"But the enemy——" began one of the other boys.
"The Yankees are making for the mountain road and our troops are to the westward. I don't believe either will come this way again. Hurry up, or it will be too late!"
Jack ran up to the house with all speed, to meet Mrs. Mary Ruthven on the veranda.
"The house—it is doomed!" wailed the lady of the plantation.
"Get us all the pails and buckets you have," answered Jack. "And have you a ladder handy?"
"There is a ladder in the stable, Jack. Oh, will you help put it out?"
"We'll do our best. Is St. John at home?"
"Yes," and so speaking, Mrs. Mary Ruthven ran off to arouse her son.
"You must help," she said. "Quick, or we will be homeless."
"But the—the Yankees?" he asked.