The meeting was proceeding with its business, though the orators had finished their speeches. A Union farmer was telling about one of his neighbors who had been threatened by the ruffians, as the Secessionists had come to be generally called by this time. He was quite earnest in his plea that something should be done to protect men who stood by the government.
The two colonels were interested, and they had moved forward where they could hear the farmer, who spoke in a low tone; and no one inside was aware of what was transpiring in the lobby, so that the boys were practically alone.
"We can't let you in, Uncle Titus, and we don't want to shoot you," interposed Artie. "I will call Colonel Cosgrove, and you can make your request to him;" and he went to the place where the colonel was standing.
"But I am going in," persisted Titus Lyon, attempting to push Deck aside.
"You can't go in!" said Deck, as he crowded his uncle back from the entrance. "Wait a moment, and you can tell Colonel Cosgrove what you want!"
"I don't want anything of Colonel Cosgrove; he is worse than your father," replied the applicant.
"Good-evening, Mr. Lyon," said the Kentuckian, presenting himself at the door at this moment.
"I have something to say to this meeting, Colonel, which it is important for the meeting to hear," added Titus.
"Come right in and say it, Mr. Lyon," replied the colonel, to the astonishment of the young guardians of the portal.
He was as polite as a Kentucky gentleman generally is; and he took the arm of the applicant, and marched with him to the space behind the desks, where he halted till the former had finished his remarks. Noah Lyon was taken "all back" by the appearance of his brother escorted by the most influential Kentuckian in the county. The entire audience turned and stared at the unexpected guest.