“Do as I say.”
The giant rode off at a fast clip, looking back as he went. The others dismounted and the Scotsman said, “Kane’s a good worker or I wouldn’t keep him on.”
Two young dogs came racing around the house, wagging their tails and barking happily. They sniffed around the prisoners’ legs. One was a hound with beautiful reddish-brown eyes, and the other—whose coat was golden—looked like a cross between a sheep dog and a shaggy bear. They wagged their tails and Tim patted them in turn. Red scratched the chin of the shaggy one and the dogs dashed off to play again.
The Scotsman smiled. “Would you believe that they had the same mother?”
Tim eyed a pistol that hung at the belt of their host.
“I think I should warn you,” the Scotsman said, “I’m the best pistol shot in Chester County. I wouldn’t like to have to try my skill on you.”
Tim said, “Thank you for your courtesy, sir. We have no mind to escape just now. By the way,” he motioned toward Red, “this is Lieutenant Kelly. My name is Bradford.”
The man said, “Let’s go along inside.”
A middle-aged colored man opened the door, as if at a prearranged sign. His voice shook as he greeted his master, and MacNeil said, “These men are prisoners but you have nothing to fear. Build fires in the west rooms so they can dry their clothes. See that the beds are made up.” MacNeil called after the retreating man, “And ask Jenny to fetch their bundles from beside the gate. Be sure they carry no pistols or knives before you take them up to the rooms.”
“Yes, Massa.”