Ethan had the impression that Clarke was blaming him for what had happened and didn’t respond until the commander continued, “I’ve had a little information about the bloody battle, but not from anybody that was there. Ashe and most of his top staff escaped to Matthew’s Bluff and took a boat across the Savannah that same night. Now he’s makin’ all kinds of excuses, but the fact is that about half the men in his camp were drowned or killed.”

Somewhat surprised that Ashe had survived and not knowing what he had reported, Ethan gave a fairly detailed description of what had occurred, including the general’s rejection of the warning, his nonexistent defense, the wild retreat of his Continental troops, and their terrible casualties. He mentioned that Kindred had been one of many who had been murdered after surrendering, and said that he had escaped by swimming through the swamp.

Clarke remained silent during the vivid description of the greatest defeat the colonists had ever experienced in the region. Finally, he responded, “Well, we did the best we could to tell Ashe what we knew. I suspicioned that he was lyin’ about what happened. The bastard has wiped out all the gains we made at Kettle Creek and our chances to move down toward Savannah. It won’t be long before Prevost will move into Augusta.”

He shifted in his chair and added, mostly to his two friends, “We’ve been fightin’ the war almost three years, and I don’t think Washington has won a battle. The British control New York, Philadelphy, and now most of Carolina and all of Georgia except right here where we are.”

Twiggs added, “Also Canada and Newport.”

There was an uncomfortable silence, and then Ethan looked directly at Clarke and said, “I’d like to talk to you awhile.”

Clarke didn’t respond, but Twiggs and Few left and closed the door, and Elijah waited for Ethan to speak.

“I’ve decided to join the militia if you need me.”

The two men looked at each other, with neither willing to avert his eyes. Clarke broke the prolonged silence. “Mr. Pratt, I don’t have no doubt about your ability as a hunter, a woodsman, a horseman, but there are some other things that bother me. I’ve never had any showin’ that you’re willin’ to fight the British, and I seen myself that you don’t like bloodshed or takin’ orders.”

Ethan’s face flushed as he struggled to control his temper. He finally said, “There’s a difference between fighting enemy soldiers and killing women and children, but let’s put the past aside. I want to help run the British out of Georgia and protect our families from them and the Indians. As for taking orders, I’m willing to be treated like any other militiaman, and you have my word on it.”