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said, “For years I have lived in fear of John Rathburn, in fear that he might repeat . . .”
    â€œThat he might repeat what . . . ? ”
    Sarah couldn’t say more. It was beyond her to do so.
    â€œDid he . . . take advantage of you? ”
    Sarah bit her lip.
    â€œHe did, didn’t he? ”
    Sarah turned away.
    â€œYou needn’t say it. I can tell from your expression that he has taken advantage of his position.”
    â€œAs many men do,” said Sarah. “Most men believe it is their right.”
    â€œI suppose that’s true, but I still cannot champion the practice of demanding physical tribute from a maid.”
    Sarah nodded. “If it makes you feel any better, I should tell you that once you came here, the practice ceased. Though I admit that the circumstance that brought you to this house was not a happy one, it is true that your being here has lent me much support.”
    Marisa shook her head. “Sarah, I had no idea.”
    â€œThe worst of it happened long ago, at a time when you were much too young to know anything of it. But come, do not fret over my situation in life. What is more important is that your step-uncle is planning to do to others what he did to my parents.” Sarah’s voice caught. “To lose everything, home, livelihood, way of life. ’Tis enough to be the death of one. That one man should have leave to inflict such unhappiness upon so many.”
    Marisa’s head came up and her gaze seemed to catch onto something in the distance. “You are right,” she said. “ ’Tis unbecoming of my step-uncle. Do you suppose we might be able to stop him? ”
    Sarah shook her head. “If there be a way, I do not know it.”
    â€œNor do I, dear Sarah. But there is one particular that I cannot forget.”
    â€œAnd that is . . . ? ”
    Marisa, however, didn’t answer. Instead, she said, “I shall confront him with this knowledge. Perhaps if he be made to understand that others are cognizant of his plans, he might restrain himself.”
    Sarah breathed in noisily. “You mustn’t do so. Your uncle is capable of anything.” She placed her hand over Marisa’s. “Please promise me that you will not do this.”
    Marisa hesitated before she said, “Perhaps you are right. But someone, somewhere has to say ‘no, ’tis not right’ to the man. Perhaps that someone is me.”
    â€œNo,” said Sarah.
    But when Marisa said nothing more, Sarah shook her head. She had a bad feeling about this.

Two

    You say he bears a field message from Johnson?”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œThen show him in at once. What did you tell me is his name? ”
    â€œBlack Eagle, sir. He is from the Mohawk.”
    Governor Shirley nodded. “Send him in.”
    Coleman, the Governor’s aide, opened the door and motioned Black Eagle to enter. “Come this way.”
    Black Eagle strode forward, his tall figure dwarfing the Englishmen who stood beside him. Quickly Black Eagle took stock of the room, memorizing little details about it; the grand fireplace, the Governor’s desk, the rug that softened one’s footfalls, the gun rack filled with muskets, which he noted were primed and ready.
    The Governor, himself, held an air of suspicion about him that Black Eagle noted at once. Moreover, there was a scent of tobacco about his countenance and a slight odor of the white man’s whisky on his breath. But the man was not the least bit intoxicated. His eyes were brilliant with intelligence even if, at this moment, his attitude toward Black Eagle were less than friendly.
    Speaking first, the Governor broke into Black Eagle’s thoughts, and said, “I am told that you come bearing messages.”
    â€œThat is true, sir,” said Black Eagle, his voice strong, steady and deeply baritone.
    â€œWell, bring them here, young man. Bring them here.”
    Black Eagle stepped