The eyes of the two men
met, and though everything had changed, nothing had changed between
them. Michael was still in need, and the fisherman was still willing
to help.
"Can we go inside and talk?" he said. The old man nodded.
Again they sat before the fire, grateful for its warmth, and for the
strong walls around them. Michael had laid out the facts as he
understood them, told his friend all that he knew. And now he waited
on his judgment, seeking aid and counsel alike.
"Well," said the other, after mulling over all that he had heard. "I'd
say it's more than clear we've got to get them out. . .and I'd have to
say you're right, not trusting their fate to the English. There's good
men among `em, it's true. But when there's a struggle for power
between adamant men, innocents are going to be hurt, and conscience
swept aside.
"On one thing you can rest assured," he went on. "I'll be at the cove
with a skiff, if and when you need me, with my boat anchored not far
off. I'll move in at nightfall tomorrow, prepared to stay till dawn,
then do the same the next night if need be.
Pages:
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239