Doc finished in his office and sent Festus to his cot for rest. The summer night was slightly cooler that the previous nights had been. The excitement of the day still hung over Dodge as the night came on.

Doc placed his hat on his head and pulled his coat on. He felt like he needed a good stiff drink and was headed to the Long Branch.

Front Street had more traffic than usual for a summer night - Doc attributed it to the fair. He wove his way through to the entrance of the Long Branch Saloon. The sea of folks enjoying the night was overwhelming. Doc searched for anyone whom he wanted to - or cared to sit with when he spotted Kitty at the back under the balcony. She often used that table to do her books or to have a quiet coffee. She spotted Doc and waved him over. A smile ran across his lips and he poked his way through the crowd.

"You look like you could use a drink." Kitty said to Doc as he finally reached the table and sat.

"Sure could. What a day! Festus being shot...Monkeys in my office and well just about everything else happening around here. Yes in deed a good drink." He winked at her with his customary tick of his head.

"I'll get it for you." Kitty stood and left the table.

Doc sighed. "This ole town just gets bigger and busier everyday..." he said as he cast his eyes around the room filled with people from all walks of life. "Truly a marvel."

Kitty returned with a drink for Doc and herself. "Not gonna watch the fireworks?"

Doc shook his head no as he sipped on his drink. "Nope. I have had enough "excitement" for one day. I just plan to sit here with you and enjoy a quiet evening."

"Couldn't agree more." Kitty said as she set her glass on the table. "I hear one of the monkeys is still missing."

Doc nonchalantly looked over to Kitty. "It's probably back up in my office..."

Kitty laughed at the comment and then re-composed herself. "How's poor Festus?"

Doc rubbed his right hand fingers over his right ear. "Oh, he's fine. I wouldn't expect much from him in the next few days!" Doc laughed.

Kitty shook her head in amusement. Then she jumped as a loud bang and popping noise came from outside which made Doc snicker. "Sounds like the fireworks display has started."

Kitty looked at her old friend with a slightly glazed look on her face. "Yeah. I guess so. I didn't know they were so loud!"

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Jonas has taken all precautions and was following the manufactures instructions to a tee. The night sky was filling with spectacular lights and shapes.

Jonas didn't see the little hands that scooped up the long wicked firecracker...and the little monkey didn't know he passed close enough to a flame to light it...

As the firecracker started to spark, Nosey climbed high up onto the roof tops, leaving the sizzling firecracker in the dry leaves on top of the Long Branch. Nosey made a hasty retreat as the small fire grew.