Doc was heading down to the Long Branch to show Kitty the watch and the letter from Joe. His usual grumpy mood had lifted for the time being. As he reached the boardwalk, he noticed Matt walking toward the Long Branch as well, "Matt!" the doctor called after the marshal.

Matt paused and looked at the doctor, "What's wrong with you?"

Doc looked behind himself wondering whom Matt was talking to, "Wrong with who?" Doc walked over to meet the marshal.

"You. You're looking too happy. Have you been into something?" Matt looked Doc in the eyes.

"No. Why would you ask that?" Doc huffed.

"Well, the only time I see you this happy is if you'd been drinking!" Matt scoffed.

"Humph," was all Doc could muster as he screwed his finger into his ear and glared at Matt. With another grunt, the doctor turned and walked to the Long Branch, "With friends like you, who needs enemies?" he grumbled. Matt chuckled while shaking his head and followed his friend to the saloon.

By the time Matt got to the door he saw Kitty and Doc smiling. Curiosity got the better of him. Matt pushed through the swing-doors and stepped down into the room toward the doctor and saloon owner, "I seem to be missing something," Matt stated as he looked at the two.

"Well, if you we're so grouchy just now, I would have shown you too," Doc hid the letter.

"Showed me what?" Matt question.

Doc frowned, "Oh, I don't know..." he looked over to Kitty and winked.

"Doc, I don't have all night. I have to ride over to Spearville," Matt crossed his arms over his chest.

"Spearville? Why?" Kitty asked with concern.

"The bank was robbed and the banker was killed," Matt said as he unfurled his arms and leaned on the bar looking down at Doc. "The sheriff got one man and the rest escaped," Matt frowned.

Doc brushed his hand across his moustache, "You sure know how to take the fun out of an evening," the doctor said with sadness in his voice and handed Matt the letter from Joe.

Matt read the note and smiled, "I take back what I said earlier," the marshal placed his hand on Doc's shoulder. "I don't expect to be gone for more than a couple of days," Matt smiled, "We'll celebrate your watch when I return."

"Thanks, Matt," Doc smiled, "And for Pete's sake watch out for yourself!"

Matt smiled, "Thanks, Doc. I'm taking Festus along to help track the robbers. I'll ask Newly to keep an eye on things while were gone."

Normally the doctor would make a quip about the hill man deputy, but he knew that Matt found the right man for tracking, even if his own track record for keeping peace in town was at best questionable. Both Doc and Kitty watched Matt leave the saloon. Doc looked at the letter and gently folded it and tucked it into his vest pocket next to the watch. Doc looked over to Kitty, "Let me buy you a drink," he said.

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Evelyn picked up the lantern near the door and light it before opening the door to go out to the barn. She tried to be quiet, however, the cool evening breeze swept into the room causing Roy to stir slightly. His fever was high, but until the bullet was removed from his leg, there was little she could do.

Evelyn stepped out onto the veranda and scanned the night. Her paranoia was beginning to get the better of her as she crossed the yard to the barn. Once Evelyn reached the barn she looked quickly over her shoulder expecting to see a posse, but there was no one there. Quickly Evelyn opened the barn door and slid inside to take the saddle off Roy's horse.

Evelyn looped the handle of the lantern over the metal hook protruding from the beam next to the stall. Silently she pulled at the straps and pulled the saddle off of the animal. It was only when she swung it into the light she could see that the fender and stirrup were covered in blood. Evelyn winced at the gruesome sight. Evelyn placed the saddle over the side of the stall and fed the horse before removing the lantern and returning to Roy's side. On her way back to the house she almost wanted someone to find Roy so that he'd get the medical attention he needed.

Evelyn opened the door into the house and blew the lantern out before placing it on the table near the door. Quietly she moved next to Roy and dabbed a cool damp cloth across his sweaty brow. He stirred and looked up into Evelyn's eyes, "What time is it?"

Evelyn looked at the mantel; the time was twelve thirty-five. She looked down at him, "Why? Does it make a difference?"

Roy nodded slightly, "Yes. I need to be out of here before dawn," he spoke clearly.

"Roy, you are in no shape to go anywhere. They'll catch you for sure!" Evelyn cupped her hands around Roy's forearm.

"There's something I need you to do," Roy looked Evelyn deep into her blue eyes. "What is it?" she whispered back while still holding his arm.

Roy swallowed and then winced as he repositioned himself, "If I am caught, I need you to get word to the boys. I've had them ride ahead to the stage stop between Spearville and Dodge. I want you to tell them where I've gone," he tried to smile.

"I will," she with drew her hands and brushed the tears away from her eyes.

"I also want you to be as convincing as possible that you don't know me, should they catch me here," Roy lifted his right hand and cupped Evelyn's face. "Everything will work out," he smiled weakly.

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Festus rode behind Matt and neither law man said much as they made their way along the road to Spearville. The half moon provided just enough light to see by, and after a while their trained eyes and knowledge of the road made the going easier.

Matt estimated that they would reach Spearville just in time for dawn and he knew it was going to be a long day ahead - like so many others.

Finally Festus broke the silence, "Matthew?"

"Yeah?"

"Did your telegraph say who they think done it?" the hill man asked.

"Nope. And they one have one from the bunch," Matt answered.

"Maybe he could tell us a thang or two," Festus chirped.

"I doubt it," Matt stated.

"Oh?"

"He's dead. It will be hard to get information like we want from him now," Matt said knowing that even a dead man can offer some clues.

"Humph," Festus snorted, "Looks like we have our work cut out for us."

Matt didn't answer. Festus ticked his head and held further comments to himself for the time being.