It was afternoon when Matt returned to his office. He hadn't found Festus and he was conscious of a growing uneasiness. The deputy was as tough as they came, but his heart was too soft, too easily hurt. The marshal was haunted by the look in his friend's eyes the night before and when Letty came in he was barely civil. "What do you want, Letty?"
The girl's appearance was wildly disheveled and she ran to him and took his hand. "Where's Doc?"
Matt's stomach lurched. "What's wrong?"
She pulled at him frantically. "Festus is hurt!"
The marshal put his hands on the girl's shoulders and sat her at the table. "Tell me exactly what happened. Where's Festus now?"
Letty gulped. "He's out on the prairie. I was riding and two men jumped me...he got them but he's been shot..."
"Can you show me where he is?"
She nodded, then said, "Marshal, where's Doc? He asked for Doc."
"Doc's not here. He went to deliver a baby." Matt thought for a moment. "I'm going to send Burke for him, then you take me to Festus." Letty was tearful and the marshal's voice softened. "Letty, you did a good job coming for help so fast. Now I need you to calm down so we can get back to Festus."
"I'll be all right, marshal. Just please hurry." Matt patted her on the shoulder and they went out the door for Burke and their horses.