The next day, Doc stood with Kitty, dressed in attire that one would wear to a funeral and followed Matt and Newly to the city's cemetery with the simple pine box.
"This is ridicules," Doc said barely above a whisper while standing next to Kitty. "What do I say about someone who isn't even dead!"
"Let's just assume for the moment that he is," Kitty said softly. "What would you say about Festus? You can speak from the heart can't you?"
"About Festus?" Doc said scoffing. "I have nothing good to say, that's the problem!"
Kitty smiled as she nudged the older man. "I don't believe that for a moment, Doc."
Kitty couldn't help but dab at her eyes when she seen the turn out from the town and the raw emotion from those assembled.
At least she and Doc had been spared by the truth but it was still sad to see those who didn't know, so upset over Festus demise.
Matt stepped forward once it was time for the Marshal to deliver the eulogy of his friend.
"Doc," Matt said with a slight grin as he beckoned the man forward. "I think you should go first."
"What can I say about Festus Haggen," Doc said tugging at his earlobe. "I'll tell you what I would say, I'd say he was a stubborn, mule headed man. But more than that, he was also honest, dedicated, respected and he loved his friends to a fault.
Doc took a deep breath before he continued, finding his voice suddenly became difficult.
"The first time I met Festus," Doc said putting his hands into his pockets. "I wasn't to sure about the nature of his character and I know over the years there's been reason's to question mine but one thing I know, Festus Haggen was a man of good character and their has never been a question about that! And I was always proud to call him my friend."
Kitty nodded as Doc shuffled over to stand beside her. "That was beautifully said."
"And if you repeat any of it to him I'll deny it all," Doc said swiping at his mustache. Kitty smiled as Matt stepped forward to speak.
"Marshal," Barney said sliding up behind the lawman. "You wanted to know as soon as that telegram came in from the Governor."
"Thank you Barney," Matt said taking the message, he opened it and quickly scanned it.
Folding the message, Matt clinched his jaw and looked at the assembled members of town.
"Percy," Matt said turning to the undertaker. "Tell everyone what's in that box!"
"Marshal," Percy Crump said bewildered.
"Is there a body in that box," Matt asked.
"No," Percy said as several people gasped and questions and comments started being thrown about.
"If everyone will assemble at the Long Branch," Matt said firmly. "Everything will be explained shortly."
Kitty, Doc and Newly joined Matt as everyone slowly made their way toward the Saloon.
"I assume it's good news," Doc said looking at Matt.
"Very good news," Matt said. "Let's go see Festus!"
"What you doing with Newly and the Marshal's horse," Hank said as the young man handed him the reins.
"I brought them back from Unionville," Hill said evenly. "Where would I find the Marshal?"
"Try the Long Branch," Hank said pointing down the street. "They got a party going on!"
"Oh, alright," Hill replied. "I'll find it."
Hill was a little surprised that the town wasn't busier than what it was but when he arrived at the Saloon, it was apparent why.
Stepping inside, the young doctor looked around and flashed his boyish smile when he made eye contact with Kitty.
"Can I get you something," Kitty asked as Newly clapped the man on the shoulder.
"I didn't think we'd see you so soon," Newly said shaking the man's hand.
"Well," Hill said with a slight smile. "After you left, I turned in my notice and got out of town."
"Well it's a good think you did," Newly said. "There's a few people who would love to see you."
Swinging the young doctor around, Newly pushed him though the throng of people and over to the table where Festus sat with Doc and Matt.
"Wal look who's here," Festus said as the younger man shook the hillman's hand.
"Mister Haggen," Hill said smiling. "I'm glad to see you again."
"Doc," Festus said excitedly. "This is the youngin I was telling you about."
"Well sit down, son," Doc said patting the chair beside him. "What did you say your name was?"
"Hill sir," the young man said. "George Hill."
"Well, I thank you did a terrific job with Festus," Doc said swiping at his mustache.
"And you'll be happy to know that Unionville prison is now under the authority of the state," Matt said as Kitty brought the young physician a beer.
"Ya better check his age there Ms. Kitty," Festus said laughing.
George Hill smirked as he sipped his beer. "Well, I might have fibbed just a bit when I said I was twenty five," he said sheepishly. "I'll be twenty five next month. Oh, that reminds me," he said pulling out a black leather book, he handed it to Festus. "I thought you might want this."
Festus took the leather bound, well worn bible and ran his hand over it. "This was Jesse's," he said quietly. "I thought I lost it. Thanks Doc!"
"Your welcome," Hill replied as Doc nudged him.
"Where are you headed now," Doc asked.
"I'm going back east," Hill said evenly. "I've decided to start my own practice at home."
"Wal, can you at least stay a few days," Festus asked. "We could go fishing."
"Well, ya," Hill replied. "That would be great."
"Wait a minute," Doc said looking from Festus to Hill. "You don't want him taking you fishing, I'll take you."
"Wal you ol scudder," Festus said snidely. "You jus think I can't show no one how ta fish cause I use a bamboo pole and not one of those fancy poles like you use."
"Exactly," Doc said. "And thank you for confirming it."
"Aww foot," Festus said taking a sip of his beer. "At least he ain't no quack like you."
Hill smirked as Doc turned to the young physician. "Don't listen to him," Doc said winking. "Why would you, he's dead remember!"
