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over, appearing every bit as much at attention as he stood in front of Ainsley as if he'd remained with his immobile cronies. |
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"Take two men and bring refreshments to my guests." |
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"Yes, sir," the young man said. He saluted, touching the side of his tricorner hat, and Mariah noted the beads of sweat pouring down a face that was as red as his coat. |
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In minutes, three soldiers, including Michaels, hurried back with a wooden table and chairs, which they placed on the ground in the shade of the raised platform. Then they brought tea and fresh bread. |
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"Corporal Maitland!" Ainsley called. The sharp-faced soldier took one step out from the ranks of the men. "Take charge," Ainsley commanded. "Continue the drill." |
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"Yes, sir," Maitland acknowledged, saluting without drawing closer, then turned back. "Attention!" he ordered. In moments, the men were again marching on the sundrenched parade ground. |
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Ainsley pulled out a chair for Mariah and she sat. She felt uncomfortable as she tried to sip tea and eat bread. Both were tasty enough, but as the soldiers approached before turning and marching in the opposite direction, Mariah felt their resentment pouring out. Not toward Thorn, she hoped. She looked at him. He appeared discomfited, too, but he said not a word. |
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How could the men survive marching in this heat? How insensitive of Ainsley. But he was Thorn's friend. And maybe this was normal in life at a frontier fort. |
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Mariah was delighted when the small meal was finished. "We must leave now," Thorn said. |
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This time, Ainsley did not disagree. "Company, halt!" he called at last. "At ease, men." |
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"One more thing," Mariah said to Ainsley before they left. "I almost forgot. As I left Allen's store, a woman asked me to give a message to Billy, here at the fort. Do you know him?" |
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Ainsley shook his head. "I know no Billy," he said, but he looked at her strangely. "Tell me about this woman." |
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