Sam and Newly rode hard into Old Dodge Town. Time was not on their side and they had to find Doc. It was Sam that spotted Ruth and Buck tied to the hitching post down the street. "Newly. Look! It's the Marshal's horse. And Festus'!" They rode toward the animals, that's when Festus recognized them.
"Matthew, that's Sam and Newly!" He quickly stood and pushed his gun into his holster.
Matt moved to the doorway. "Newly? Sam?" he joined them on the street. "What are you doing out here?" Festus had now joined the small group.
Newly slid from his saddle, "Its Doc. Someone kidnapped him the other night. Sam and I have been tracking them, but with yesterday's rain we lost our trail. This was the only likely spot to look." The expression on Newly's tired face was a mix of distress and anger.
Festus looked back at the saloon. "That explains why that feller in that looks like he'd been doctored. Ole Doc was here."
Matt looked over to his deputy. "We'd better hope that he still is. And in one piece." His voice was grim and with every passing moment, building hatred for Johnny Garrett and his gang. He knew that if something had happen to his old friend that there was no telling what he'd do to Garrett if he caught him. "Let's spread out. Sam, Newly, you split up and take that side of the street. Festus you head down that way, I'll go this way..." the thumbed up the street. Without a word the men disbursed and started their search for Doc.
Festus moved down the street and poked his head in every window and every door. His heart sank with each passing one that not yielded a trace of his dear friend. He walked toward the old jail and looked him.
Nothing he noted and continued to the next building. Part way into his next step, he stopped. Something was in the building that shouldn't have been. A medical bag on the floor in the corner. Quickly he turned back and entered the building. There was dried blood everywhere. "Oh, Doc..." Was all that he could utter. That was until he heard a moan coming from behind him in the cell.
Festus spun and moved to the prone figure on the cot. He recognized the silver hair and his heart jumped - it pounded wildly in his chest. Carefully he pulled the blanket back and looked at Doc. His left eye was black and swollen shut. The cut above was congealed but the caked on blood made him look even worse.
Festus leaned forward to hear him breath. "You hold on, now Doc." Gently he placed his hand on the old man's forehead for reassurance. He had to call the others so he pulled the blanket up under Doc's chin and ran out to the street.
"Matthew! Newly! Sam! Over here! Hurry! Doc's hurt real bad!" Festus waved frantically at them making them hurry to help Doc.
Matt was the first to arrive followed by Sam and then Newly. Newly pushed passed Festus into the cell. The other three stood waiting for a report. Festus shook his head. "He don't look good..."
Newly stood up and turned to the three men. "He's got some broken ribs, damage to his left arm and a slight concussion. We need to get him back to Dodge quickly."
Matt tucked his thumbs in his belt and rocked slightly on his feet. "Newly. You and Sam get Doc back to town. Newly do what you can for him."
"Sure thing Marshal." Newly nodded and looked at Sam. "Lets rig up one of them carrying beds. There's no way he can ride with one of us." Sam nodded just once and the two set out to find the materials they needed to build the bed.
"Festus. I want you to come with me. I know you want to make sure Doc's going to be okay, but finding Garrett is more important right now. I want him to pay for what he's done to Doc." Matt's eyes were almost black with anger and he clenched his jaw so that the muscles grew tight.