Monro: **Be at ease**, Master Cormac. We are friends. The Finnegans were worried you might **take matters into your own hands**. I am Colonel George Monro.

Shay: Colonel.

Monro: I came to help, but I see I am late. Thank you for dealing with these **foul criminals**. They were **a blight on** New York.

Shay: What do you care? You redcoats are nothing but landlords. The **townsfolk** here **are** grinding away, trying to make a living.

?`"take matters into your own hands" means to assume personal responsibility or initiative in dealing with a situation or problem instead of relying on others to handle it.`

/k???n?l/

`foul= very dirty` /fa?l/

/bla?t/

`"a blight on" means something or someone is a source of great harm or negative influence on a particular person, place, or thing.`?

`The townsfolk of a town or city are the people who live there.`

?`"grinding away" typically means to persistently and tirelessly work on a task or activity, often in a determined or focused manner.`?

Monro: I cannot blame you for having that impression. **Some of my comrades have been less than helpful**. But I **take a different approach**.

Shay: And what is that?

Monro: I care. I want to see these **colonists** safe and prosperous.

Shay: **Noble words**.

Monro: **Perhaps actions will convince you otherwise**, Master Cormac. Here, reclaim what they have stolen.

/k?mr?d/

`Your comrades are your friends, especially friends that you share a difficult or dangerous situation with.`

`"otherwise" is used as an adverb to suggest an alternative outcome or belief`

Monro: Now, let us use some of that money for the good of the city. I realize you have no reason to trust me, Master Cormac.

Shay: You said you were a friend of the Finnegans.

Monro: I am. Their late son... worked for me. You are much like him.

Shay: **How so?**

Monro: He cared. And he wanted to **do good by** the people. We **shared a dream**, he and I, that of making the world a better place. **Mere survival is not enough**. **Full bellies, warm clothing**... **Freedom from want is the greatest freedom of all.**

Shay: It almost sounds like you have good will towards the people you govern.

Monro: I do not govern, Master Cormac. I merely assist.

`"How so?" is an expression used to request clarification or further explanation about a statement or assertion that has been made.`?

`do good by= do good to`

`"full bellies" is a figurative expression that refers to people having satisfied or satiated appetites after a meal.`?

`"Freedom from want is the greatest freedom of all" conveys the idea that being free from the state of lacking basic necessities or material comforts is the most significant form of freedom.`