Sharpe's Ransom p. 67-79 Summary

After killing the fox, Sharpe thinks how odd it is that the six men have not yet reappeared on the road beyond the farm, but when he is plagued by the sense of danger, he tries to convince himself that he is being ridiculous. Still, he reads the papers and knows about the plundering that occurs throughout France. He is certain the strangers have not gone to the village and though they are probably former soldiers begging for food like many he has fed before, he does not like leaving his family alone "with a group of hungry men who might just be tempted to take more than they were offered" (p. 69). As Sharpe hurries home, everything looks as it should, but danger still nags him and he trusts the feeling that saved his life countless times...