Chapter 92

“Basin,” one of the men asked, “do these seem like slaves that are fighting?”

“No, no I don’t think so,” the man named Basin answered. He turned to Rose and stroked her face. “Tell me, my Rose, why are you and your friend standing in this room? Why did you try to strike it after we left?”

“We were trying not to involve you, Master Basin,” she told him in a pleading voice. “There are slaves here angry that my friend told her owners about those who wanted to escape. They have promised to keep it here every day the other slaves are in the village. I thought it would be better for my friend if I was here to keep it company.”

“Do you know what we do to slaves who insist on fighting with one another?” Basin asked her.

“Yes, Master Basin, that’s why I didn’t want to involve you. I will stay with my friend until the other slaves come out of the village. There is no reason for you to become involved,” she pleaded.

“We do not want to see you whipped, my Rose,” he