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know of someone around here named Billy?" |
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He scratched his ear pensively. "I cannot say that I do." |
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Mariah finally hurried from the store, then stood on the edge of the dirt street, looking around. |
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"They headed toward the fort," said Francis, who had followed her outside. "I kept an eye on them while Mr. Allen finished up with you." |
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"Thanks." She looked toward the fort. Spotting a couple of figures who could be Thorn and Ainsley, she took a few steps in that direction, then turned back. "Oh, and Francis, good luck with . . . well, you know." |
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"I will let you know what happens, Mariah, for you are always welcome. . . . " He let his voice drift off. |
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Impulsively, she touched his cheek, then, after rearranging the package in her arms, hurried after Thorn. |
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The last time she'd tried to cross the drawbridge over the moat to the fort, the guard hadn't let her pass. Now, as she skirted the edge of the dry moat, she again heard the rhythmic footfalls of marching soldiers. This time, she knew someone she could ask forAinsley. Still, her heart thudded uncomfortably as she recalled the way her head had ached the last time, how confused she'd felt, and how afraid. |
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She reached the jutting dirt parapet to the drawbridge. The grass on the tall bank hiding the fort looked dry. |
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The fort end of the bridge was guarded by a uniformed man she didn't recognize, though he held one of the long-barreled rifles so common in this time. |
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"State your business, miss." He sounded as bored as his predecessor had. |
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"I was to come here with" She fumbled for Ainsley's rank. That would, she was certain, be important. "Captain Ainsley," she tried. |
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The grizzled guard, in a buttoned blue uniform coat, who looked rather old to be a soldier, seemed to try hard not to sneer. "Sergeant Ainsley, you mean, miss?" |
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"Yes," she agreed. "He just came through here withwith my employer." |
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The guard's eyes narrowed. "You work for Thorn, miss?" |
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