Death on the Line by Carol Amorosi

Author:Carol Amorosi [Amorosi, Carol]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-10-23T16:00:00+00:00

Every measurement with the other chain proved correct. The chain ended precisely over the last hole whenever they found the earlier mark.

Later, while the men ate their midday biscuits and dried ham, Mr. Mason caught up with them as the heavily laden wagons headed south. There was much merriment amongst the O'Connor clan as Liam's boys danced around him. Taking only a nibble of a biscuit, Maire sat quietly on a rock, watching her family. In this early stage of her pregnancy, she frequently suffered from an upset stomach.

Angus played games stacking pebbles on a large rock with the young boys after eating and wondered what it would be like to be married, to have a family.

Ah, but what prospects do I have? He asked himself. He glanced at Mr. Dixon and Mr. Mason. Angus recalled Charles Mason had two sons back in England, though he had lost his wife in childbirth. However, Mr. Dixon was single, despite being from a wealthy family. It occurred to Angus that if Jeremiah couldn't find a wife, what chance did he have?

His thoughts were interrupted as he overheard Mr. Mason. "The Cresaps, ye say?" Angus stared down at the pair of smooth pebbles in his hand. The feel of them rolling around in his palm was soothing and helped calm him and focus his thoughts as he eavesdropped on their conversation.

"Hmm, I don't know. However, the only people present last night were the Harlans, our team, and the Cresaps," Mr. Dixon speculated. "And Angus counted both chains before putting them in the wagon that evening."

"True, I saw him. And they lingered about until late. A mile difference would be thousands of acres given to Maryland across the length of the line…" Mr. Mason pondered this, then added, "he sure was eager to have us suspect this Finlay Mack of Pennsylvania, though." Mr. Mason smiled. "It seems rather like the pot is calling the kettle black, if ye ask me."

"Aye, that is true. We have this task under control, so ye go ahead as planned, and we shall see ye in a few days at Bryan's. I am confident the measurements are good to this point." As they rose to depart, he added, "Be careful."

Jeremiah paused. Angus wondered why he had added that last bit. Was he worried? Everyone hoped there would be no further trouble, but concern spread among the men after the recent events. Ultimately, whichever colony lost ground would not be pleased with their results. There was no hope for it.

"Aye, ye too," Mason replied as he scanned the other man's face.

Mr. Mason mounted his horse as Will helped Maire onto the seat beside him, and Liam lifted his boys into the back. As the larger group pressed on towards Bryan's farm, Angus was more down on himself than ever. Mr. Dixon picked up the chain, and Angus joined him.

"I'm sorry," he said.

"For what?" Jeremiah seemed genuinely surprised. "The chains? I'm just glad ye caught it before we reached this section. We'll need them now.

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