The Broken Violin

By M.B. Tosi

In The Broken Violin, Abigail Bosworth’s life is drastically changed when her wealthy British family flees Philadelphia in 1769. Anti-British sentiment is growing, and the Revolutionary War will soon erupt. After Abigail’s father closes his shipping business, they move to the Mohawk Valley in rural New York state and join a settlement of German Palatines, which is the nationality of Abigail’s mother. To blend into the small village of Stone Arabia, Abigail’s father opens an apothecary like his father in England, and Abigail becomes his assistant, an uncommon role for a woman in the late 1700s.
Though life is momentarily calm, Abigail misses a Philadelphia friend she had hoped to marry. As the American rebellion begins growing, he joins a militia and vanishes. With war on the horizon, Abigail’s parents die in a heartbreaking accident, and she struggles to live alone. Her fears increase as local Mohawk folk hero, Joseph Brant, joins the British in terrorizing nearby villages. As the Revolutionary War officially begins, Abigail is forced to tackle life’s challenges head-on, even the possibility of her own death. Although mocked and plotted against, Abigail prevails and finds love in the most unexpected place.
“M.B. Tosi begins a new series with The Broken Violin, an exciting story of the Revolutionary War. As with all of her books, this one is alive with adventure, genuine history, difficult decisions and faith. Enjoy!”
— Jim Langford,
Director Emeritus of University of Notre Dame Press

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Oct 30, 2017
• ISBN: 9781973604129

M.B. Tosi

M.B. TOSI is the bestselling author of The Indian Path Series and now The Early Path Series. She also has been an editor of non-fiction books and a weekly newspaper, teaches piano, and has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in education. Born in Pierre, South Dakota, she has lived in Alexandria, Virginia; Bucks County, Pennsylvania; and Toledo, Ohio. She has three children and six grandchildren. Read more at www.MBTosi.com

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Copyright © 2017 M.B. Tosi.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Author’s photo was taken by Stevie Grand, www.grandlubell.com

All quotations used are public domain. Any Bible quotations are from Zondervan King James Version Study Bible, published by Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan. 2002

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-9736-0413-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-0414-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-0412-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017915364

WestBow Press rev. date: 10/27/2017

CONTENTS

Reviews for The Solitary Path of Courage

Reviews for The Thundering Path of Spirit

Reviews for The Crimson Path of Honor

Reviews for The Secret Path of Destiny

Dedication

Preface

Introduction

PART ONE

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

PART TWO (1769-1775)

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

PART THREE The Revolutionary War (1776-1779)

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Chapter Twenty-eight

Chapter Twenty-nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-one

PART FOUR The Mohawk (1777-1778)

Chapter Thirty-two

Chapter Thirty-three

Chapter Thirty-four

Chapter Thirty-five

Chapter Thirty-six

Chapter Thirty-seven

Chapter Thirty-eight

Chapter Thirty-nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-one

Chapter Forty-two

Chapter Forty-three

Chapter Forty-four

Chapter Forty-five

Chapter Forty-six

Chapter Forty-seven

Chapter Forty-eight

Chapter Forty-nine

Epilog

Resources

Reviews for The Solitary Path of Courage

"M.B. Tosi continues her series of wonderful books with The Solitary Path of Courage, an exciting story of the Old West. As with all of her books, this one is alive with adventure, genuine history, difficult decisions, and faith. It is a book to enjoy." ~ Jim Langford, Ph.D., Director Emeritus of University of Notre Dame Press, bestselling author of The Spirit of Notre Dame and Quotable Notre Dame

"Author M.B. Tosi has scored another success with her fifth book, The Solitary Path of Courage. In her unique Indian Path series, which combines well-researched events in the Indian Wars with inspirational fictional stories about pioneers in the Old West, history comes alive with realistic characters living their lives in dangerous times and war. I highly recommend this book. You won’t be disappointed!" ~ Dr. Joe Rubino, bestselling author of The Self-Esteem Book

"In The Solitary Path of Courage, M.B. Tosi continues her insightful tales of western life in the late 1800s. Her heroines are strong and resourceful, yet considerate and caring – the kind of person you’d like to know, and the kind of Americans that you can imagine actually molded the civilization of the Western United States. Being well researched, the reader is not only entertained, but educated as well. It’s a riveting tale by a masterful storyteller that will leave you unable to put it down." ~ Regina M. Joseph, author of The Alterran Legacy Series

"I was so excited to hear that Author M.B. Tosi had released a new book, The Solitary Path of Courage, her fifth book in The Indian Path Series. She has the wonderful ability to immerse you into the story as it unfolds, so that you are so engaged with the characters and the story that you don’t want to stop reading. I loved reading it and learning about the history of the Nez Perce War and the tribe’s final flight to Canada. M.B. Tosi did an excellent job of painting the picture and sharing the story from the Indian perspective – it’s pretty exciting! I highly recommend reading this book and the whole Indian Path series by M.B. Tosi - they are great books and sure to delight you." ~ Kathy Perry, bestselling co-author of Stepping Stones to Success

"M.B. Tosi’s new book, The Solitary Path of Courage, is better than a movie. She is one of those authors that can bring words to life and make you feel that you are living in the story, seeing and feeling the sights, sounds, and emotions of the characters. Upon reading all five of M.B. Tosi’s books, I can happily recommend all of them and look forward to more from this fine author." ~ Dr. J.H. Beschenbossel, author of My Buddy Mr. Squash

Reviews for The Thundering Path of Spirit

"In The Thundering Path of Spirit, M.B. Tosi has, once again, delivered to readers the tears of joy and sorrow they expect in a 19th Century North American story. This wonderful book helps us to recognize the hardships of the isolated and primitive life of our forbearers as they relied on their traditional spirituality to surmount dangers while attempting to build a common destiny." ~ John G. Agno, Executive and Business Coach, co-author of When Doing It All Won’t Work

"The Thundering Path of Spirit may be the best of all. The unusual love story, set against the Battle of the Little Bighorn, grabs your attention immediately, takes you through the unexpected twists and turns, and makes you feel a part of history. Fans of the series will love it!" ~ Stephen J. Brennan, PhD, author of 6 Psychological Factors for Success

"Another great read in The Indian Path Series by M.B. Tosi. You won’t be able to put the book down so plan on some late night reading. This captivating historical fiction book has it all; history, adventure, and romance. So find yourself a comfy chair and enjoy." ~ Elaine Cherry

"M.B. Tosi has written another fascinating, tender and inspiring book with The Thundering Path of Spirit. Her understanding of true spirituality is deeply heart-warming. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, as well as learning interesting details about the history of this time." ~ Margaret Paul, Ph.D., bestselling co-author of Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By You?, Healing Your Aloneness, and co-creator of Inner Bonding®

"With the fourth book in the series, The Thundering Path of Spirit, the author has achieved a new level of complexity and richness while delivering a smooth, compelling narrative. And in contrast to her earlier works, the author has added an interesting and intriguing dimension to the story with a romantic triangle that involves two Native Americans. Very engaging reading!" ~ L. Heitz

"The Thundering Path of Spirit is a captivating love story and spiritual adventure told against the background of life with the Crow Indians. A wonderful tale that kept me interested from beginning to end." ~ Nelda G. Mold

Another great book by M.B. Tosi. You just can’t put it down once you start reading it. Exciting, adventurous, serious but easy reading. It is a pleasure to read! ~ Robert J. Towles

Reviews for The Crimson Path of Honor

I have spent most of my life in book publishing, as an author, executive editor and publisher. I am very impressed by the works of M.B. Tosi; she does very careful research so that she can tell her stories and frame her fiction in the context of Native American history. Her novels focus on ethical and human issues in a way that is captivating because they mirror real life. I hope her audience continues to grow. Good writing needs recognition these days. ~ Jim Langford, Ph.D., Director Emeritus, University of Notre Dame Press, bestselling author of The Spirit of Notre Dame and Quotable Notre Dame

This fast-paced story of courage and love rides on rich layers of history, faith, and the power of friendship. Everyday details of Native American life, like the captured white woman getting a lesson on making a better stew, brought the story to life for me - and made me ache for the wonderful characters and their way of life, profoundly affected by war and change. But I especially liked the characters’ passion and humor. Soaring declarations of love and honor alternated with scenes packed full of humor. Will this heroine, who was too independent to fit into the role of Boston debutante, ever fit into the eyes-downcast role of a Lakota squaw? Even for a handsome young chief? You will enjoy reading the book to find the solution to this romance! ~ Melanie Oyster

"Author M.B. Tosi once again writes a beautiful reflection of life and love amongst the Native Americans in the mid-1800s. From the intense opening sequence through to the conclusion, The Crimson Path of Honor sheds light on the beliefs, customs and longings of a band of Lakota Indians. Readers will delight in the bravery of protagonist Morning Star, the world that she is brought into and that which she left that beckons to her. Well researched and written, Ms. Tosi offers insights into a time that was devastating to the Native Americans." ~ Julie K. Rubini, author of Missing Millie Benson, Virginia Hamilton, Hidden Ohio, and founder of Claire’s Day, Inc.

"You know when you pick up a book and your plan is just to read a little bit before going to bed, well I had that plan with The Crimson Path of Honor, but couldn’t put it down. It is so well-written that it takes you on the journey as it unfolds. I felt like I was watching a movie as I was reading it, because of the rich descriptions of everything. I felt all the emotions as they emerged on each page. It’s been a long time since a book kept me so engrossed and engaged while reading it. I highly recommend it." ~ Kathy Perry, bestselling co-author of Stepping Stones to Success

Reviews for The Secret Path of Destiny

M.B. Tosi weaves a fascinating story about how the power of love, faith, courage and trusting intuition guides and sustains during extremely challenging situations. ~ Margaret Paul, Ph.D., bestselling co-author of Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By You?, Healing Your Aloneness, and co-creator of Inner Bonding®

"The Secret Path of Destiny is a must read for anyone who is interested in a good adventure, love story, Native American history and willing to not put the book down until the very end. M.B. Tosi has you sitting on the edge of your seat while you are reading the adventures of Isolde, a disabled German American girl. Her story is full of courage, tragedy, love, forgiveness, and a determination that gets her through life. It’s a really good read, plan on staying up all night; you won’t be disappointed." ~ Elaine Cherry

"If you liked Book One in The Indian Path Series then you will love Book Two! In this second book, The Secret Path of Destiny, I found a greater level of complexity to the story and more in-depth character development that made the book a very compelling read. In addition, the story tempo was fast-paced, which made it harder for me to put down until finished. And finally, I found the more extensive Indian historical background particularly insightful and appealing. Can’t wait to start Book Three!" ~ L. Heitz

Reviews for The Sacred Path of Tears

The author, M.B. Tosi, has done an admirable job of researching the history and social relationships of the Plains Indians and white settlers in Kansas and Colorado in the mid-1800s. This romantic and spiritual adventure chronicles the life of Mokee, a peace-seeking Cheyenne girl. The story was easy to read and difficult to put down. ~ Arleen Alleman, author of Currents of Sin: A Darcy Farthing Novel

M.B. Tosi has written a thoroughly researched and highly engaging story that will leave you reading late into the night to learn the ultimate fate of Mokee in her life journey. The book is a comprehensive and compassionate portrayal of the Western Settler and Cheyenne Indians’ embattled relationship that will inspire further consideration, much in the style of an Allan Eckert novel, with the spiritual nature of Native Americans presented in a respectful and honorable light. ~ Cathy Scannell

Dedication

To my readers,

Since my first book was published in 2011, my journey has been so amazing, and that is because of you. Your support has been wonderful for the five books of The Indian Path Series, making them all bestsellers online. I’ve enjoyed getting to know many of you and working with book clubs and women’s groups. I especially appreciate the kind reviews you have written online. There is no greater compliment for an author than a reader taking the time to write a review.

Now a new adventure starts! The Broken Violin is the first book in The Early Path Series. It is the story of a courageous woman doing the right thing and suffering the consequences for her actions during the Revolutionary War in the 1770s. In spite of the odds against her survival, she not only finds safe harbor but is surprised by love.

Unlike its sister series, The Indian Path Series (about the Indian Wars in the late 1800s), The Early Path Series features an earlier time period from the Revolutionary War in the late 1700s through the early 1800s. In both series, fictional characters weave through the true historical events of the times, and the books can be read in any order as each book stands alone with new characters.

Although Abigail Bosworth’s life in The Broken Violin takes place more than two centuries ago, the challenges she faces are similar to many challenges today. Alone in a violent world, she searches for a way to follow her faith and find a path of peace and love in the midst of war. I hope your lives will be touched by her inner strength and courage to do the right thing. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting.

As always, I’d love to hear from you. Here are several ways to connect:

Preface

The Broken Violin is the first book in The Early Path Series. It is the story of a courageous woman doing the right thing and suffering the consequences for her actions during the Revolutionary War in the 1770s. In spite of the odds against her survival, she not only finds safe harbor but is surprised by love.

Unlike its sister series, The Indian Path Series (about the Indian Wars in the late 1800s), The Early Path Series features an earlier time period from the Revolutionary War in the late 1700s through the early 1800s. In both series, fictional characters weave through the true historical events of the times, and the books can be read in any order as each book stands alone with new characters.

The time period from the 1500s through the late 1700s had a wealth of literary writers such as Francis Bacon, John Dryden, Samuel Johnson, and Alexander Pope to name a few. I have tried to incorporate some of their writings at the beginning of each chapter as it gives a flavor of how people in colonial times thought and reasoned. Any dialog between characters reflects the Old English of the time period though the narrative is in plain English of our day.

Both of my historical romance series have a common inspirational theme. Although the characters live in a different time period, they still search for life’s purpose and a path of peace, love, courage, and faith in times of trouble and danger just as we do today. In fact, the books give credence to Ecclesiastes 1:9 in the Bible.

That which has been is what will be,

That which is done is what will be done,

And there is nothing new under the sun.

The tree which moves some to tears of joy

Is in the eyes of others only a green thing

That stands in the way.

Some see nature all ridicule and deformity. . .

And some scarce see nature at all.

But to the eyes of the man of imagination,

Nature is imagination itself.

William Blake

Introduction

It is only the first of November in the year of our Lord 1778, and the inclement weather is bitterly cold and snowy. Crystals of ice, which whisper of a brutal winter to come, encrust the frozen ground of my small village on the north bank of the Mohawk River in New York.

As a child, I once delighted in snowflakes and thought them to be merry of heart as they danced mischievously like sprites through the woodlands. In the ghostly shadows of my own death, I see it was foolishness to have such immature fantasies. Through my tears, the mythical creatures have lost their imagined beauty. Instead, snowflakes have transformed into tormenting spears of ice as if hurled to the ground by the devil’s own spawn.

As the autumn leaves shrivel to a brittle brown refuse, my grieving heart has likewise hardened in its anguish. I, Abigail Sarah Bosworth, will be unjustly hung at sunrise in two weeks’ time. The charge is treason. Upon this soiled parchment smudged with tears and ink, I plead my innocence.

An abomination of inhumanity toward a defenseless woman has taken place. Unless I recount the actions, which caused this travesty, no recourse remains. It requires faith every year to believe that spring will come again and renew winter’s ravaged land. I believe the Lord my Redeemer will provide a miracle.

Without divine help, I will soon be walking to the gallows. If that is the only path remaining, I pray my eyes will open afresh in the land of the forgiven.

A plainly dressed woman in a flax-colored muslin garment irritably scratched out the words sprites through the woodlands (too fanciful, she thought), crossed out tormenting spears (too dramatic, she decided), and then ran a crooked line through abomination and travesty.

Anyone reading this will conclude the writer has the vapors, Abigail groaned in despair. With discouragement, the tiny woman crumpled the ink-blotted piece of parchment and angrily tossed it into a grimy corner of the cramped jail cell.

Jail cell? It hardly seemed possible. Her amber gold eyes, which oddly matched her wildly matted, tawny blond curls, surveyed the filthy, lice-infested, hay-stuffed drafty shed masquerading as a jail. Sturdy oaken bars covered with splinters confined the woman to one decrepit corner of the otherwise wobbly structure (calling it a building would be too dignified for its skeletal framework).

It was certainly unfit for man, woman, or beast. In fact, Abigail’s incarceration was unacceptable on so many levels. Why should her impeccable good works and longstanding reputation in the village be rendered null and void on the written testimony of an anonymous man? It was indeed a mockery of justice, but how could she prove her innocence when his words carried a greater weight?

Inspiration struck. Abigail impulsively stretched her hand across a scratchy bale of hay, which was serving as a wobbly desk. The woman grabbed another soiled parchment, which was her one amenity, and then dipped the pen in a nearly empty inkwell. She wrote—

It is too late for resolution of my ill-fated circumstances. Yet I plead for innocent women in the future who experience miscarriages of the law. Justice cannot be served when one conflicting testimony is chosen over another, especially when the false testimony is from a conniving male seeking revenge.

While contemplating the effectiveness of her newest and even angrier scribbles, the small woman forced her wan face into a deepening frown. No matter which way she tilted her head to look at the words, it still seemed as if something was amiss.

With growing disgruntlement, Abigail irately tossed a second smudged parchment onto a clump of loose hay in the grimy corner. Her chapped fingers distractedly scratched at the high-buttoned neckline of her coarsely-woven dress.

Oh no, fleas—what else can plague me? Am I to be tested to my limits like the biblical Job? Panic swept over her entire body. I have to do something, but what? I must find an answer before it is too late!

Rebelliously, Abigail began scraping a tin cup against the roughly hewn wooden bars. To her delight, it made an awful screeching sound like the chains of death were rising from the underworld to seize her soul.

Now stop that right now, Miss Abigail, a crotchety voice complained from behind a crude wooden partition. An elderly man named Ezekiel Padgett hobbled through a narrow opening from the tiny entrance area of the ramshackle shed. His uncombed mane of pure white hair flowed like tousled ribbons over the collar of his well-worn deerskin jacket.

Although a deficient wood burning stove sparked and hissed near the jailer’s cot and rickety chair, there were no such comforts in Abigail’s filthy cell. Without a cot to sleep on or even a blanket for warmth, every violent gust of November wind tore through the paper-thin walls of the swaying structure. Just thinking of her continual discomfiture made Abigail shiver, but the woman resisted the temptation to retreat and burrow for warmth under the sparsely scattered hay.

Has thou no sympathy for the draftiness of my cell, Ezekiel, she admonished. Can thou not even spare an extra blanket for my solace? Abigail observed the jailer had both a comforter made of coarse beaver pelts and a woven Indian blanket piled high on his untidy cot.

It will be over soon enough, Miss Abigail, the aged man said with forced politeness. "It is not important if thou catches thy death of cold if thou catches my meaning."

The man surprisingly tittered at his words, and there were gaps in his mouth where teeth should have been. Instantly, his jovial expression was replaced with a pain-filled grimace, which carved deep grooves on his weathered face.

He had known the quiet, unassuming spinster since the woman was in her early twenties. A pretty little thing she was upon arriving with her parents, he recollected. Everyone always remarked on her odd shade of amber gold eyes. Some called them bewitching as they were so solemn and resolute.

Perhaps the woman is a witch like some say, Ezekiel mused. It is not my business! Besides, she is not long for the world. A true witch would find some manner of escape. One thing is certain! I will never let her bewitch me!

Though his memory was fading as well as his eyesight, Ezekiel could still picture the hot, muggy day Miss Abigail and her bedraggled parents noisily arrived with several wagons in the villages of Mohawk and eventually their destination, Stone Arabia. The entire area was known as the Mohawk Valley and sometimes mentioned in the same breath as The Noses, which referred to steep rock formations along the Mohawk River.

Emotionally, the jailer rubbed his weary eyes in the hopes of making his gentler memories vanish. But his mind’s eye still pictured how mesmerizing the tiny young woman was that first day with her tawny unkempt hair as curly as an unshorn sheep in the humidity.

Abruptly clearing his throat to stop any more favorable reminiscences of the now thirty-something-year-old spinster’s entrance into the close-knit farming community, the man curtly growled, I have not been given any extra supplies for thy wellbeing, Miss Abigail. Thou must admit a warm blanket will not be needed for thy destination, and that is the truth. His rebuke was scathing!

Abigail’s reputedly golden eyes flung wide open in anger. Is Ezekiel Padgett actually implying my final resting place will be amongst the flames of hell? How dare he assume I am guilty of the charge of treason and unredeemable!

The elderly man’s outspoken words continued unabatedly. Would it not be best to pray for thy soul’s salvation in thy remaining time rather than complain about thy cell’s inconveniences? Muttering under his breath about his charge’s lack of contrition, the jailer abruptly limped away. In all my days, I have not heard of a respectable woman doing what thou hast done.

Abigail’s eyes flashed like golden flames doused with lard. Until recent events, her reputation was above reproach. The woman was known as a churchgoing, charitable woman, and it was her compassionate nature and knowledge of herbs that the village relied on for healing. Instead, the jailer’s unemotional acceptance of her incarceration and his self-righteous assumption of her guilt made the woman’s blood boil.

"Ezekiel! Abigail railed much louder than she intended. The man’s filmy eyes widened. He seemed shocked the once reserved assistant in the local apothecary was no longer meek and mild, but a scolding woman like his wife had been. Thou hast known me many years now. Did thou forget I nursed thy wife Martha day and night through her final bout with the grippe?

"And what of Emmett Parker? Can thou not remember when I delivered the little redheaded brat into this world? And what of my volunteer work helping the wounded on the battlefield? I have always tried to help others in their time of need.

"Yet I am to face the gallows in a public spectacle for doing the same thing—helping someone. Thou knows as well as I that none of my actions deserve the gruesome penalty I have been accorded.

I want more than a blanket from thee. If thou has any mercy in thy soul, Ezekiel, unlock this cell at once that I might flee this injustice, or my blood will be on thine hands.

Her recitation of truths felt as if a mule kicked Ezekiel Padgett in his remaining teeth. The old man grabbed his mouth with a trembling hand, and in confusion, he stared at the distressed woman through cloudy eyes. The jailer did remember the love and compassion she had given his dying wife.

Deliberately, the man kept his expression as cold and hard as granite. As he shuffled away, his leaden footsteps and hunched shoulders betrayed him. The man kept repeating in his mind, I must not show any sympathy!

At the time of the woman’s conviction, Ezekiel had not grasped the full implications, but admittedly he had thought death by hanging to be an unusually cruel punishment. As the trusted jailer of the village, the man could not help her. He just could not!

I am truly sorry, Miss Abigail. If thou escapes, I will be hung in thy place, and it is not my desire to die in such a grisly way. Thou should have considered the consequences of thine unseemly actions. Pretending to turn a deaf ear on any further complaints, the old man retreated behind his partition.

I will pray for thy soul, Ezekiel, the disheveled woman shouted. "Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven the Bible says in Luke 6:37. Thou has not shown mercy nor forgiveness," she cried out with futility, delivering a parting shot.

It was tempting to childishly run her tin cup over the wooden bars again. Instead, Abigail resignedly dropped to her dirty knees in the scratchy hay. Her plight was hopeless. In frustration, the woman harshly shook her matted curls, which were cascading in uncombed mounds down her back.

In the dimly lit corner of the shadowy cell, Abigail’s flowing hair formed a golden halo around her as she began to pray. Heavenly Father, hast Thou also condemned my actions along with thy godly representatives on this earth? If my actions were compassionate, not sinful, please rescue me from my execution, just as Thou has rescued those who have loved and trusted Thee throughout the ages. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

After finishing her prayers, Abigail knew reality was sometimes an inconvenient friend as was truth. Deep-down, the woman knew she felt no contrition for those actions deemed treasonous, only regret for getting caught.

Clutching her arms tightly for warmth, the shivering