This was one of his rare visits to the town since the war had begun, and as he approached the settlement he was surprised at how little it had changed. It was an oasis in a state that had been devastated by raids from military units of both Whigs and Tories and by irresponsible and uncontrollable groups of white and Indian bandits. He planned to stop at the only tavern, spend one night, see Maddock in the morning, and begin the return journey. He was hoping for a mug of ale and whatever food they had to offer, but when he came in the door and identified himself, the tavern keeper handed him an envelope, saying, “I have been holding this for several days.”

Ethan looked at his inscribed name and recognized Mavis’s neat, back-slanted handwriting at first glance, having read it on hundreds of pages of the nature journals she had prepared for Kindred. He forgot about ale and supper, left the tavern, and walked off to be alone as he opened the single folded page. Although it was after sunset, there was still ample light. His hands trembled as he read the simply written note.

Ethan, Brother Maddock said you may be coming here. I know that your cabin was burned but Newota has told me the Indians put some kind of mark on Kindred’s home and it has been protected. I would like to go back and get some things, including the spinning wheel you made for me. I am staying with the Flemings but they do not have a cart. I do not want to be a burden to you, but hope you can carry me. Gratefully, Mavis

He tried to control the thrill that went through him, and deliberately thought about Epsey, still living in the Watauga Valley with wives and children of the other active militiamen. He was sure that she would approve his providing this assistance to their former neighbor. Ethan arranged with the innkeeper to care for his horse, to notify Joseph Maddock of his presence, and to reserve the use of a small two-wheeled cart, which he would use for the trip to the homestead the following day.

The next morning, Ethan went to Maddock’s home as early as he thought it appropriate, knocked on the front door, and was ushered into a front room that was obviously used as a place of business. A large rolltop desk was covered with neat stacks of papers, and the contents of the cubbyholes were carefully arranged. It seemed to Ethan that his host had prospered during the war, both financially and in his role as a favorite of the governor. The room was the most elaborately furnished he had ever seen in a Friend’s home, and Maddock was self-assured and somewhat condescending as he motioned for Ethan to be seated.