"We have tried to form a Home Guard here for the protection of the village, and we have a little band of about twenty men; but most of our young and middle-aged men have left the place to enlist in the loyal army, so that we have not much stock of which to form a company. But our little band keep a picket of five or ten of their number in the outskirts of the village, to warn us of the approach of an enemy." "We shall soon relieve them of that duty." "Our men are not soldiers, for they have had no training; but they are made up of fighting material. Though I am sixty-five years old, I belong to the company; and I have just returned from patrolling the region to the eastward of us." While he listened to the visitor, Major Lyon had spread out his map, which included the locality; and with the assistance of the colonel he obtained a clear idea of the surface of the country, the first requisite for a military commander. While they were still busy over the map, the sentinel at the entrance to the tent drew aside the curtain, and saluted the commander. "A messenger in a great hurry to see Colonel Coffee," said he. "Admit him," replied the major promptly. A gentleman dressed in a black coat with a standing collar to it, encircled with a belt, in which was secured a pair of navy revolvers, entered the tent, out of breath with excitement of running. "The Rev. Mr. Elbroon, Major Lyon, one of our Home Guard," said the colonel as soon as the clergyman appeared at the entrance. There was nothing clerical in his appearance except the standing collar of his coat; and the revolvers especially belied his profession. "The Lord be praised for his great mercy!" exclaimed the minister, as soon as he could get breath for utterance. "What is the matter, Joseph?" asked the magnate of Greeltop very familiarly. "The guerillas are coming!" exclaimed the reverend gentleman. "Where are they?" asked the colonel, as coolly as though he had been in command of a regiment for years. "They are coming down by the mountain road back of your mansion!" gasped Mr. Elbroon, who was evidently very much alarmed, and could hardly speak in his fatigue and excitement. "Sentinel!" called the major sharply. The man appeared at once. "Where is Captain Gordon?" "He is close by, Major." "Ask him to come to my tent." "Sit down, Joseph," said the colonel, giving his stool to his friend and his fellow-soldier, it appeared. "You don't gain anything by blowing yourself out." "But this is no time to sit down," replied the excited minister, though he took the proffered seat. Captain Gordon appeared immediately. "A raid of guerillas on the place, Captain! Have the first company ready to march in three minutes!" said the commander in hurried tones. The captain retired in haste, without asking any questions; and a moment later the bugles were heard sounding the assembly. The major buckled on his sword, and sent out an order for his horse.