Doc put another compress on Kendall's head, and wiped away some of the blood that was seeping from the man's nose. He listened to his heart with his stethoscope for the fifth time in the hour, and it was becoming increasingly worse. The old man shook his head. No matter what he tried, nothing was helping. Kendall coughed and his eyelids fluttered. Doc leaned over him.
"Take it easy, Kendall."
"Have to..."
"Have to what, Kendall?"
"K-kill you..."
Doc shook his head at the man. "I'm afraid that's gonna have to wait. You're in no condition to be killin' anybody, much less anything as old and stubborn as me."
"What'd you give me? Can't breath..."
"Wasn't anything I gave you. You're sick. Tell me, Kendall, when did you start feelin' bad?"
"I ain't sick..."
The door to Doc's office opened, and the old physician knew who it was from the sound of the spurs.
"He's awake is he, Doc?"
"Conscious but not coherent, Festus."
Doc wiped away more blood, and replaced the cold compress on the man's forehead.
"Don't look too good for him does it?"
"No, I'm afraid not."
Festus watched the old man for a minute, and worry struck him. "Doc, why don't I spell ya for awhile? Ya don't look like you've had any sleep."
Doc looked into the dark hazel eyes and smiled. "I appreciate it, Festus, but since I don't know what's ailin' him, I think I'd rather not expose you unnecessarily to whatever it is."
"But you've been breathin' the same air, and other than bein' a stubborn old scudder, there ain't nothin' wrong with ya."
"I'll be fine. You go on now." Scowling, Haggen stood there for another minute, and Doc's voice belied regard beneath false irritation. "Go on, get outta here!"
Festus headed toward the door. "If you need anything, Doc, you let me know."
Just before the door closed, the old man's voice softly said, "Good night, Festus."
Haggen closed the door softly. "Good night, Doc."