Kitty, Doc and Newly stayed in the back of the Parlor and watched as most of the town by now had found out that Festus was 'dead'.

"How long are we going to have to keep this up?" Kitty said as one mourner after another filed in.

"At least until the Marshal says it's safe to let everyone know he's actually alive," Newly replied as Matt stepped in.

"What's going on Matt," Doc asked as the Marshal shook his head.

"Not here," he said whispering. "We'll talk later."

At that moment, Louie shuffled in and it was all Doc and Kitty could do to comfort one of Festus best friends.

"Matt," Kitty said as Doc escorted Louie to the door. "I don't know how much longer I can do this."

"It won't be much longer," he said as the last of the mourners slowly made their way out.

"Percy," Matt said looking at the undertaker. "Lock that door and don't let anyone else it."

The undertaker did as Marshal ordered. Matt then opened the telegram and read it aloud.

"From the Governors office," Matt stated. "Contact made in Texas with Governor, advised situation of Unionville prison. Sending in troops, will keep you informed."

"Well," Doc said swiping at his mustache. "Hopefully this will end it."

"End what," Festus said from the doorway.

"What are you doing up?" Doc said shuffling toward him. "Get back in there if you don't want some one to see you and get both Matt and Newly in a lot of trouble."

"Wal I just ta wanted ta find out what was going on," Festus said as Doc made him retreat back into Percy's store room.

"We'll tell you what's going on when we find out ourselves," Doc said making the deputy take a seat. "In the meantime, you're just going to have to stay here so that no one gets in trouble for bringing you out of that prison, understand!"

"Ya," Festus said worriedly. "I don't want Matt and Newly ta get in ta any trouble Doc."

"Well I know you don't but we just got to be patient and wait," Doc said. "Matt got a telegram from the Governor, he's already got things going so as soon as we know what's going on, you'll know."

"Wal I hope it's soon," Festus said wearily. "I'm tired of hiding in here."

"I'll bring you something to eat, that'll make you feel better," Doc said with a nod.

"Any thing new," Kitty asked later that night as Matt stepped into the Long Branch.

"Not yet," he said tipping his hat up. He looked around at the people inside and smiled at the subdued atmosphere. "Well, I'll tell you one thing, I've seen more excitement at a wake, then you got going on in here."

"Oh, Matt," Kitty whispered. "Everyone's just so upset over Festus."

"He was one of da best," Louie said slurring his words he brush Matt as he walked by.

"See what I mean," Kitty said sighing.

"I know, I know," Matt said leaving the Long Branch he looked around before heading to Percy's.

"Marshal," the undertaker said letting him inside.

"Doc with Festus," Matt asked as Percy nodded.

Matt made his way to the storage room and opened it to find Doc and Festus playing a game of checkers.

"Matthew," Festus said as Doc nodded.

"Well, you look pretty good for a dead man," Matt said noticing the clean clothes Doc had brought.

"That ain't very funny," Festus said looking sullen. "Anything new yet?"

"No," Matt replied softly. "More than likely we won't hear anything till tomorrow."

"Ha!" Doc said making a move. "Try and get out of that!"

Festus took a moment to study the board and quickly made his move. "I got ya, ya ol scudder, think you so smart cause you got all that there book learning!"

"What in thunder!" Doc groused looking over the board as Festus beamed.

"Marshal," Percy said from behind Matt. "Everything's ready for the burial tomorrow."

"Yer gonna bury the box," Festus said looking bemused.

"We have to if we want to keep up the appearance that your dead," Matt stated. "I was hoping to get a telegram before then."

"By the way," Doc said looking at the hillman. "What would you like me to say, Matt and I are delivering the eulogy."

"Eulogy...ma foot," Festus said crossing his arms. "Can't wait ta hear this!"