"He was formerly a clergyman, and sometimes officiates now on an emergency. That fact saved him from any military infliction. Then his brother is a real colonel, and two of the same title would have made confusion in talking about them," the guide explained. The mud was so deep that no great speed could be made on the march, and the guerillas were not likely to complete their mission for some hours, for they seldom left a plundered house without requiring a meal to be provided for them. Still, the lieutenant pushed on with all practicable haste. "How does the land lie about the house?" asked Deck. "All the land cultivated on the plantation, which contains over a thousand acres, is on the east side of the mansion. Most of the ground on the west of it is in walnut; for in the dry season it is easily hauled to the Cumberland River, and carried to a market during high water. It is a profitable crop to the planter." "Does the walnut grove reach as far as the mansion?" "Very nearly. There is a small grove south of the house, and a wooded hill to the north-east of it." "Very well; I think I have got the idea of it," replied Deck, as he relapsed into silence to study his plan. Though he had a great deal of confidence in himself, he was fully conscious of the responsibility which rested upon him. Probably if Captain Gordon had suspected that the lieutenant at eighteen would encounter an enemy, he would have come with the platoon himself, though he had quite as much confidence in Deck as in Tom Belthorpe. But the other division was reasonably sure to engage an enemy, and doubtless this consideration had decided the question as to which he should accompany. "This wood extends around to the north side of the mansion, if I understand the situation," said Deck, when he had arranged the attack in his own mind. "Precisely so," replied the guide. "That is on our left; how is it on the right, Win?" "You come out of the woods into a cornfield; beyond this is a low hill, and beyond it is a grove, where the family walk in warm weather." "How far are we from the mansion now?" "Something more than a hundred rods." "Platoon--halt!" said the lieutenant, suddenly whirling his horse about as on a pivot. "Sergeant Knox!" Life rode up to him, saluted, and waited for further orders. "With fifteen men you will move to the left through the woods till you come to the mansion now directly in front of us. Move without noise, and halt your force as near the house as you can without being seen by the enemy, who are too busy to notice anything just now. When the bugle sounds the 'Advance,' you will march at a gallop to the east side of the house. Do you understand me, Life?" said Deck, speaking very clearly, but in a low tone. "I'll bet I do; shall I repeat the orders?" replied the sergeant. "It is not necessary."