"Kalmucks! An army of them!" said the Major in surprise.
"Yes. Bob estimates the number at twenty thousand."
The Major knit his brows. The news evidently disturbed him.
"Encamped, you say? Any signs of a movement?"
"They intend marching up the valley. We have had two or three brushes with advanced parties."
"That's very serious." He reflected silently for a little; then, as if rousing himself from a reverie, continued--
"You didn't need my warning, then. Your uncle was already preparing to decamp?"
"Uncle's gone!"
"Not left you young-- Why, my dear fellow--you don't mean that he's----"
Lawrence nodded.