Garrett and Red pushed hard to try and cross the Kansas border the next day. They had been riding since they left Old Dodge Town that morning and their horses were getting tired. Garrett pulled hard on his reigns bringing his horse to a sudden stop. There was a small brook in a group of trees that he had his eyes on. "We'll camp here tonight. At first light we'll get an early start and be out of Kansas by early morning."
Red was relieved to hear Garrett's decision. He was soon to fall from his own saddle if they didn't stop to rest. He quickly dismounted and pulled his horse and the one Doc rode into the shade of the late day sun. His first thought was to fill the canteens.
Garrett rode his horse into the shady grove. All along his watchful eyes kept a look on the horizon. In the pit of his stomach he knew they were being trailed. Slowly he peeled from his saddle and knelt down next to the stream splashing water on his face. His neck was stiff and so was his back. Being in the saddle that long and having little rest since the holdup was starting to take its toll on him.
Red wiped the sweat from his brow with a damp handkerchief. He noticed Garrett's actions. "If ya want I'll take first watch tonight."
Garrett stood and walked toward Red. "Good. I have a feeling that it won't be long until the law comes down on us. I want to be fresh and ready." He walked away and removed his bed roll from behind his saddle.
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Matt and Festus followed the tracks a good distance before they had to quite for the day. They hardly spoke a word as their attention was fixed on the capture of Johnny Garrett and Robert "Red" O'Brien.
Festus gathered enough twigs to start a small fire to make coffee and some beans that he had packed. In the back of his mind he wondered how his old friend was doing back in Dodge, and further down deep inside he had rage building in him as he thought about what the two bank robbers had put ole Doc through. He was afraid of himself and what he might do if he caught up to one or both of the wanted men.
Matt watched Festus. He knew what his deputy was thinking as various levels of hate swelled in his own soul. But he had to push it aside and do the job as dictated by the badge he wore. He wasn't certain that he was going to be able to control Festus.