Matt, Kitty, Sam, Doc and Festus waited expectantly as the waiters in Delmonico's dimmed the lights and brought out a big white cake. As they lit the candles, Festus said softly, "Miss Kitty, I want to thank you for invitin' me to yore birthday party."
"And I want to thank you for saving my life."
Festus looked down at the table. "Doc tells me we're even there. Yore a mighty brave woman."
Kitty shook her head at him, then leaned against Matt as everybody started to sing.
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday, dear Kitty,
Happy birthday to you.
Kitty beamed. She started to cut the cake but Matt stopped her. "Somebody else has a song for you, Kitty." She looked puzzled as Festus got to his feet and cleared his throat, then spellbound as his deep rich baritone voice poured out a melody she hadn't heard for many years.
I'll take you home again, Kathleen,
Across the ocean wild and wide
To where your heart has ever been
Since first you were my blushing bride.
The roses all have left your cheek.
I've watched them fade away and die.
Your voice is sad when e'er you speak,
And tears bedim your loving eyes.
Oh, I will take you back, Kathleen,
To where your heart will feel no pain,
And when the fields are fresh and green
I'll take you to your home again.
Kitty's eyes were shining as he sat back down. "Oh, Festus, that was wonderful! I didn't know you could sing like that." He blushed and she went on. "I suppose Matt told you my real name is Kathleen?" He nodded. "Only my best friends know my real name."
"Well, Matthew heerd me singin' that time in the jailhouse with Bucko, and he asked could I sing this song you liked..." Kitty cut him off.
"Like I said, only my best friends know my real name." She leaned over and kissed his bristly cheek, then turned her attention to Matt. Embarrassed, Festus busied himself with his cake, then laid down the fork. Matt and Kitty had their heads together over a single plate, Sam was downing his fourth glass of champagne, and Doc was scooping some extra frosting onto his cake. Festus took a deep breath and pain stabbed from the half-healed wound in his side.
Doc noticed him flinch. "All right there, Festus?"
The hilllman smiled. "Sure thing, Doc. Fact is, I'm feelin' better than I have for a really long time."