Three days later, Matt maneuvered himself down the front steps of the Harrington clinic. He was on crutches and Newly and Kitty hovered on either side in case he lost his balance, but he was smiling broadly as he reached the street and the cab waiting to take them to the train station. Festus proceeded almost as slowly. The deputy had made a speedy recovery but he was still a little unsteady on his feet and he held onto Doc's arm for support. Harrington stood by, watching as Matt and Festus were helped in by their friends. Newly and Kitty climbed in after them, followed by Doc.
Harrington came forward. "Well, Galen, it's been interesting."
Doc looked keenly at him. "Has it?"
Harrington smiled and nodded. "It has indeed. Miss Russell, it was a pleasure meeting you." Kitty gave him her hand, then he shook hands with Matt and Newly. He offered his hand to Festus, who hesitated, then took it. "Mr Haggen, you've given me a lot to think about."
Festus looked bewildered. "I cain't make out why you'd say so, Dr Harrington. I ain't said more'n ten words to you the whole time I been here."
Doc and Harrington exchanged a look, then Harrington said, "Sometimes it only takes one word at the right time. Galen, I think if you visit the Harrington Clinic in the future you may be pleasantly surprised at what you find."
Doc smiled. "I have no doubt of it. Take care, George." He put out a hand.
Harrington clasped it, smiling back. "I will, Galen. I think I'll take better care now than I ever did before." He stepped back and waved as the cab rolled away, watching until it turned a corner before returning to the clinic.
Doc sighed and sat back. "Well, I know I'll be glad to get home."
Matt threw an arm around Kitty and pulled her close. "You're not the only one, Doc." Kitty rested her head against his shoulder and Newly smiled and nodded his agreement.
Festus still looked puzzled. "Doc, I know that there feller wuz yore friend but I'm thinkin' he wuz a little touched in the head."
The old man scowled. "And what brought on that brilliant psychiatric diagnosis?"
"There you go again tryin' to sound smart with a bunch of words that don't mean a blame thing! I ain't sayin' nothin' 'bout his mind in gen'ral. I'm just sayin' what he wuz sayin' back yonder don't make no sense."
Doc winked at the others. "It doesn't?"
"Well, he 'pears to think I said somethin' to him and when I said I didn't say nothin' he said I said somethin' to make him think 'bout somethin' I said and I'm sayin' I didn't say nothin' to him..."
Doc closed his eyes and rested his head on the back of the seat. He wasn't looking forward to the long trip home and he knew he still had a lot of work to do with Matt, but one thing was crystal clear and the old man was very thankful for it. Festus was back to normal.