"Here, I'll take that!" Doc snatched his fishing pole from Festus and laid it carefully in the back of the buggy.
"I warn't goin' to hurt it none! Anybody'd think you had some use for it."
"I'll have you know that's my best fishing pole and I've found plenty of use for it."
"Like what? Swattin' flies?"
Matt and Kitty stood well back as Doc and Festus packed the buggy. The marshal leaned over and said softly to Kitty, "I hope Doc knows what he's doing."
Kitty gave him a look, then took his arm and marched him over to their friends. "Doc, it looks like you're about ready to go."
Doc scowled. "Oh, I'm ready to go all right, Kitty. I just wish I knew what I'm getting into." He fastened the buggy cover and snapped at Festus, "Well, are you going to stand around all day? Get in!"
"All right!" Festus climbed into the buggy and took the reins. "Matthew, Miss Kitty, we'll be seein' you in a couple of weeks."
Doc ran his hand over his face. "A couple of weeks..." He shook hands with the marshal and Kitty, then got into the buggy. Festus snapped the reins and they started off, Doc waving goodbye as if he expected to never see Dodge again.