!"
"That's what he needs," Abbott said angrily as Brooker looked thoughtful.
"Alright, Doctor," Brooker said evenly. "What can I do to help?"
"Galen," Herman said a few days later as Newly helped the white haired man from his horse in front of the jail. "It's so good to see you again!"
"Herman," Doc said swiping his mustache as he looked at Newly. "Did he give you any trouble?"
"Not a bit," Matt interjected climbing down from his horse. "Take him inside, Newly."
"Yes, sir," Newly replied leading the doctor away.
"I wasn't really in support of Doctor Schultz being granted a furlough from prison even to help Festus," Matt said with sigh. "And now I'm sure that it's not a good idea!"
"Why," Doc said looking up at the lawman. "What did he say?"
"Doctor Schultz wants a full pardon or he's not going to help Festus at all," Matt said angrily.
Doc turned on his heel and headed into the jail as Newly hung the keys to the cell's on the wooden peg.
"What's this I hear about a pardon," he asked as Herman nodded.
"You heard right," he said with s smug smile. "If you want me to help your simple minded deputy, then I want full pardon!"
"Simple minded," Doc fumed. "You knew before you came here that this was only going to be temporary, why did you agree to do it then?"
"Because," Herman replied confidently. "I was hoping to appeal to your sense of forgiveness Galen."
"Forgiveness," Doc muttered. "I'll talk to the judge. I can't promise anything but you have to help Festus regardless. Understand!"
"Perhaps," Herman said shrugging his shoulders. "But I would only like to do it if you talk to Judge."
"I will but no funny stuff," Doc said pointing a finger though the jail. "I won't hesitate to knock you on your butt again!"
"Of that, Galen," Herman said taking a step back. "I have no doubt."
