Robert hugged her with his good arm.  "Suzanna, they aren't bad men, just desperately hungry and tired, just as I was, only they were strong enough to be aggressive.  Do what you can for them. I will see they behave. Together we will get through this I promise. They can't stay long or they will be discovered, and either captured by the union or sent back to the front by the confederates. One or the other."<br/><br/>He helped her clean up and then went out to the porch. "Miss Suzanna is fixing you some vittles. I suggest all of you get clened up and when your through clean out the horse trough and fill it with fresh water.   You'll need to stay out of sight so best you go to the barn. I'll call Y'all for supper.<br/><br/>He went back inside the house and sat just inside the door with the pistol.  A position he would keep the rest of the day, so Suzanna could feel safe. when dinner was finished at night fall Robert took up a position outside Suzanna's door for the night, pistol in hand. He didn't expect trouble but wanted to be sure there wouldn't be any.