The sun began to creep up over the hills and trees as dawn swept into the valleys. The old buck -board wagon chattered along and Festus fought to stay awake in the springy seat. The sound of migrating geese overhead caused Kitty Russell to stir and slowly push off the hill man's shoulder, "How long have I been asleep?" she said as she gently ran her fingers over his eyelids trying to wake herself.
"'Bout four hours. Good thang you jist woke up too, cause just around that bend is the hide out where Matthew and ol' Doc are at..." the deputy smiled.
Kitty's blue eyes rested on the hill man's tired hazel eyes, "How do you think Doc is doing?" A sorrow filled her thoughts and the same echoed in her voice - there was no hiding her fear of losing her dearest friend - a man who was closer to her than her own father.
"Oh, foot, Miss Kitty! That ol' scudder could tangle with a grizzly bear and come out on top and I'd feel sorry fer the bear too," he looked sheepishly at the saloon owner. "Don't let his old notions and slow walk fool ya. He's got more spark in him than a bolt of lightening in July...and don't you ever tell him I said that neither...he likes to put on, ya know." Festus warned with his index finger extended and then winked. Kitty playfully swatted his arm and giggled. It eased her immediate feelings, and gave her hope. Deep down she knew Festus was right about the town doctor but just the same she knew that Doc's age was always going to be against him in situations like this.
Matt had tried to catch a few winks while sitting with Doc at the table. He rested his left elbow on the table and balanced his cheek on his balled fist. That worked for a few minutes, but he kept bobbing his tired head up to stay upright. With the sound of the approaching wagon, he gave up. Matt slowly ran his hand over his weary face and then looked at Doc who remained unconscious.
By the sound, the wagon neared and then stopped outside the door. Matt slowly stood then arched his aching back before heading to the door. He glanced over to Beck who was sound asleep with his head tucked into his folded arms next to Doctor Adams. A smile curled his lips as he continued to the door.
Festus had tied the horses to the front veranda post and was about to help Kitty down when Matt arrived. The hill man stopped. "Matthew! How's ol' Doc?"
"No change that I can see," he said as he stepped down and next to the wagon. "Kitty."
"Hi Matt. Festus drove the team as hard as he could," she said handing him the carpet bag which he quickly placed on the ground by his boot.
"I knew he would. Here, let me help you down," he placed he big hands on her waist as she held tight of his broad shoulders before he swung her over the side of the wagon and to the ground. "Doc will be happy to see you," he smiled.
Kitty's eyes misted, "How is he really, Matt?"
Matt shook his head, "It's bad, Kitty. He lost a lot of blood."
Kitty picked up the bag and quickly entered the little hideaway. It was cozy inside with the wood stove burning. Anything was better than the coolness that autumn was sending its way. Kitty looked around the room and noted the man in the back room with his arm in a sling. She then moved toward Doc with sense and purpose in her steps.
Jonathan Beck was now awake and standing next to the table where Doc was laying. Matt and Kitty approached, "Kitty. This is Jonathan Beck. He's the man who worked on Doc's leg...he's a doctor. Beck, this is Kitty Russell from Dodge. She's a very close friend of Doc's."
Kitty smiled and extended her hand to shake the young man's, "Thank you, for helping Doc."
"I just did what I thought was right," Beck blushed slightly at Kitty, "I'm not really a doctor, doctor..."
"Huh?" Kitty looked from Beck to Matt and then back again.
"I'm a veterinarian. I look after livestock...horses, cows, dogs, cats..." Beck stammered.
Kitty smiled at the young man's awkwardness, "At least you were able to do something."
Beck nodded, although he wasn't sure that it was enough, "I hope so."
Once at his side, Kitty looked down at the sleeping man and gently lay her right hand on his bristled left cheek, "Doc? It's me...Kitty?" she waited a second then tried again, "Doc?"
The doctor moaned deeply and then rolled his head toward the angelic voice, "Kitty, that you?"
"Yeah, its me, Doc. How ya feeling, Curly?" she bent closer to him.
"Awful," he whispered, "water..." he said as his eyes drifted from Matt to Festus. The then deputy disappeared to fetch some water.
"We're going to take you back to Dodge." Matt said outwardly. Doc nodded to indicate that he understood.
Festus returned with a cup of cool water, "Here, Miss Kitty. You give that to ol' Doc..." the deputy said as he handed to tin cup to her. Gently, Kitty lifted Doc's head enough to allow him to sip from the cup. After a few sips he indicated that he'd had enough for the time being.
Beck stood by watching then he spoke, "What's going to happen to Douglas and Jerry, Marshal?"
Matt moved next to the veterinarian. "I have to talk the circuit judge and arrange a court date. Unfortunately, I need you to be there."
Beck made a face, "How soon will that be?"
"Could be in days of a few weeks. Depends on the judge." Matt said and then was interrupted by Festus. "Matthew, we better git going soon. I was bein' chased by a storm here and it looks like it is comin' back..."
"Okay, Festus. We'll get Doc loaded and then Jerry. Beck, I'd like you to ride in the back with both of them. Make sure there's water for all."
"Sure, Marshal. I understand," Beck smiled and then began to gather the equipment that was scattered about the kitchen.
Matt strolled to the back room, "Madill. Get your brother ready to move. We're heading to Dodge." Matt's voice was cold, even against the wounded young man. Beck over heard and bit his tongue. Perhaps later, he could talk to the marshal about the younger Madill brother.