"At once, sir."
He attached his handkerchief to his sword and entered the gate. A loud murmur rose from the crowd of excited people who had pressed close to see the famous commander of the Marines.
Lee turned to the sentinel.
"Push that crowd back."
The crowd had pressed closer, watching Stuart with increasing excitement.
The sentinel clubbed his musket and pressed against the front men savagely.
"Stand back!"
The people slowly retreated. Lee turned to Lieutenant Green.
"Your men are ready for action?"
"They await your orders, sir."