“So you’ll … both be back, right?” he asked tentatively. He knew his mother doted Dr Boone; she thought Dr. Danforth altogether too good looking, and suspiciously successful, with his fancy town house practice and his nurse and his 'warm gentle hands'. She preferred a good old country doctor type, like the more experienced Boone, cold hands and all!

"I shall return, there is another matter that will be attending to, in the best interest of the community." Dutton stated. But then he looked to the man responsible for helping him in his battle with alcohol. "Of course you'll return my friend."

Josiah looked at Dutton, a change in his demeanor. "One can never be sure. Columbia Falls deserves a resident doctor, not a circuit physician whom they are lucky to see but once a year." Then he forced a smile. "Remember Dutton, if you do not drink, then it is impossible for you to get drunk." He paused again, "My friend, I'll make it a point to come back for the business about the hospital. Which reminds me, I must see Leah and let her know what's happened. I'll be back, you can stay here as long as you like, the rent is paid up til months end."

He looked to Hector. "You take care of your mother and sister, Jonah Danforth is a damn good doctor, and you can tell anyone you like that I said that!"

Thank you Hector. I'll be out, but you can leave it, or them with Mister Peabody here. I appreciate that it was you who brought them, would do to start rumors about either of us, you know how that goes." H looked to Dutton, "be back." and he followed Hector out the door.

It was an ominous sound, the closing of the door. Almost a finality to it. It was certainly not the first time Dutton had been alone, hardly. Doc Boone also had house calls to make, other business to attend to but this particular time was different somehow. Though Dutton Peabody had no fear of taking a drink in the man's absence, it already was like he was gone, which even sounded silly to him, but it was how he felt.

He looked at the telegram again, Lincoln Ellsmore, he'd not seen him since at least seventy, or seventy-one, and Territorial Governor Samuel Thomas Houser? Sam Houser, now there was a man, self made and a good man. But why would they be sending for him. I supposed he would find out when he got to Helena. Perhaps a place in the Territorial Government, that was a possibility. But there was the upcoming trial and little time to prepare.

The small house was not far from Doc Boone’s place, but the walk seemed especially long. The idea of Leah Steelgrave living in a small clapboard house was more than mystifying to him. She had left the hotel fro reasons known only to her and the plush accommodations it provided. He shook his head, whatever her plans were, it appeared that no one was aware of them, not even the three men who were across the street, ever watchful.

It was Bannister who was seated on the porch that tapped the brim of his hat as Josiah approached the house of Leah. The man nodded approval as Josiah started for the door. He paused, straightened his shoulders, took a deep breath, then the final steps and the knock on her front door.

Leah was not expecting anyone, not that she expected anyone to come calling. Jonah was quite busy these days with his burgeoning practice and that was to be expected as more people were coming to the area. He and Josiah Boone were busier than ever these days.

Casually she went to the door and opened it expecting Bannister or one of the men, there stood Josiah Boone. Doctor, please come in. My goodness, what brings you here?”

He stepped inside the door and removed his hat. “I received word by telegram, Doctor Leland Howard passed of a stroke yesterday. So, this means they are in desperate need of a doctor. They have an outbreak, which is all they said, but an an outbreak is never good.” He paused and she cut in,

“So you’re leaving.”

“I must. Jonah can handle what is here, I’m sure of that, probably have him busy for a while til he gets organized, but he’ll make do. And you my dear, you keep fighting, that hospital is important to the whole valley, whether or not out illustrious Town Council sees that.” He smiled at the woman so hate by some because of her name. “If you need me when the time comes I’m a telegram and a few hours away.”

“Our plans, you were, and still are such an integral part of what we are going to do.” She said, tears welling up, her voice beginning to crack.

“Leah, that hospital needs to be built. Simple as that. The county, the outlaying areas, they need that hospital, I’m a dottering old country doctor, no more, but I will be here when and if you need me. You have my pledge. You get that young nurse of his on your side too, she’ll prove to be invaluable.” He smiled. “I have to get over there and hope to be able to see him, then I need to be off.”

She stood, looking at him, a tear escaping as she threw herself on him with an embrace. “I will miss you Josiah. Come back when you can, and I will surely send for you if the need arises.”

He pulled away gently, “Wish me luck, Leah. Goodbye.” And with that he turned opened the door and closed it behind him as he stepped outside.

Josiah Boone made the walk to Jonah Danforth’s home and office which was close by. Thinking that aside from this goodbye, he needed to pack, load the buggy and be on his way, figuring that he could make Columbia Falls by night fall. He’d get a room at the boarding house, or so he hoped. One could never tell how the place would be this time of year.

He also though of his dear friend, Leland Howard, it was good that there was no widow to grieve for him, Annabelle had passed on two years earlier, but Josiah felt Leland had never really recovered from the loss. Now he had gone to join her.

He walked up to the door and knocked, waiting for the Mrs. Towberman to come open it. It seemed to him, he had just come to Kalispell after the disaster in Whitefish. Just met Jonah and Leah with her plan for a hospital and an orphanage, now they would need to move forward without him on that project, unless of course they needed him for something. He would be available if called upon, considering there would likely be a problem with the Town Council on the project.

"Leland Howard passed of a stroke yesterday. You knew Doc Haywood? Well, I'm on my way to Columbia Falls to take over for him. They've some sort of outbreak or some such. So, I've packed, and the buggy's out front waitin' on me. Do me a favor, if I can't get back here, take care of Leah, this town needs her, and you by thunder!"

He rose and put out his hand. "Been my pleasure, Jonah. Indeed, a real pleasure."

There was a slight chuckle from the man, "I'll just be over in Columbia Falls, so I may be around now and again but, I do need to be on my way. Good luck to you Jonah. I will see you when I can. If you need me for anything, give a holler." With that Josiah Boone walked out of the house and climbed in his buggy, then turned it north on the old Whitefish-Kalispell trail, on his way to Columbia Falls.