"They won't!" he answered sharply.
"I think they will, sir. They shot an unarmed negro porter at the depot and murdered the Mayor to-day as he was passing through the streets. They are expecting reinforcements at any minute."
"The militia are ready for duty?"
"Some are. Some are drinking."
Lee turned to Lieutenant Green.
"Close every barroom in town."
Green saluted.
"At once, sir."
Green turned to execute the order. The only problem that gave Lee concern was the use the invaders might make of the prisoners they held. That they would not hesitate to expose them to death as a protection to their own lives he couldn't doubt. Men who would dare the crime of raising a slave insurrection would not hesitate to violate the code of military honor.
He saw Stuart was restless. There was something on his mind. He half guessed the trouble and paused.