Jesse saw the horse drawing cart from nearly a half of a mile away, but didn't know for sure that it was Daron returning until he was able to make out the horse's brown hair that he knew it to be Randall. What confused him more was that he was able to discern two men seated in the carriage as it approached. The other man was bulkier and sat at a taller height than Daron in comparison. Rather than wait for them to approach, he began to run towards them when they were nearby. After being alone for so long, he was desperate to see another person.
"Hold on, Jesse, hold on." Daron yelled the command loudly to carry the voice over the squeaking wooden wheels of the carriage. "We're bringin this to the house." Jesse nodded and walked along the side of the carriage as they approached the front walkway to the charred remains of the house. Daron snapped the reins and Randal stopped immediately, then tossed his head side to side with a rough sigh as it was finally allowed to stop. The two men descended from opposite sides. Jesse ran to Daron and wrapped his arms around him.
"Praise God for your return, Misser Daron. It has been awful out here alone."
"I don't doubt it, and I am as thankful that you stayed to keep this place. I take it you're hungry?"
"Oh, starving, Misser Daron." When Jesse said this, he released his grip from Daron and made a point to rub his belly with both hands. "I feel like I can eat dirt, no lie."
By this point, the other man had walked around Randal from the side and stood before the both of them. He folded his hands under his stomach and stood still while staring at them.
"Jesse, this is Mister Whitney Poole. He heard of our plight when I was in Baltimore and decided to assist us here, with intent to remain and establish himself here."
"Nice to meet you, Jesse." Whitney extended a hand for Jesse to shake, which he did promptly. Jesse noticed that his voice was a lower timbre than Daron and his pace of speech was slower.
"Well," said Daron, "among the goods we have brought is some dried meat and a tent, so I think we should see to making it before night falls. Cmere and take the stuff, Jesse."
Jesse obliged and walked with Daron at his side as the pair went to the side of the wagon to get the tent and some other supplies. Jesse noticed that as they did so, Whitney remained in place and looked around at the entire area, inspecting the remains of the house and barn, and studying the surroundings. He wondered why he didn't volunteer to help acquire the supplies.
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