Newly wiped his brow with his sleeve as he dropped the first bullet into a basin and then covered the wound the way Doc had taught him.

"How's he doing," Newly asked watching Matt.

"His breathing hasn't changed if that's what your asking," Matt said cluelessly.

Newly nodded as he shot the Marshal a wiry grin. "You'd make a terrible nurse Marshal."

"Thanks," Matt said watching the time. Each minute on the dot, Matt administered one drop of ether. "But I'll stick with chasing outlaws. You and Doc can keep your practice."

Newly grinned as he picked up the probe again and inserted it into the second bullet wound. Gently using the instrument, he searched for the second bullet before shaking his head.

"This one's deeper than the other," he said looking at Matt. "It's going to take some time to get it out and he's already lost a lot of blood."

"Can you do it?" Matt asked quietly.

"I think so," Newly replied taking a deep breath. "I just wish Doc were here."

* Dodge *

When Doc returned to his office a little later with Kitty, they each touted a baby while Johnny and Marianne bounded up the stairs.

"Ma," Johnny said rushing though the door way of Doc's spare bedroom.

Abelia smiled and held out her arms from the chair near the window as Johnny, followed by Marianne, ran to give her hug.

"Doctor Adams said you've been sick," Marianne stated. "Are ya better now?"

Abelia nodded as Doc and Kitty stepped into the room with the twins.

"Much better," she said taking her daughter from Kitty. "Now that you all are here."

* Senora *

"Well," Matt said watching Newly use a stethoscope on Festus.

"Heart rate is definitely stronger," Newly said putting a blanket over the hillman.

Matt sighed with relief as he started for the door. "I'm going to send a wire to Dodge unless you think I should wait?"

"Send it Marshal," Newly said with a smile as Festus let out a breath and moan slightly.

Matt nodded as Newly put a gentle hand on the hillman's shoulder.

* Dodge *

"Doc," Barney said stepping into Doc's office later that night. "Telegram from the Marshal."

Doc hesitated as Barney smiled. "You'll want to read it!"

Doc quickly took the wire and opened it. "Thanks Barney," he said reading over the message as Barney waited for a reply.

"Tell Matt, that's great news and bring him home when they can," Doc said swiping at his mustache.

"Will do," Barney said heading out the door as Doc headed into his spare room where Kitty had just finished helping Abelia dress.

"Telegram from Matt," Doc said as Abelia squeezed Kitty's hand for support.

"Is it good news or bad," Abelia asked softly.

"Festus is alive," Doc said taking a seat next to the bed. "But when Matt and Newly found him, he'd been shot, twice."

"And," Abelia said looking at Doc. "Is he going to be alright?"

"Newly's done everything he can. Matt said, there's no reason to think that he won't be and just as soon as he can travel, they'll bring him home," Doc said as the woman smiled.

"See," Kitty said hugging her friend. "Didn't I tell you he'd be home!"

* Senora *

Newly waved the Marshal over as
Matt returned to the Doctor's office.

"See," Newly said stepping aside. "I told you Matt and I were both here."

"Festus," Matt said bending down as the hillman struggled to look up.

"Mexico," Festus said weakly as Matt nodded. "The draft..."

"I got the draft," Matt said reassuringly. "And I've sent a wire to Juarez, they'll get Mrs. Eaton and his gang."

Festus closed his eyes and relaxed as Matt looked at Newly. "How long do you think it will be before we can't travel?"

"At least a week Marshal," Newly replied thoughtfully. "Any sooner than that and Doc will have both our heads."

*thanks for the reviews that I can't personally respond to*