Doc climbed the stairs to his office and went inside, Matt and Kitty a few paces behind him. Holding hands tightly, they watched the old man open the door to the bedroom. Leaving it open, Doc stood by the bed looking down at Festus. Letty sat next to him, one of his hands in both of hers, her face hidden on the pillow next to his. The tortured breathing was stilled, the deputy's face at peace...Doc closed his eyes for a moment, then gently touched the girl on the shoulder. "Letty?" She sat up slowly, her eyes red. "Is it all right if Matt and Kitty come in?" Letty looked dazed with grief but she got to her feet and laid down the deputy's hand, then bent over and softly kissed his forehead.
Festus stirred and mumbled something.
Doc's eyes dilated and he ran into the next room for his stethescope, startling Matt and Kitty. They followed him back into the bedroom and watched tensely as he listened to Festus' heart. Dropping the stethescope on the floor, he peeled back the bandages from the deputy's shoulder.
"Doc, what is it?" asked Matt. The old man didn't answer and the marshal grabbed him by the arm and swung him around. "Doc!"
Doc held onto Matt with one hand and reached for Kitty with the other. "He's better."
The marshal's eyes began ranging the room. "He's not going to die?"
Doc suddenly felt light-headed and sat down. "There is no medical explanation for this. The infection has completely cleared up, his breathing and heart sounds are back to normal..." He leaned forward and felt the deputy's forehead. "Fever's broken." He looked around at the others as they gathered by the bed. "By golly, the old mule's going to live!"
Festus stirred again and his eyes opened. "Doc..."
It was the feeblest of whispers but Doc beamed. "What is it, old boy?"
"How's a feller..." The deputy's voice failed and he looked at the pitcher on the little table next to the bed. Doc poured some water and helped him drink and after a moment he spoke again. "How's a feller s'posed to get any sleep 'round here?"
The old man laid his hand on his friend's head and a drowsy smile played over the deputy's mouth. Then he closed his eyes. After a moment a faint snore rattled through the room and they all felt the sting of tears as they left Festus to his dreams.