Chapter 5

“He’s alerting the major there’s troops approaching,” a corporal named Nelson explained

I pointed to the tree line on this side of the river. “Then he ought to also tell him the Cherokee Irregulars are already here.” I turned and called down to Cuthan, who was tilling the near field with Alexander leading the plow horse. John and Rachel Ann followed along behind to break up excessively large clots.

“Get everyone inside. The Cherokee are back, and they have soldiers with them.”

“What about you?”

“I’m going to stay with the signalmen. An extra rifle might come in handy. You protect the family.”

“How close are they?”

“Five minutes.”