Encounter with Redcoats
May 1798

   They both caught their breath, hunched over the flat stone that balanced atop a three foot pedestal. "That was not fair," Patrick finally was able to say, but his happy demeanor belied his accusation.
    "Fleet a' mind is better than fleet a' foot," Colleen taunted him. "Did I tell you," she said turning the subject, "that I saw the real Carraigain last winter. Despite its name, little rock, it's still twice as high as our little formation, taller than my Da, but it lacks the topping rock."
    "The Giant's son with his little bed rests easier his father." The reversal was pleasing to Patrick.
    They heard the clopping of approaching horses. In a couple of minutes four large horses carrying English soldiers came along the open field path.
   "Peatie." Patrick motioned for Peatie to get the little lamb off the path and behind the Little Giant's Bed. Patrick and Colleen waited for the soldiers to pass, but the lead redcoat stopped his horse and the other soldiers followed his lead.
"I am Sergeant Bullock of his Majesty George the Third's troops," the large soldier said. "I demand to know what you are doing, Irish boy?" The redcoat looked at Patrick then