The meat stew and biscuits had been savory, but because of the number of boarders, the two tureens had been filled and emptied twice. They swallowed the last of their chicolet and Brother Amos stood. Both Jack and Venta had seen Brother Amos glancing at them and then at the stairs.
Brother Amos is anxious to make sure the charts are still safe, thought Venta. Jack, however, was trying to ignore both of them and was reaching for more biscuits. Just as Brother Amos stood, they heard the pounding hooves and someone banging at the door.
“All fighting men to the front,” a male voice was yelling as Mrs. Mauser opened the door. “The Mechs are headed this way. We need to overturn their cannon or Beltran is no more. Meet at the freight yards.” He was gone heading towards the next residence or boa
