Doc finished his drink and set his glass down. "Well, Kitty. I'm not sure what time I'll get back tonight. Late likely. You know how it is with the first one." Doc ticked his head. "Thanks for the drink."
Kitty smiled. "If you need me, Doc. Just send Mr Whittaker."
Doc nodded in acknowledgement. "I'll keep that in mind." He started to leave and then turned to face Festus. "You two be careful!" he ordered.
"You bet, Doc. We will." Festus smiled at the doctor as the old man turned and left the saloon to gather his equipment.
Festus turned back to the bar and Kitty drew him another beer. "On the house." she smiled.
"Well, thanks, Miss Kitty!" Festus eagerly picked up the mug and took a big sip.
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Red rode as quickly as his horse would travel and with the sun beginning to fall closer to the horizon, he figured that he had another hour and a half before night enveloped him.
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Doc pulled his buggy up to the front of the Whittaker place. Bob stood waiting anxiously for the physician to arrive. "She's been callin' for ya, Doc." The farmer nervously rung his hat in his hands.
Doc stepped down from the buggy and picked up his bag. "You don't worry, you'll make yourself sick. Martha is a strong woman and she'll do just fine. You just go and do some work. I'll let you know when the time is coming."
Bob agreed and placed his hat back on his head while walking toward the barn. Doc smirked and entered the house. Delivering a baby was one of the highlights of his profession. Each little baby was a miracle to him.
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Matt and Festus climbed onto their animals and headed east. It wasn't going to be a long ride to reach where Matt had left off. Matt yawned and wished he had another hour to sleep. "We'll make an early camp tonight." He said to his deputy.
Festus said nothing about the camp but asked Matt, "How far do ya think they go to?"
Matt shrugged. "I guess it depends on whether or not that other ride was shot or not. It's pretty hot, so my guess is they have gone into the hills for shade. We'll find them." Matt's voice was full of determination.