It was another day and a half before Doc and Festus arrived at Sweet Billy and Orabelle's place. The two men had passed the time mostly in the comfortable silence only best friends share-Doc enjoying the scenery and Festus occasionally pointing out an especially beautiful tree or striking rock formation. The old man was favorably impressed by the appearance of the little house-well made with a wide porch, shaded by a couple of fine cottonwoods, and situated in a little valley with a magnificent view of the hills. A bed of roses was in full bloom on either side of the front door and some fat brown chickens scratched lazily in the front yard.
"Your nephew seems to have done very well for himself," Doc remarked to Festus as he climbed down from the buggy.
Festus nodded, smiling. "This alwuz wuz a nice place." A shadow passed over his face. "Me'n Fergus liked it."
Doc looked around sharply. "This was your house?"
"A long time ago it wuz." Festus took a deep breath. "We built it ourselves...see that hollow there?" He pointed to a spot about a hundred feet away and Doc nodded. "We alwuz figgered on buildin' another little house there when we tuck wives...I'd live here'n Fergus would live there..." Festus smiled reminiscently but there were tears in his eyes. "Well, things just didn't work out like we planned...I found him here in the front yard and tuck out after Uncle Jack and after that..." He paused so long Doc wondered if he meant to go on. Finally the hillman said softly, "After that I give the house up...give it all up, everythin' we planned. Nothin' warn't the same..." Festus saw the pity in Doc's eyes and he smiled. "I ain't complainin'. It's a pure pleasure seein' this place lived in again...you ever seen a house standin' empty? Looks all sad and lonesome like. Now this here place looks like it's just welcomin' us to come on in and set a spell. You know what I mean, Doc?"
The old man smiled. "I know what you mean, Festus."
The front door was thrown open and Orabelle, considerably larger than the last time they had seen her, hurried down the front steps. "Festus!" She threw her arms around the hillman and he hugged her back.
"How you doin', honey?"
Orabelle beamed at Festus. "I'm doing finer than frog's hair." She seized one of Doc's hands in both of hers. "Doc Adams, I am so glad to see you!"
Doc smiled. "I'm glad to see you too, Orabelle. How do you like being a Haggen?"
"Oh, Doc, I just can't find the words to tell you what it's like being a member of this family."
The old man ran a hand over his face. "I can certainly understand that. Words would fail me if I were to become a Haggen." Festus looked at him suspiciously and Doc assumed an innocent expression. "Orabelle, is there a chance of getting a cup of coffee?"
Orabelle took Doc's arm. "Come right on in, Doc, and I'll get a fresh pot on for you and Festus."
They went into the house and Doc was struck by the craftsmanship obvious in every line of the big main room. The wood had all been planed and polished until it looked like silk and the fireplace was constructed of rough stones obviously selected with an eye to beauty as much as utility. A narrow but perfectly proportioned staircase led to a loft and the kitchen area had a big round window over the sink. Here and there intricately carved little shelves held knickknacks. Everywhere the old man looked he saw evidence of the care and attention that had gone into the building of the place and he smiled at Orabelle.
She smiled back. "How do you like my house?"
Doc looked straight at Festus. "This is, without a doubt, the most beautiful house I have ever seen."