She ran over to the door and banged on it again, but it was such a weak, ineffectual sound, compared to what had just assaulted their ears. Oh sweet divine Jesus, what was she to do? She laid her forehead against the door and, from the other side, heard footsteps slowly approaching, then the sound of whistling. Whistling!
She stepped back. There was the sound of a bolt being pulled and the door started to move.
A soldier came out, with a hammer and nails in one hand, a notice in the other.
He was surprised to see herself and Tipsy — to see anyone — standing there. The three of them stared at each other for a long, uncertain minute, then he squinted at Peg.
"Miss Parle, isn't it? The schoolmistress from Mucknamore?"
She nodded. He looked familiar. Was he an O'Donnell? She wasn't sure e
