The sun was setting by the time Matt and John rode out for the camp, but a bright full moon was rising. They rode within a quarter mile of where John remembered the camp site being, and continued on foot. When they got to the top of a hill overlooking the site they could see the hostages sitting on the ground. There was at least one armed men walking around, and 2 more sitting by the camp fire.

"John, it looks like we guessed right. There they are. Tell you what, you circle around to the left to get a better look. I'll go the other way and then we'll have a clearer idea of what we're up against."

John nodded and they headed off in opposite directions. Matt heard a movement and turned towards it. He saw a young man with a scarred face pointing a gun at him.

The young man looked confused for a minute, "Why are you here? I'm standing guard with my brother. I was doing a good job until you came along. Now, I'm gonna have to shoot you and the noise will wake Brad up and he'll be mad. Maybe he won't let me stand guard anymore."

Matt eyed the young man, thought for a second, and responded in a kind voice, "You don't have to shoot me. I can just walk away the way I came. No one will know and you won't wake Brad up."

Claybourne stood thinking and after a minute answered, "Well I don't know, I don't know if that is a good idea."

Matt took a small step closer, "You don't want to wake Brad up. He might not let you stand guard again. What's your name?"

"My name's Claybourne Johnson." He answered shaking his head, "I sure don't want Brad mad at me. He might not let me stand guard, and he might take the watch away."

Matt took two quick strides forward and quickly grabbed Claybourne's gun hand, making him drop the gun. He put his other hand over Claybourne's mouth to silence him.

John came running over. "I thought I heard something. You caught one?"

"He kinda caught me. Do me a favor and put a gag on him. Then we'll tie him up. At least we've eliminated one."

Leaving Claybourne gagged and tied to a tree, Matt and John circled the camp. The hostages didn't look happy or comfortable, but none of them looked seriously injured.

"John, I figure there are 5 men holding the hostages. I don't think it will take them long to figure that one of their brothers are gone."

"Matt, do you think we should offer a swap?"

"I don't think they will easily trade 10 hostages for one man, even if it is a brother. Lets see how things develop. Maybe we can lay a trap. In the meantime let's try to get a little sleep."

Meanwhile, Carl frantically ran down to the camp fire. Billy and Doctor J were sitting there dosing off.

"Wake up you two. Have you seen Claybourne?"

Billy stretched, "He was standing guard with you, why would we have seen him?"

Carl shook his head, "He's missing. I can't find him."

Brad was awakened by the noise, and was walking over, "What's all this racket? Carl your shift isn't over yet, what's going on?"

"Brad, Claybourne is missing, I can't find him?"

Brad shook his head in disgust, "Carl, I let that half wit stand guard because I thought you could keep him with you. Where could he have gone? Damn it, damn it all. I promised mama I'd see to him, so we've got to find him. Jim and I will watch the hostages and keep an eye out for him. Carl you keep searching for him. Billy and J you stay right where you are in case he wanders back."

The 10 hostages were asleep on the ground with their hands tied behind their backs. Both Kitty and Nick were awake enough to hear what was going on. Nick forced himself to full wakefulness. Any confusion could be an opportunity for action.

Ballard

Claire was in the bank talking to Gerald Smythe, the banker in charge now that Fred was held hostage.

"Mr. Smythe, I've raised all the money I can on such short notice. I know Nick's assistant at the blacksmith shop has done the same, as have all the other businesses. Can you come up with the rest in time?"

Smythe nodded grimly, "I'll have the rest before the deadline. " Sighing unhappily he added, "I still think it is hopeless. They'll never free the hostages. In any event we will have to have another town hall meeting to decide whether or not to deliver the money. What if the deadline arrives before the Sheriff and Marshal get back?"

"Mr. Smythe, if that happens we'll have the meeting and vote. You know what my vote will be, and I'll also volunteer to deliver the money if John and Matt aren't back by then to do it themselves."

Matt

It was almost dawn when Matt heard someone softly calling Claybourne's name. Matt motioned John over and whispered, "That sounds like one man. Let's move Claybourne into plain sight to be found, and get behind those rocks. Maybe we can catch another one."

Carl was walking quietly and calling softly for Claybourne. He thought he saw something behind a tree and moved towards it. There was Claybourne gagged and bound.

Carl ran over and removed the gag, "What the hell happened?"

"Carl, a fellow sounded like he wanted to help me, but he didn't help at all. Is Brad mad at me?"

Matt stepped out from the rocks and pointed a gun at Carl's back, "Hold it. Just nice and easy, take your gun out and throw it over to the side, and put your hands up."

John appeared to the right of Carl, "Don't try anything fancy. Just do like you're told."

Carl tossed his gun aside and lifted both hands, turning to face Matt. Matt motioned for him to move forward.

"John, get that gag in Claybourne's mouth again. Then come over here and tie this one up while I cover you."

Carl looked at Matt and noticed the star on his chest, "A United States ßMarshal ain't ya."

"That's right"

"Your name's Matt Dillon right?"

"Yep."

"Well Marshal Matt Dillon, you have me and Claybourne, but Brad has your woman."

"What are you talking about?"

"Well Marshal, we found out from a friend that a red head named Kitty from Dodge City is sweet on you. We figure you feel the same way. Well, we have her and I'm sure that you don't want her to suffer. Sounds to me like Brad has some deal making to do, and there's no better deal maker that my brother, Brad."

John tied up Carl and gagged him. Matt and John moved the two Johnsons into a grove of dense trees.

Matt sat on a rock drinking from his canteen, John joined him, "How did they know about you and Kitty?"

Matt shook his head, "He say they found out from a friend of theirs. I sure can't figure that one out."

John agreed, "That complicates matters some don't it?"

Matt just nodded.