Phillis looked at him very much as she would have looked at a dangerous maniac unfit to go at large, and went slowly out into the kitchen, the floor shaking under her ponderous tread. The next moment a storm of vituperation directed at the heads of her satellites, announced that she was at work, and a savory smell was wafted to their nostrils. Seth pricked up his ears like the war-horse "that smelleth the battle afar off," and waited. When the table was set, he marched in and gave Phillis a grand exemplification of the power of a good appetite. Pone bread in huge masses leaped down his capacious maw. Slice after slice of venison followed, washed down by various cups of coffee. Phillis, appalled at his appreciation of her cookery, watched with uplifted hands, and finally fled to Will Floyd in dismay.
"You git dat wolf outer dis house jus' as quick as you kin! He stay har one week an' he eat us out ob house an' home."
CHAPTER II.
WILLIMACK, THE WYANDOT.
By the time the Yankee had finished his repast, night had come on, and he came hurrying out of the kitchen, with his mouth full of venison steak, and ran to the window.
"How many dew yew reckon in this post, boss?" he said, turning to the young soldier.
"Myself, my father, two soldiers of the rifles, and two black boys."
"Yaas. Now let me ask yew a little question. Does it look like common sense for yew tew keep yure gates off the hinges?"