It was twilight when Doc made his way down the stairs and over to the jail. Matt was sitting at the table with Kitty and he got to his feet as the old man came in. "Doc, how's Festus?"
Doc looked at the table. The checkerboard they had all played with for so many years was there and he picked up a black checker. Festus never liked playing with the black checkers. Golly bill, Doc, don't you know black's a unlucky color? "Matt, I think you should sit down."
The marshal felt a chill. "What about Festus?" There was no response and Matt sat down stiffly and reached for Kitty's hand.
Doc laid the checker down very gently. "Festus is going to die." Kitty turned white and the old man went to her and put an arm around her shoulders.
She looked up at him with pleading eyes. "Oh, Doc, no! Please, no."
"Kitty, I'd...I'd do anything to save him." Doc's voice dropped. "Anything in the world. I just..." He swallowed hard. "This time..." His throat tightened and he couldn't go on.
There was a roaring in Matt's ears and all he could hear was Festus' voice. My papa alwuz said everythin' starts to die a little soon as it's born. Mebbe it's my time. "It's not your time," whispered the marshal.
Kitty squeezed his hand. "What, Matt?"
Matt shook his head. "Something Festus said once."
Doc's eyes were blank. "We'd better go back to my office now..." He reached for Matt's shoulder as he finished very softly, "...and say goodbye."