Once out of town and gawking eyes, Percy and Festus picked up the pace to get to the mill site as quickly as they could knowing Wilbur Jonas' life depended on it.

Rusland nudged Buck, "Looks like the store owner cashed in," he snickered at his slight pun.

"But how do we know for sure?" Buck questioned.

"I guess we'll see once they bring him back," Rusland shrugged.

"Why don't we just take that saloon owner? The marshal seems awfully fond of her," Buck smiled. "I sure would be..." he said looking longingly down the street.

"She doesn't know what I look like. I need to make sure that store owner is dead and get the hell out of her with the fellas and the wagon," Rusland growled

"Yeah, I get that, but if the store owner dies, what then?" Buck asked as if Rusland had lost his mind.

"I'll burn this damn town to the ground until that marshal gives us what's coming to us," Rusland said staring forward up the street. "In the mean time, poke around and see if you can find where they guys are being held," Rusland added as he crossed the street to the Bull's Head Saloon.

Buck stood with his mouth hanging open, "But..." he stammered and then sighed. He shook his head knowing that whatever it took, Rusland was hell bent to free the men and get the wagon loaded with the stolen goods back. He wasn't sure he liked where Rusland was going with his ideals.

Festus and Percy pulled to a stop near where Jonas was laying in reeds.

"Doc. They're here," Matt announced.

"Good," Doc stated as he watched both Festus and Percy climb down through the reeds.

"Oh, he doesn't look good at all, Doc," Crump said looking at the store owner.

Adams narrowed his eyes, "Well he's not yours just yet, if I can help it," he snapped.

Crump was taken back, "I didn't mean it like that Doc!" he sputtered.

Doc looked at the undertaker and decided he was telling the truth. "Good to know Percy," he said keeping his eyes on Crump. Percy turned to Matt and shrugged his shoulders. Matt tried to hide his smile.

"It's going to take all of us," Doc said as he tried to organize Jonas' excavation from the reeds. "We'll place him on that plank and walk him up to Percy's carriage," Doc pointed at a sturdy plank that was near by.

Matt and Festus moved the lumber over to where Doc wanted it to be and then the doctor organized the men on how to lift the unconscious man. "Are we ready?" he asked looking at each man – they nodded. Matt, Festus and Percy nodded yes. Doc cradled Jonas' head and neck and gave the okay. Slowly they all lifted Jonas and placed him on the plank as he was laying. Finally Doc heard a low moan come from Jonas. "Careful now," Doc reminded the men. Doc then set his medical bag between the store owner's ankles as the prepared to move the man.

Doc did a quick check and nodded. They all took a corner of the length of wood and hoisted the make-shift stretcher with Jonas on it up to the undertaker's wagon at the road. Carefully they placed him down in the wagon. Doc climbed in and pulled a white sheet up over Jonas. He sighed. "Hang in there Jonas. We're almost home," he said ticking his head before he clambered down off the back.

"What now Doc?" Matt asked.

"Take him back as if he was dead, though the back streets would be better," Doc said running his hand across his moustache.

"I can do that, Doc," Percy stated.

Doc nodded.

"When we left there sure were a heap of folks looking plum sorry looking," Festus stated as he watched Crump climb up on to the wagon.

"I'll meet you at your place, Percy," Doc called out as he walked to his own buggy. It was now near five in the afternoon.

Percy flicked the reigns and his wagon jerked ahead as he headed back to Dodge; Festus and Matt following close behind. Doc drew his hand across his moustache and gaze out to the smouldering remains of the mill. He shook his head wondering how Jonas managed to escape death. The doctor placed his medical bag on the seat, then climbed up taking the reigns and once settled he flicked the leather strap over Popcorn's rump and headed back to town.

The journey for the men was a quiet one. Matt was trying to figure out how to capture the two raiders. Nothing was coming to him as he kept wondering how things would work out for the store owner.

After about twenty minutes, Percy pulled his wagon to a stop behind his business. Doc was right about taking the back streets; there weren't many people out and about. The lanky undertaker climbed down from his rig and waited for Doc to arrive. Both Festus and Matt also stood next to the wagon. Adams pulled his buggy to a stop, grabbed his medical bag and quickly stepped down. The doctor was swift as he climbed up beside Jonas, who was starting to come to, "Easy now," Doc said holding Jonas' shoulder.

Jonas slumped and passed out again.

"Let's get him inside," Doc said as he stepped down. He watched Matt, Festus and Crump gently move the store owner into the back room, placing plank and all on one of Percy's work tables. The smell from the chemicals an undertaker hung in the air; unpleasantly.

Doc pulled a small table over and placed his medical bag down. Carefully he pulled back the sheet and then lifted his coat off Jonas. The doctor shook his head looking at the various slivers that covered Jonas' back. He had no choice but to cut the store owner's brocade vest and shirt up the middle.

"I need a lot of hot water," Doc said as he pulled his glasses from their case and hooked the arms over his ears to get a better look at Jonas' injuries. The doctor shook his head in dismay as he carefully folded back the vest and shirt – the sight was worse. Doc noticed the deep bruises forming from where the lumber hit Jonas. He gingerly felt Jonas' ribs, and mercifully none were broken.

Festus brought a large bowl of hot water over and placed it on the little table next to the black leather bag. He made a face when he saw Jonas' back. He ticked his head.

Matt watched on with interest, "What about his leg, Doc?" he asked about the large sliver.

"I can't remove that here. I'll need him in my office for that," Doc grunted. Matt nodded. "Hopefully tonight," the marshal stated. "Come on Festus. We have two men to catch," he said to his deputy while turning to walk away. "Percy, keep a shotgun handy," he said to the undertaker. Crump slowly nodded and gulped.

The two lawmen walked out to Front Street; both of men keeping a keen lookout for the two raiders.

Rusland and Buck spotted Matt and Festus. They quickly separated and made themselves blend into the business on Front Street. Festus was the one who caught a glimpse of Rusland, "Matthew?" he said stopping looking across the street.

Matt also looked across the street, but failed to see what the hill man was looking at, "What?"

"One of them rats just went up the other side of the street. The one I told you about," Haggen stated.

"So they're still in town," Matt growled. He knew he had to do something and fast. And the only thing he could think of was using Wilbur Jonas as bait.