After checking on Festus condition with no change, exhaustion finally won out as Doc fell asleep in his chair next to where the hill man lay.
A short time later, when Festus came to, the first thing he noticed was where he was. How he ended up in Doc's office he couldn't quite recollect.
And even though he had only a light sheet covering him the second thing he notice was just how weak he felt. The sheet felt as heavy on his body as a wet wool blanket.
Turning his head to the side, he watched Doc for a moment as he slept. Licking the dryness from his lips, he thought better of trying to wake the doctor up. Closing his eyes, he let the darkness take over once again.
"Doc," Newly said in a hushed voice as the old man started to rouse. "Doc, wake up."
"I'm awake Newly," he said pulling out his pocket watch. "I didn't realize it was so late."
"I just came up to see how Festus was but when I saw you asleep, I checked on him myself," Newly replied with a sly grin.
"And," Doc said rising from his chair, putting his wire spectacles on as he did. "How is he?"
"Fever's broke Doc," Newly reported almost giddy. "And his heart rates down."
"Respiration," Doc asked placing a hand Festus chest.
"Better," Newly replied handing the old Doctor his stethoscope. "Lungs are clear, listen."
Doc took the stethoscope placed it in his ears and put the flat part against Festus chest.
Listening intently, he smiled as he removed the ear pieces. "Well," he said looking at Newly. "It's quite an improvement."
Doc's look changed suddenly from utter disbelief to joyful as Festus let out a light moan.
"Festus!" Doc said putting a hand on the man's shoulder. "Can you hear me?"
"Well of course I can hear ya," Festus replied weakly. "All that jawin you and Newly's been doing."
Doc smiled broadly as he realized Festus knew who they were. "How you feeling?" He asked his voice taking on a more serious tone. "Are you hurting any where?"
"Weak," Festus replied, his forehead scrunching up. "As weak as a newborn kitten Doc. What happened, why am I here?"
"Don't you go worrying about that right now," Doc replied evenly. "You've been sick thats all, but I'm going to take care of you."
Doc's words seemed to soothe the hill man as he closed his eyes and as his body relaxed, Doc sighed in relief as Festus fell into a deep sleep.
"That's the best thing for him now Newly," Doc said watching Festus lightly snore. "I think the worst is behind us now."
Newly nodded as he made his way toward the door. "I'm going to let Matt and Ms. Kitty know he's awake," he said before leaving Doc alone once again with his patient and friend.
Doc took a swipe at his mustache before letting out a big sigh which led to an even bigger smile. "You had me worried there Festus ol boy," Doc said quietly coving his friend back up.