Doc ran his right hand across his moustache before stuffing his hand into his trouser pocket. He watched Matt talking to Malcolm Sage before his eyes cast down to a stone on the ground at his feet. Doc nudged the little rock with the toe of his boot while he pondered what Matt might have to say to him and the store owner.

Jonas opened the door and stepped out into the cool morning air. He had already placed his bowler hat on his head; however, he was in the process of pulling his suit coat on. As walked toward Doc he adjusted his shirtsleeves and his collar.

Jonas reached the doctor and stood opposite him with his arms folded across his chest. He tucked his hands under his armpits to keep them warm. "Fall is sure on it's way," Jonas spoke softly.

Doc looked up, "Yeah, and then winter," he grunted.

"Has the marshal said anything yet?" Jonas inquired.

Doc shook his head, "No. He was waiting for you," he stated.

As if on cue, Matt left Sage and walked toward both men. There was something unsettling about the way Matt took his time. Doc could almost see his marshal friend formulating his thoughts. Matt stopped in front of Doc and Jonas and tucked his thumbs into his gun belt.

"What's wrong, Matt?" Doc finally asked.

"Nothing yet," Matt's eyes shifted from one man to the other and back again, "and I'd like to think nothing will go wrong," he said in a hushed tone.

"I don't follow you, marshal," Jonas said.

"I didn't expect either of you would," Matt said as he looked back over his shoulder before he continued with what he was saying. He returned his look to Doc and Jonas, "I found out late yesterday that the stagecoach company and the army had made an agreement to secretly transport a payroll that is meant for Fort Dodge. Soldiers are to pick it up in Dodge tomorrow morning," Matt continued.

Jonas' mouth slowly dropped opened and he looked at the doctor. Doc was thinking something, "How much of a threat is this, Matt?" the doctor spoke.

"Assuming that only the driver and the army knows about the payroll, not much. But you just never know if someone may have spoke out of turn," Matt said with honesty in his tone. He was concerned.

"And what are the chances?" Jonas then asked.

"I honestly don't know. I just needed to tell you that there is the potential for danger," Matt stated.

"Kitty already knows, I assume," Doc said as he pulled right his hand from his pocket and pulled on his ear slightly.

"Yes," Matt answered. He could see that both men were trying to calculate the odds of something going wrong.

"Can the driver get us to Dodge any faster?" Doc asked. Jonas was also interested in the answer.

"I did ask, and he said it would depend on the road and weather conditions," Matt said as he looked skyward. There was a chance of rain he reckoned as his eyes came back to his friends, "you do have the option of staying on here until the next stage comes through," Matt suggested.

Jonas shook his head, "No. I have a business to run, and I've already lost too much time with all that's happened. I'll take my chances," he said with determination. "After all, if only the army and this stagecoach driver knows, what could possibly go wrong?"

Doc nodded, "I agree. I can only imagine how many patients are waiting. Newly can only do so much, you know," Doc stated.

"Good," Matt smiled. "I'll see when the driver is set to go," Matt said as he turned back to the barn.

"Nothing will go wrong, will it, Doc?" Jonas asked. Doc looked up into Jonas' intense blue eyes, "Your guess is as good as mine," his voice trailed off as he looked over his shoulder toward the stagecoach. Jonas drew a slightly deeper breath as he turned to gather his carpetbag. Doc looked back to Jonas and smiled slightly – this trip was getting more interesting as it went along.

Doc was certain that Jonas was going to lock himself in the store once they reached Dodge. Doc then followed the store owner to the main building to retrieve this one piece of luggage and to see if Kitty was ready to leave.

Malcolm Sage pulled the team of horses out of the barn once the coach was ready. Sage set the brake and waited for the passengers and their luggage. Kitty stepped out into yard carrying a bonnet box. Doc carried his carpet bag and one of Kitty's large parcels – it was awkward and heavy. Jonas carried his luggage and another two of Kitty's smaller parcels. Jonas had to peek over the top to see where he was walking.

Both Matt and Sage watched. Matt almost laughed out loud at the sight. Kitty noted the look on Matt's face and winked. Matt pushed his lips tightly together before he spoke, "I see you have found some baggage handlers to carry your things," he quipped. Doc shot him a look, which caused Matt to finally chuckle.

Matt stepped forward and took the large box from the doctor and handed it to Sage who was perched on top of the coach. Matt then relieved Jonas of the other two boxes. Both men were grateful.

Once sage has secured the boxes with ropes, he climbed down from the coach and opened the door, assisting Kitty up into the cabin. Jonas followed, as did Doc. Matt remained next to the driver, "I'll take shotgun," he stated.

"I rather you not," Sage stated. "If I had a shotgun rider, it would be more of a tip-off that there was more than passengers and boxes of ladies frillies onboard," Sage concluded as he climbed back up to his seat.

Matt nodded and stepped up and took his seat next Kitty while pulling the little door closed behind. Sage released the brake and with a flick of the lines, the coach lurched into motion. Not a word was spoken, once the trip back to Dodge began.

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Dwight Hodgson wore a determined look on his face as he rode toward the Old Wichita Road to intercept the stagecoach. His friends, Frank Elcombe and James Doris rode slightly behind. They were two hours into their journey when they crested the hill. Down in the valley, about a half a mile away was the stagecoach. The sun was in a perfect position and Malcolm Sage couldn't see the three riders on the ridge.

"Now remember, don't use names, and if you do, make them up," Hodgson warned. Their attack had to be swift in order to succeed. "and remember, we have had a change of plans, and Sergeant Williams wanted us to collect the money because he learned of a possible ambush," he smiled.

Hodgson spurred his horse and the animal jumped into action. Elcombe was next, followed by Doris as the charged down the hill. The horses kicked up the riders where now part way down the hill and dust billowed into the cool air.

Malcolm sage spotted the three men and watched them out of the corner of his eye, "Marshal, we have three men on horse back approaching," Sage yelled down into the coach. Matt leaned over and looked out the window. He could see the riders and he pulled his head in, "They look like troopers," he said to his friends.

"What do you suppose they want?" Doc asked.

"I guess we'll find out in a few minutes," Matt said.