They both went for their guns.

Previously:

It didn’t take Chris long to gather what she needed, and Buttons was excited at the prospect of an adventure and was quite happy to contribute her canine skills in gathering information. PepperCooper was a little jealous, but understood that as the only remaining canine at Coldwater Ranch, he had responsibility of patrolling the ranch borders—a very important job.

Doc Shouse and Buttons arrived outside the Triple Bar X and paused a bit before riding in.

“Are you ready, Buttons? If we do this right, we’ll get a lot of information. If we make a mistake…”

Season VI, Chapter 6 Renegade Marshal, Episode 8:

Chris & Buttons were greeted at the Triple Bar X ranch house by Benjamin McLintock, “Ah, Doctor Shouse—correct?”

“Ah, Doctor Shouse—correct?”

“That’s correct, Mr. McLintock. I’ve set up my veterinary practice in space provided me by the Coopers at Coldwater Ranch, and I offer several services lacking in the area—or so I’m told.”

“Well, it’s true; we don’t have a veterinary doctor any closer than Pierre, and he charges an arm and a leg for his services,” McLintock’s brow furrowed a little, “Do you charge an arm, or a leg, or both?”

“I’m the best at what I do,” Chris laughed, “And I expect to be paid appropriately. However, my first inspection visit is without charge. I will inspect your herd and let you know what I find. If I find something and you ask me to treat the animal, then we will discuss compensation.”

“Fair enough. If you wish to inspect now, I’ll have my foreman take you out to the herd.”

“Now would be fine, Mr. McLintock.

Boomer Jack and Daisy arrived back in Dreadwood with Robert Derby, who with his twin Richard, had terrorized the desert Southwest for ten years. Derby figured his chances of surviving this were slim, and wanted his story to be told.

They rode up to the jail where they were met by the town’s new deputy marshal, James Butler Hickok, “You must be Marshal Boomer Jack, name’s Hickok. Your chief deputy Hare hired me.”

“A pleasure, Hickok. Would you be so kind as to escort Mr. Derby to his cell?”

“I will. I hear-tell you’re fast with those Remingtons, Marshal.”

“I hear you’re faster with those Navy Colts, Mr. Hickok.”

“I hear you’re faster with those Navy Colts, Mr. Hickok.”

They both went for their guns.

To be Continued…