About to ask if Wooler knew Priscilla, MacKim closed his mouth. He was not ready yet to disclose his feelings towards that woman.
“You’re learning fast,” Wooler praised his apprentices when they returned to the fort. He gave a twisted smile. “You’ve the makings of Rangers in you.” Even as he spoke, Wooler watched the woods.
“King and country, was it?” Wooler faced MacKim directly.
“King and country?” MacKim did not understand.
“Did you don the scarlet coat for King and country?”
“Oh.” MacKim considered. “No. That was not why I took the King’s Shilling.”
Wooler nodded. His eyes were steady as he scrutinised MacKim. “You must have badly needed a job, then.”
“No.” MacKim shook his head. He tried to turn the conversation. “Why did you join the Rangers? Are you keen on fighting for the K
