Lute pushed his men hard and they pushed Doc hard to follow along. Lute kept a watchful eye on the old doctor as he felt he was up to something - he sensed the doctor was working on a plan of escape and if he tried, Lute would order for him to be hunted down and shot on sight if he got that far away.

Doc was also aware that Lute was purposely keeping him on a short leash which made whatever plan he would come up with that much more difficult to succeed. His only hope was for a thicket of trees or a river to leap into, unfortunately nothing presented itself just yet. Doc's other thoughts where filled with Kitty and he wondered how she was doing and who was caring for her. Then there was Matt and Festus who assumed where by now looking for him, but at what risk - Lute seemed like the kind of man who enjoyed killing.

Chuck rode silently next to the doctor and watched him, then the young outlaw broke the silence, "You look like you're doing a lot of thinking, Doc?" he whispered.

Doc's eyes drifted over to the young man, "I am..." he said nothing more.

Chuck looked slowly over his shoulder and then back to Doc, "I bet you are trying to figure out someway to escape..."

Doc again looked at the young man and this time only pursed his lips while looking at the outlaw. He was trying to figure out why this hooligan was asking him such questions. Then Doc finally spoke back, "What's it to you?"

Chuck again looked around hoping that none of his gang was watching. His eyes came back to Doc's, "Maybe I can help you."

Doc swallowed and tried to determine whether Chuck was pulling his leg or not, "Why would you do that for me. Your little band of would-be thieves is in a lot of trouble with the Dodge Marshal."

Chuck nodded, "I know...but..." then Lute rode up beside them, "You two sure seem friendly..." he growled.

Doc thought fast to save the situation without looking suspicious, "I've just been asking him how his shoulder feels," he ticked his head toward Chuck who nodded and gently rubbed his shoulder. Lute's eyes narrowed at the two men and with a disgruntled growl Lute nudge his horse forward to the other riders.

Chuck sighed, "That was close..." he said as he watched Lute ride to the front of the group.

"I'll say it was." Doc smiled at Chuck then winked with a slight smile on his face. Maybe things would turn out okay after all.

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Matt inched his way toward the small shack and then as he got within ten feet he charged to the rough planked wall next to the window. The glass panes where still intact and so was the off-white curtain that looked worse for wear. Matt clutched his rifle and brought it up in front of him reading it for use. The marshal crouched and slowly leaned toward the window and peeked through the dusty glass. He could see nothing form where he stood so he ducked under the window and moved to the other side. Again he carefully peeked through the window. This time all he could see was the dying fire in the hearth. Matt sighed heavily and the stood tall. With flustration and anger flowing through his veins, Matt waved for Festus and motioned him to come down to the shack.

Festus waved back and wasn't sure if he was thankful or not as he didn't know by Matt's action whether Doc was inside or not. A lump grew in Festus' throat, "If that old codger got himself killed, I'll kick him in the rump before they plant him...I sware I will..." the deputy said as he gathered the reins for Buck and climbed up onto his saddled mule. "Come on ol' Ruth. Let's git down thar and see what Matthew has to say and I might add, I don't like the looks of things." Festus often talked things out with his mule, Ruth who was a willing listener. With a light gab of his big Texan spurs, Festus moved Ruth forward and they made their way down to the shack where Matt waited.

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Kitty was awake but was extremely sore especially if she tried to move, "Sam, I need to get to a proper bed. This examination table is too small and uncomfortable..." she tried to push herself up bu the pain was too great for her so she settled back down. "I don't know why Doc keeps this old thing..."

Sam smiled slightly and said he'd get help to move her, "I'll get Ma Smalley to help you into the back room and get you comfortable," the barkeep said as he slowly moved to the door and placed his hand on the knob.

"Sam?" she heard him stop, "has there been any word on Doc?" Kitty tried to look over her shoulder.

"Sorry Miss Kitty. Nothing. Not a word from the Marshal either." Sam looked down with sadness hanging over him as he opened the door to leave. "Thanks Sam. I just needed to know," Kitty said with her voice filled with trepidation for her friends and Matt - she couldn't exist without them, especially without Matt. Warm tears filled her blue eyes and stung her cheeks as the rolled down her face as all of a sudden she felt venerable without the men in her life around her.