Toliver's Secret

As she goes through the woods, Ellen thinks of her Grandfather to give herself strength. She reaches a blacksmith’s shop with two men inside, one of whom is very tall. They ask Ellen where she’s come from. When they notice the bread under her jacket, they ask what she’s hiding. Ellen’s denial makes them suspicious that she’s either stolen something valuable or works as a paymaster for the British. 

Ellen isn’t sure if the men are teasing her, but they look serious. Afraid, she runs away.

Ellen finally reaches the tavern. Mrs. Shannon seems friendly with the British soldiers, and Ellen grows suspicious. She tells Ellen that Mr. Shannon has gone to get more ale and won’t be back for two days. Ellen slumps in a chair.

Mrs. Shannon eventually takes Ellen into a back room, where she sees the tall man from the blacksmith’s shop, who she identifies as Mr. Shannon. He asks Ellen if she has the bread and identifies her grandfather by name, which assures Ellen he is Shannon. Ellen gives him the bread and recounts her adventure. He hadn’t been out to get more ale but was looking for Grandfather.

After Mr. Shannon leaves with the message, Mrs.