The Bairn of Brianag

"Yes, sir; at least he was still alive when the Creeks left him," I said.

I was caught and crushed against his coat; his heart beat heavily against my cheek.

"Praise be to God!" he said, and his voice was choked with tears. "Thank God, my boy lives."

I waited for him to release me. When he did I looked up at him, and he held tightly to my hands. Our eyes locked for a long moment and then he said, "I must tell Mrs. Randall at once." He stopped, and took a shaky breath. "But perhaps I am a little the worse for drink," he said.

"I shall tell her," I said, and then I tiptoed and kissed his cheek. He was after all, my father in law. "I shall bring Robbie home to us," I said.

______________________

The next morning was bitter. I wore a woolen habit and scarves, and silk gloves beneath my gauntlets, and kept the hood of my cloak close around my face. The Indians did not speak, but set out silently along the lane, with Kevin and me following. The wind drove straight into our faces and whipped at our clothes. Soon my nose and fingers were numb.

As we traveled across the fields the sun rose and the air looked warmer; but the wind was icy. We traveled at a brisk pace and took trails across the fields when possible. On horseback we need not stay to the roads; but the fields were very wet so we must cross carefully.

I had sent ahead with a letter to the Collins' asking that we be permitted to stay with them that night. We arrived very late; the Indians again refusing to come inside, but Kevin and I grateful for the warm fire and food.

"You folks are mad," said Mr. Collins. "Mad, I tell you! The farmers have refused to go against the outlaws! Did you know this? They have grown so great in number that the Chief Justice has attempted to raise a militia, and the men are too afraid to go against them!"

I bristled. I was exhausted from riding all day against the wind and I was indeed nearly mad with the need to reach Robbie. "The McDonald clan is afraid of no one, sir," I said coldly. "My husband has gone against the outlaws already; the McDonald clan has lost two of its boys fighting them."

"Indeed! And yet, you would go yourself, madam?"

Kevin started to speak, but I cut him off. "I shall go and find my husband. He has been wounded and is ill. I shall bring him home safely."