Chapter 3: Doctor is Delayed]
Naomi could'nt help but worry for Jess and she hoped the doctor would come soon. She noticed how Jess was more restful when she or Patches were there and that he was more agitated when left alone. She resolved to stay by Jess no matter how tired she got. She noticed how he was especially restful when she was close by. Sssh, Jess. It's alright. I know it hurts, but please try not to move. Naomi? I'm here, Jess. Help's coming. We've got to do something, Patches. I know, Naomi. His fever's going up. ''And I thought I was helping him by bringing him here''. You did your best, Uncle Mac. We'd be burying him now if we'd kept on for Laramie, McGary''. Oh, why does'nt that doctor come, Uncle Mac? Buckner's taken him, Naomi. Please, Jess stay with us. We need you. ''Will you let me do what I asked, McGary''? ''Let me try and find Clint Buckner, I'll make him tell me''. ''Oh, you're good Reb, but not good enough to outgun the whole outfit''. Please, let him try, Uncle Mac. We have to do something. I'd find the man myself but I don't want to leave Jess. ''McGary''! ''Come on out here''! ''I wanna talk to you''! You stay with Jess, Naomi. Yes, Uncle Mac. ''That Buckner''? ''Yeah'', I'll handle this, Reb''. ''You keep an eye on the street''. ''Hey, McGary, can ya hear me''? ''Funny thing''! ''All these years we've been rubbin' each other the wrong way''. ''This is the first time it's been just the two of us, face to face''. ''Just the two of us, Buckner''? ''Oh come on, you can trust me''. ''Sure, Clint, and you can trust me''. ''Hey wait a minute, I'm not lookin for trouble''. ''I got a swap for you''. ''Who says I'm in the market''? ''That fella in there with a bullet in him, he says''. ''Well, Buckner''? ''Come on, McGary, you don't need any spellin' lessons''. ''I want Vern and you want a doctor''. 'A straight swap''. ''How do I know you've got the doctor''? ''You know''. ''Bring him around, I wanna see him''. ''Sure, just as soon as Vern walks out that door''. ''Well, how bout' it''? ''I'll have to think it over''. ''By five o'clock''. ''That give you enough time''? Five o'clock, Buckner. ''Now, McGary, I would'nt do too much thinkin' if I were you.'' ''Your friend won't get any healthier''! What did he want, Uncle Mac? He wants to swap his brother for the doc, Naomi. ''McGary''! ''Reb, what are you doing''?! ''Let him go''. ''No, Branch, no''! ''Branch, you don't understand''. 'Outside'. Patches, lock the door. ''How many times do I have to tell you''? ''When's it gonna sink in''? ''You can't manhandle the prisoners''. What are you going to do about the deal, Uncle Mac? I'm right here, Jess. But what are we going to do, Uncle Mac? Just wait and watch Jess slip away from us? I can't for one. I know, Naomi. Rafferty and those other two are lookin for the doctor. That's why I'm stalling, to gain a little time. What if they don't find him, Uncle Mac? Your only choice is to open the door and let Vern go. I think you should do it, Uncle Mac. I won't sit here powerless and watch Jess slip away from us. No, I won't buy Vern with Jess's life, Naomi. And neither will Reb. But I would'nt quit without a fight, McGary. If you're leaving Reb, please try to find the doctor. I'll try, Naomi. He's just got to be alright, Patches. I know, Naomi. Please don't leave us, Jess. ''I would'nt worry too much about it, Branch''. ''He'll cool off''. ''Yeah, if he ever stops runnin''. We're all here, Jess. It's alright. Hope Reb finds the doctor, Patches. So do I, Naomi.