"No, sir; they are like flies, and don't make nests anywhere. I reckon Colonel Coffee wants to speak to you, sir; for I suppose you are an officer of this company," added the man, who retired at the approach of the great man of the locality. The magnate of the county rode up to the major, and saluted him with courtly grace; and though the latter was not brought up in a drawing-room, he was as polite as the occasion required. "I am exceedingly happy to see that flag hoisted over a body of military in this county," said the colonel, with a cheerful smile, as he pointed with his riding-whip at the emblem of the Union. "I am very glad to be where there are those who appreciate the flag," added the major. "I am only sorry that you will find so few of them in this neighborhood," returned the dignified Kentuckian. "We are threatened by roving bands of plunderers to the east and south of us, and for the last week I have expected to walk away from my place by the light of my burning house. I live in that one on the side of the hill." "I hope we shall be able to put an end to this state of affairs at once, Colonel Coffee," replied the major. "You know my name," said the magnate with a smile. "I asked it of that negro." "He is the village barber, and a very intelligent man. May I ask whom I have the honor to address?" inquired the colonel. "Major Lyon, in command of a squadron of United States cavalry," replied the officer. "I am very glad to see you, Major, personally, and especially to see you at Greeltop; for we are greatly in need of efficient protection," returned the colonel. "I have heard all about you before." "I am equally happy to meet you, Colonel Coffee; for I am at present in urgent need of full information in regard to the condition of affairs in this section." "I shall be pleased to have you dine with me, and we can talk over matters at our leisure in my library." Major Lyon excused himself from the dinner, and invited the colonel to his tent, which had been set up by this time. CHAPTER XXX THE MAGNATE OF GREELTOP'S VISIT The cavalrymen had been duly drilled in all the details of forming a camp; and in a short time the tents were pitched, the pickets set up for the horses, and the cooks were busy in preparing supper. The headquarters tent was the first to be arranged, as soon as the major had indicated its location. Colonel Coffee was invited to take a camp-stool; for they do not have sofas and armchairs in a camp. "I have been pleading with the officials for the last two weeks to attend to the security of this region," said the colonel, as he seated himself. "I have wondered every day during the last week that Greeltop has not been sacked, and all our houses burned down; for there is a great deal of Union sentiment in the place." "Then the place must be particularly liable to an assault from the guerillas," suggested the major.