Stuart, Frang, and eight other riders rode ahead of the carts and checked for signs of another ambush at McTavish's. They tied the horses away from the house and crept to a vantage point in the trees about the property. Abner McTavish sat upon the seat of the wagon he hired to haul the last of his things away engaged in desultory conversation with the driver. He appeared to be impatiently waiting, constantly checking the sun and the road from Cameron's Keep.

"It appears he's waiting for us, and he looks upset we made him wait," Stuart said.

"Could be indication he had no knowledge of our ambush." Frang replied....