Brown replied, “Let me answer your second question first, by describing the circumstances that brought me here. I have some influence in London, which permitted me to be given a commission and then sent to South Carolina and on into Georgia, where I was deeded a large landholding and enough indentured servants to work it. As a special representative of the governor of South Carolina, I was asked to assess the loyalty of citizens in the region around the upper Savannah River. One night in Augusta, I was surrounded by a large group of brigands and traitors, humiliated in a mock trial, and severely abused by these criminals—in fact, covered with tar and feathers—because I professed my loyalty to the king. When I reported this tragic event to authorities, it became clear that they were not prepared to acknowledge the crime publicly, most likely because of inadequate means of contending successfully with the men who had abused me. It is for that reason that I was asked to leave Carolina. Now I have only two purposes in my life: to preserve the authority of the crown in the colonies and to seek vengeance against those who have wronged me.”

He paused for a few moments and then continued, “The answer to your first question is that the major has decided that I should become proficient in combat and has suggested that you might fulfill this role. Let me add that if you object, I will ask him to name another person.”

The sergeant was impressed with the intensity of Brown’s demeanor and the simplicity and obvious truthfulness of his words. He asked several more questions, until he was satisfied that he understood enough about the incident to sympathize with Brown’s anger and determination. He was especially impressed by the anguish with which the lieutenant used the words “tar and feathers,” and wondered if he could have described such an embarrassing experience if it had happened to himself.

Brown then added, “I won’t be a burden to you, and Major Furlong has granted me the authority to shift some of your responsibilities to others, to ensure that your overall duties are not increased.”

There was still some obvious hesitancy from the sergeant, and Brown added, “Let us give this proposition a trial for a month. At the end of that time, I will leave the decision about its continuing for you to make.”

Sergeant Baker finally nodded, and Brown immediately asked, “Then how shall we begin?”