"All right, Matt, just take it easy now."
Doc and Newly eased the marshal into a wheelchair. Kitty was standing by with a blanket and as soon as Matt was settled she tucked it around him. He glared at them all. "I don't see why I need this contraption!"
Doc snapped, "You're the one who asked to go outside!"
"I've been walking for two days now."
The old man's face was stern. "You've been tottering, that's what you've been doing. Now you can totter around in here all you want but you're not doing it all the way outside. Either you take the chair or you stay put."
The marshal sighed and looked over at Festus. The deputy was propped up on pillows, watching with interest, and now he shook his head and said, "You might as well do like Doc says, Matthew. You know how he gets meaner'n a teased rattlesnake when you go to argufyin' with him."
Doc rounded on the deputy. "And you be quiet! I don't need any assistance from you in the pursuit of my profession."
"Mebbe not but you sure could use a hand with yore doctorin'."
The door opened and Harrington came in. "Well, Galen, how are the patients today?"
Doc smiled. "The marshal is going outside for the first time and the deputy is sitting up demanding solid food."
Harrington laughed. "Does that mean they can spare you for a little while? We haven't had a chance to talk since you arrived."
The old man hesitated and Newly spoke up. "Doc, I can stay here with Festus."
"And I can handle Matt," said Kitty. The marshal grinned and she blushed and slapped him on the shoulder. "Not one word."
Doc ran his hand over his face. "Well, all right, George. I suppose I wouldn't mind a walk at that."