"They say they are up near Big Beaver River." Israel said. "Four men, speaking German and keeping to themselves."

"With blond hair?" His mother asked nervously. They stood in front of the cabin. Nathan played on the porch with Rose who kept one eye on her brother and the other on her mother.

"Two of them were. At least that's what they said." He looked from his mother to his father.

"It is probably them." She said anxiously. "One of them is called Helm. I remember that."

"I told Peter that and he said he heard one of them call the other one Helm. I wouldn't have come and said anything unless I was sure." He looked at his mother who was clearly shaken.

"I don't have to see them do I?" She asked looking to his father, and Israel was surprised how frightened she looked. It made him burn with anger.

"No, mo shearc." His father said reaching for her hand. She nodded and held tightly to his hand.

"Thank you for coming and telling us, Israel. It is better to hear it from you, than from talk at the fort."

"That's not all, Pa. I wanted to talk to you about . . ." Israel began.

"Becky," His father interrupted him suddenly. "Why don't you go start on supper. Nathan and I were working on that fence all afternoon, and are mighty hungry, sweetheart."

She looked up at him with giant frightened eyes. Israel expected her to argue, but shockingly she did not. She squeezed his hand and then letting go, she turned and headed into the cabin. Rose followed her inside.

"I'm sorry, Pa. I didn't mean to upset her so."

"Israel, it is fine. She would have heard about and it is better to hear it from you, but we don't need to bother her with any more of it. I know what you want to do. What you came here to talk to me about. You want to go out after them." His father put a hand on his shoulder.

"We were thinking of leaving first thing in the morning." Israel said. "Jacob, Peter and myself. It isn't safe around here with them roaming the country. We need to do something to protect folks around here."

"I suppose revenge for taking your Ma's got nothing to do with it." His father said with an eyebrow raised.

Israel laughed. "Not at all. I'm only focused on justice. You want to come along?"

"No, I don't think so. I might've a year ago or even a few months ago. Why do I want to leave her and go chasing after vengeance? They'll come to a bad end. It is always that way. You live long enough you'll see it. The good Lord doesn't need my help to set things straight. I did that once and it haunted me a long time, Israel."

"Can I go, Israel?" Nathan asked. He had come off the porch and stood beside his brother. His father lifted him up and into his arms.

"Not this time, Nate. But when I get back, you and me will go fishing, alright?" Israel said looking into his baby brother's green eyes.

"If you go Nathan, who'll help me mend that fence? We aren't finished yet. Now, you go on inside and see if your Ma needs more firewood." He set Nathan down and he ran into the cabin.

"I'm still going Pa. I suppose you are right, Pa, but I guess I picked up some of Ma's temper. I can't manage knowing what they've done and having them roam free. They deserve punishment." Israel's bright blue eyes darkened.

"I won't argue with you on that! But promise two things Israel. First, promise you won't kill them. It won't change things and will only harm you."

"Pa, what if I have to, to defend myself?"

"That's not what I'm talking about, son. If that happens, that's a whole different thing then."

"What's the other promise?"

"Remember the things that are important, son; Anna and your girls. Chasing after those men who hurt your Ma, isn't more important that your wife and your children. What if that baby comes while you are out there? Have you thought of that?"

"Pa, Anna and I talked about this already. The baby is not due for another two months. She and Katie-Grace are going to combine houses for a bit. Anna understands." Israel said.

"Yeah, and your Ma understood lots of things too." He met Israel's eyes. "You were there, son. Just because you marry a woman good enough to sit at home waiting for you, doesn't mean you should make her wait. I see that much clearer now. It wasn't right for me to go traipsing off all those times. Your Ma's a good woman but you of all people know she deserved better." His father sighed.

Israel shifted uncomfortably. "I was here, Pa. You weren't. I understand what you are saying, but Ma was happy; Ma is happy. She missed you when you were gone, but she wasn't miserable. She also understood."

"I know that son, but I just want you to make smarter choices than I did. Frontier women aren't like ordinary women. They have to be resilient and strong. They face unending work. That's why it's our job to make things as easy for them as possible. Daily living is hard enough without us making things worse. When I think of the choices I made . . . well, I think of things like Patrick. I just don't want you and Anna to have to fight your way through things like that."

"Yes, Pa. I understand. I'll keep those things in mind. I promise. I don't want to be away from Anna any longer than I have to, but I also want those . . . I want them punished for what they did - not just to Ma, but to you too."

"You be careful, Israel and make sure you come back home to all of us." His father said and after hugging him, he turned to go into his cabin. He was just about to step onto the porch when he stopped and said, "I got one more request, Israel."

"Yes, Pa?"

"When you find the one that hit her, sink your fist into him as hard as you can. Maybe do it more than once - for me."

"You have my word, Pa. I'll keep it strong as iron." His father nodded and stepped inside the cabin.