PT.11
"Lifeline Between The Hearts"
Allison Camp
Jack Allison and Jonah both looked surprised at Festus' reaction to seeing the man they were caring for.
"Deputy Hagen? Did I hear you right? Did you call him Matthew?"
"I sure did. This here is Matthew Dillon, U-nited States Marshal from Dodge City."
"Are you sure?" Allison replied.
"Sure I'm a sure. They ain't no mistaken him. Do you know'd what a happen to him?"
"No, not at all. Some of my men found him on the prairie as I said, we didn't know who he was or how he got there. And Jonah, here, has been tryin' to doctor him as much as he can. I don't know many a man that could take the kinda beatin' he has and still be breathing."
"Well, Matthew kin. We got's ta git him to ol' Doc."
"Who?" Allison asked.
"Ol' Doc. Doctor Adams in Dodge. If'n anybody kin git ol' Matthew better Ol' Doc kin."
"Well, we are drivin these cattle to Dodge. We're supposed to meet up with another drover along the way. A partnership that's in the works."
"But, Matthew can't wait fur that."
"Look, Hagen, your friend here is holdin' his own and we'll be more then happy to see you get him into Dodge. We're pullin up camp day after tomorrow."
"Ok, but I got's ta find me this other yahoo you a said was the Marshal."
Dodge City
"Well, good morning, young lady."
"Morning, Curly. What brings you in so early?"
Tugging on his ear. "Did you forget your buying me breakfast?"
Smiling, "Oh, I see. Ok, Festus for drinks you for a free meal, huh?"
"Now hold on, don't you put me in the category with that."
"Oh, Doc. Give me a minute and we'll go."
Having breakfast at Delmonico's, Doc noticed Kitty didn't eat much. "Kitty, aren't you gonna eat that?"
"Ahh, I guess I wasn't all that hungry."
As they were talking, Newly came in. "Morning, Miss Kitty. Morning, Doc."
Both looked up. "Mornin', Newly. Join us for coffee maybe?"
"Oh, Miss Kitty, I was picking up mail and I thought I'd get yours too. I was on my way to the Long Branch when I saw you in here."
"Well, thank you, Newly, appreciate it." She looked at the pile of letters. "Doc, it's from Beth."
Dear Kitty,
I heard from Mary and we're coming to Dodge. She'll be in on the noon train from St. Louis on Tuesday. And I should get in on the noon train Monday. We are both so excited to see you and Daddy. I've decided not to wait for Jesse. He's been delayed on the trail. I left word for him where I'll be.
See you both soon, Beth
"Oh, Curly, the girls will be here next week."
Just as they were about to leave, Burke came running in. "Miss Kitty! Miss Kitty! He found him. He found the Marshal!"
"And just how do you know that, Burke?" Doc asked.
"Barney got this telegram from Festus. Here, Miss Kitty, it's for you."
"IT IS? I wouldn't have known that, Burke. Give it to me." She ripped it from his hands, her hands now shaking. She closed her eyes then opened and read:
Miss Kitty Russell
Long Branch Saloon, Dodge City, Kansas
Found Matthew. Stop. Hurt sum. Stop. Let Doc know. Stop. Just outside Cheyenne Wells. Stop. Allison Camp.
Festus Hagen, Cheyenne Wells, Colorado
"Doc, he's in Colorado! Someplace called Allison Camp. Drover's camp I suppose. Walk me back to the Long Branch, will you?"
"Sure, honey, but what are you going to do?"
"I have to find out where this Allison Camp is."
"Now, Kitty, you can't go."
"Oh yes I can."
"But the girls will be here."
"Uh. Na uh. Not till next week. I have to, Doc. I can't sit here anymore. I have to go."
"But, honey, there's nothing you can do for him." As quick as he said the words, he knew he shouldn't have.
"I'll be there, Doc, and I'll do what I can. I need him to know I'm there." Quickly, she stormed up the stairs.
Sam looking on, "Doc? Where's she going in a rush like that?"
"After Matt."
"You mean Miss Kitty is going to look for the Marshal?"
"Un uh, Festus found Matt in Colorado. He's hurt and she's determined to go to him. Short of tying her down, I don't know any way of stopping her."
Sam chuckled. "I'd pay to see you try that. Doc, you think she'll be alright?"
"Sam, I hope so."
TBC
