From the windows and the loop-holes guns could be seen bristling everywhere, and the minutes that passed were slow and weary with waiting. Directly across from the court-house was a broad and low brick store house, with but a single window above, facing the square; and the Major looking at it for a time, turned to the old clerk and said: "That building is the strongest one in town, but no men appear to be posted in it. Why so?" "The rear wall is torn out and the men would be unprotected from behind," the clerk answered. "The wall was pulled down about a month ago. Evans was going to have the house built deeper into the lot so he could use it as a cotton shed, but hasn't." "Bad that it was left that way. How long since the last scout came in?" "About an hour and a half." "And where was the enemy then?" "In the neighborhood of Gum Springs." "That's bad. The militia won't have time to get here." The Major went above, where he found Gid's men posted at the windows and the loop-holes. "How is everything?" he asked. "Lovely, John." "Don't call me John." "All is well, Major." "Good." And after a time he added: "The south road is so crooked that we don't command it very far, therefore look sharp. Back to your post!" he stormed as Perdue looked up from his loop-hole. "This is no time for idleness." "I wonder what time we eat," said Gid. "You may never eat another bite," the Major answered. "Then I don't reckon there's any use to worry about it, John, or Major, I mean." The Major returned to the floor below. "This is getting to be quite a lark," said the Englishman. "It's beastly cruel to fight, but after all it is rather jolly, you know." "I'm glad you think so, sir; I can't," the Major replied. "I regard it as one of the worst calamities that ever befell this country." "Do you think there will be much pillage by the blacks--much burning of houses?" "Possibly, but to sustain their cause their commander will hold them in some sort of check. He is looking out for the opinion of labor unions, the scoundrel. He is too sharp to give his war a political cast." "Ah, but to butcher is a beastly way to look after good opinion. What's that?" the Englishman cried. From afar, through the stillness that lay along the south road, came the popping of rifles; and then all was still. Then came the sounds of hoofs, and then a riderless horse dashed across the square.