The thunder began to intensify, as did the lightening and rain. Matt and Festus pulled their animals into the cave. "Matthew, with this rain, thar ain't no way I can follow that trail."
Matt huffed. He knew. "Once this lets up, we'll head straight for Old Dodge Town." He seemed a little annoyed that Festus insisted that they check out a few of the caves, which reviled nothing.
Festus looked down to the ground. He knew that they didn't make as much headway as they should have. "Sure thing, Matthew."
Matt noted the sombre tone in his deputy's voice and smirked to himself. He knew Festus would feel he let his boss down. "Come. Let's take advantage of this dry cave to rest." He pat Festus on the shoulder.
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Newly and Sam found an old barn in which to get in out of the storm.. The wind howled through the boards and the driving rain pounded on the roof. They watch the lightening through the cracks. "It sure is a violent one." Newly said about the storm.
Sam agreed. "We sure needed the rain. But not all at once." He looked at the huge puddle that had formed in a depression in the dirt floor. Newly smiled at his comment and then his demeanor saddened. "Sure hope Doc's okay."
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Garrett and Red sat opposite Doc at a table on the other side of the old saloon. Garrett's eyes held mistrust and hate for the old man. Red seemed distant. Other than the storm, there was no other sound in the dark and dusty room.
Garrett leaned forward. "I don't like what I see in yer eyes, doctor..."
Doc was cool. "And what would that be?"
Garrett almost smiled at the comment. "You're a real crafty one. I sware if I turned my back on you, you'd have one of those knives of your's plunged right up to the handle in it..."
Doc's eyes narrowed and he shook his head. "Think what you will. I'm a doctor. Not a murdered."
Garrett huffed and stood quickly. He glared down at Doc. "Nothing sets you off, do it!" He bellowed.
Doc may have looked like a solid brick wall on the outside, but his inners felt like they were turning to mush. He sat uneasily with the big man towering him. He chose to say nothing which infuriated Garrett even more. His outburst jarred Red out of the daze he was in and he too quickly sprung to his feet.
Garrett looked shapely at Red. "You brought this old pill pusher here! Now you get rid of him!" Garrett's anger matched that of the storm. He shook with rage.
