The cool autumn night wind was enough to keep Kitty and Doc motivated to move, if the cougar wasn't enough. They both felt somewhat safer on the move than sitting and waiting for the large cat. However, Doc's injuries were wearing on him and he became slower almost with each step. "Kitty...I can't go no any further..." he said as he sank to his knees and eventually rolled over onto his back - flat out.

"Oh, Doc! You can't stop now!" she knelt next to her prone friend and wiped his brow with a damp cool cloth. Doc just groaned. "Come on, Doc. We can't stop, you know that." she tugged on his arm but he wasn't moving another inch.

"Kitty..." he spoke through his clenched teeth. "I can't walk one more step on this leg. I think infection is setting in and I feel nauseous." he looked up at the red haired woman that fussed over him. "I think I'm gonna be sick..." he said and closed his eyes to hopefully control the dizziness in his head from loss of blood.

Kitty continued to wipe his face and brow with the cloth. She looked down onto the doctor and sighed and pulled the doctor's coat closed over his chest trying to keep him warm. Slowly she stood and pushed her hair back out of her face. Looking into the blackness night was less then comforting even if the moon sparkled on the rippling water at the stream. She knew the animal was out there somewhere and she slowly bent to pick up the shotgun. Holding it gave her a small peace of mind as she now knew it was going to be a very long night.

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Matt and Festus made it to the field as they had thought they might. Festus stood tall in his saddle, stretching to see if anything caught his eye. Nothing for miles in all directions. The moonlight played with his eyesight - trees looked like people or animals and moving deer looked almost invisible except for the odd hoot owl, there was literally nothing for miles.

"Foot Matthew. They could be anywheres out thar." Festus waved his hand in dissatisfaction with the situation. "They might even be back in Dodge fer all we know..."

Matt dismounted. "I suggest we try and get some sleep. We won't be any good to anyone if we are this tired come sun up and that's only a few hours away." He pulled his bed roll of the back of his saddle and flung it open on the ground. His voice held slight disapproval at Festus' building anxiety.

"Yer right, Matthew." The hill man reluctantly agreed while stepping down off Ruth and settling down next to a log. He pulled his coat up around his neck, "I sure hope they're okay, that's all..."

"Me too Festus. Good night." Matt turned on to his side hoping for some sleep and yet knowing his friend wouldn't rest one minute until both Doc and Kitty were found safe and sound.