The lantern in one hand and his musket clutched against his chest with the other, he glanced back at Hannah. She offered what she hoped was a heartening smile but couldn’t keep her eyes from the front door. Who could be in the house? Why would they put out the light? Hannah prayed, but all sorts of frightening possibilities flooded her mind. What if some horrible man waited inside . . . waited to slay them? If that were true, Hannah couldn’t allow Perry to face him alone. She searched about for something to use as a weapon. All she found was the driving whip. Hands shaking, she grabbed hold of it and followed Perry. Holding the lantern higher, he turned to Hannah. “Stay back,” he whispered. “I left the pistol on the hearth,” Hannah said softly. “What if the intruder has found it?” “That’s not for ye to worry ’bout.” Perry glanced at the house. “I know what to do with this sort.” “I don’t want you to go in alone. I want to help.” Perry glanced at the whip in her hands.
