Matt couldn't keep his stomach from flip-flopping. The jury had barely been out for two hours when they came back with a verdict. Such a quick decision didn't bode well for Doc Adams, and Dillon wanted nothing more than to grab Doc and bolt from the courtroom. They waited while the jury silently filtered in, followed by the judge who sat down on his bench.

Dalton's voice was calm, steady, "Gentlemen of the jury, you have reached a verdict?"

The foreman, a large man with the hands of a farmer stood. "Yes your honor, we come to a decision."

"Very well, state it for the court please."

"We done found the man known as Dr. Galen Adams to be guilty of the murder of Dr. Aaron Bradley."

Kitty covered her mouth with her hand to keep the scream that tried to come from her throat silent. She buried her face into Matt's chest, and he wrapped his arms around her, his own eyes tearing up quicker than he could blink them away. Festus stood, his eyes full of moisture, and his voice full of anger.

"No! You've done made a mistake! Doc wouldn't kill nobody... do ya hear me? He wouldn't never hurt nobody..."

"Mr. Haggen, that's enough--"

"--No it ain't. Doc didn't do nothin'..."

Adams looked sadly at his dear friend, and then had to look away, afraid that his emotions would get the best of him if he didn't.

"Bailiff, restrain that man."

The bailiff walked over to restrain Festus, and the deputy struggled with him. Matt stood, taking a hold of Festus as best he could.

"Festus, listen to me, you've got to calm down. This isn't helping Doc."

"But Matthew," Festus cried, "we cain't let 'em do nuthin', we cain't..."

"Take it easy." Matt nodded to the bailiff who let go, and Dillon gently sat Haggen in his chair. "Think of Doc right now, you're not makin' this any easier on him."

Festus looked over at the old man who looked shaken to the core, and he swallowed hard. "I'm sorry, Matthew." He looked up at the judge. "I'm sorry yer honor. It's jes' that, well, I'm sorta...I'm sorta emotional about ol' Doc."

"Very well Mr. Haggen." Dalton sadly looked down at Doc Adams. "Will the defendant please stand for sentencing..." Doc stood and Dalton looked down at his desk. "For as much as I find myself believing in what Dr. Adams said, a jury of his peers has found him guilty of murder. I am left with no choice but to sentence you, Galen Adams, to hang by the neck until dead. The sentence will be carried out at ten o'clock tonight on the gallows behind the courthouse. This court is adjourned."

Judge Dalton lowered his gavel softly to the bench, and Doc Adams silently lowered his head.