The three men guarding the gate dragged their prisoner across the dimly lit clearing toward the large man standing in front of the fire. “What’s this s’posed to be?” the man growled.

“Caught him sneakin’ up to the gate”, one of the captors answered as they stepped into the light.

The large man stepped up to the prisoner. “What’chyou doin’ creepin’ ‘round my gate, boy?” he demanded of the prisoner.

The rusty-haired prisoner looked up at him. “Someone down the road aways said y’all might have some work”, Reilly responded meekly.

The big man snorted “Maybe for those we seen ‘round here. Don’t recall your face out there”.

“I jus’ got in. Been wanderin’ for weeks, lookin’ for someplace needs help”.

The big man stepped up to Reilly, bringing his face to within inches of his would-be prisoner. “Yeah, an’ maybe ye’re here to spy for them half-ass farmers wantin’ that land”.

Reilly shook his head. “Don’ know nothin’ ‘bout no farmers, mister”, he protested as he looked around. “Jus’ thought that with all this prosperous activity you got here, you might be needin’ some extra hand, that’s all”.

The big man looked him over carefully before turning. “Bring him, boys”, he barked. “Let’s see what the boss says. You, back to the gate”.

Two of the men grabbed Reilly once more and herded him forward, deeper into the compound. As they pushed farther in, Reilly discreetly scanned the area, noting that all the inhabitants were rough-looking males. Some were cleaning firearms, a few stood in front of fires with animals hanging on a spit. Most glared at him as he passed. As they continued through the camp, he also noted the scarcity of women – the few he observed seemed to be performing servile functions - and the absence of children.

Along the way they passed a low wall, less than waist high, forming a circular pit. Around the pit