The hot sun climbed higher into the summer sky. Matt and Festus tracked toward the circling turkey buzzards. As they rode over a hill they could see a body laying on the plains with the big birds hoping around snatching a bite when they felt brave enough.
Matt spurred Buck to make him move in faster. Festus followed the marshal. The large birds took flight as the two lawmen approached the body. Matt quickly dismounted and stood over the dead man. His gaze drifted up to Festus'. "Who is it Matthew?" Festus' eyes were fixed on the man on the ground.
Matt looked down at the dead man and solemnly said, "It was Johnny Garrett."
"Johnny Garrett? Matthew. Are you saying that thar other scamp that beat ole Doc up, shot Garrett and left him here?" Festus questioned as he climbed down from his mule.
Matt adjusted his hat back on his head. "Sure looks that way, Festus. Come on, let's get him buried." Matt went back to his horse and pulled a small spade out from beside the saddle.
Festus scanned the ground. "Matthew...those other tracks...there heading right back to Dodge." Festus pointed out.
"You're right. We don't have time to waste. If my hunch is right, Red doesn't know Doc is still alive and back in town. We have to get back there before he finds out."
Matt began to dig a grave for Johnny Garrett and as he did he wondered what was happening back in Dodge.