Extremely excellent, though deeply melancholy, chapter (was based on one of my favorite eps). I continue to love this story and am looking forward to what comes next.

Matt has carried the weight of that Badge with honor and courage and in our minds he still does.

Beautiful recounting of the Pruitt episode through Buck's eyes.

Wow! Great chapter, I could feel the emotion behind each and every word! Thank you so much for writing it!

You picked two heart-breaking episodes, Bloody Hands and The Gallows, that perfectly symbolize the inner turmoil and conflict that mark our heroic marshal's job duties, and even his morals and values. He is not a born killer-it goes against his very nature. He merely does it to protect the innocent citizens he is sworn to protect. This is what makes Matt Dillon so different from the usual lawman on radio and television. He's human with real, tangible regrets at what he's forced to do in his life's work. GunShy, you write such a haunting portrayal of Matt Dillon's gut-wrenching feelings of distress, his crisis of conscience, and his final agonizing decision to choose the intent over the letter of the law, regardless of the consequences to himself. The scene with Kitty comforting her distraught lover in the stable afterward is beautiful and worth the price of admission alone. Deliciously angsty chapter.

This chapter perfectly illustrates what a hard-headed man Matt Dillon is, going in fighting when he can't even stand on his own. But it also depicts why the larger than life marshal is my fictional (but don't tell that to my heart; I like to believe that he is real) hero. He is steadfast, incredibly courageous, stoic, honorable, and indefatigable to a fault. And in the end, Matt Dillon is kind and gentle to women, children, and of course, horses.

A very exciting chapter, GunShy, and if Buck thinks that Matt someday takes off the badge for his beautiful red-haired saloon owner, it must indeed prove true. For Buck is the most perspicacious horse in the annals of fanfic literature, thanks to your creative imaginings.

Oh, this was a swoony good chapter, the romance of the Cowboy and his Fair Lady, narrated by a horsey Greek Chorus of one, our faithful and sentient steed Buck, of course. Yeah, there was good stuff in there about Mexico, too, but I never was able to appreciate those episodes where Matt wandered off south of the border by himself too awful much, except just to admire the scenery. And by scenery, I don't mean adobe houses and cactus. You know what I mean, ladies. ;-) It's Buck's mental meanderings to all other points of interest that get my imagination flowing. Being privy to Matt's inner thoughts regarding those Kitty in Jeopardy episodes is a treat, and Kitty in the barn visiting Buck is just plain old sweet. (I always knew she would be in there rubbing his soft nose, feeding him sugar and telling him what a handsome boy he was when Matt took the stage instead.) This is a most excellent story.

You picked what to me is a most illustrative episode for Buck to ruminate over in detail. I recently re-watched the episode, which always bothered me. True, the way it played out illustrated almost perfectly the inner turmoil the situation caused between Matt the lawman & Matt the "good" man with his innate sense of justice. I always thought the hanging of Pruit Dover took place too quickly. As Matt pointed out the evidence was purely circumstantial & Pruit had proven himself to not have the character of a killer. The judge was just as much prejudiced as the sheriff in Elkader & the deputy in Hays. Also, where was the jury? I'm sure they'd never have convicted a man whose character Matt swore was incapable of cold blooded murder. Of course that wouldn't have prevented the judge from throwing out the acquittal on some legal precedent that favored his view. Why didn't Matt file an appeal or at least wire the governor to delay execution until an appeal was filed? I guess I've answered my own questions. Matt still would have been conflicted but a different outcome wouldn't have devastated him as much emotionally - even to the point where it was nearly impossible for Kitty to comfort him. Of course that comfort & understanding of her man is exactly what you so admirably provide in this chapter that describes both Buck's & Kitty's unconditional love for an extremely complex man. Great chapter.

Buck has a unique understanding of how Matt's mind works. He understands his passions and his fears, and he understands how it takes another human being to keep him able to do the job he does. It's like Buck says - all he can do is make sure he gets home. This is just a perfect chapter - that episode with Pruit was so sad for both men.

I have to agree with Buck Matt does seem to take unnecessary foolish chances, but then I guess he
wouldn't be Matt if he didn't. You have woven and interesting episode and made it even more interesting. I laughed at the nicknames you came up with for Buck he was they didn't use. Great job

Great job bringing in other episodes showing the bond between Matt and Kitty and Matt and Buck . I especially liked your version of Matt going on the prairie with Buck when he was concerned about Kitty and their relationship. Horses and dogs seem to have such loyalty to their humans and Buck is such an inspiration. You have done him proud.

Another great chapter which beautifully filled in missing moments from 'Hidalgo'. I am looking forward now to Buck's viewpoint on Matt's return to Dodge and to Kitty...I'm sure we will get a few more nuggets of horse sense before you finish!

Wow, I am impressed that Buck knows the word "sycophant." But, then, he is one smart horse, or perhaps he heard his human use it. This chapter is so well meshed between the episode and the fan fic that I kept thinking I wasn't correctly remembering events from the episode.

My very favorite bit: "...or Buckeo, or Buckhew, or anything except, Buck."

This is such a fantastic tale. I love experiencing very familiar scenes from an equine perspective.

Was also quite pleased that ol' Bucky (just jestin', Buck) could return triumphantly to the Merced stable, after his human, with all odds stacked against him, had bested rotten Mando.

Looking forward to the next chapter! Thank you!

Great Chapter with Buck giving us a behind the scenes look at events in Merced. I also enjoyed the connection between Lucho and Buck.
I really like the quotes you have found for each chapter - this one by Caesar is particularly applicable to Matt.