"You have named them well, my friend," added the major with a laugh. "Do you know where there are any of them?"
"No, sir; they are like flies, and don't make nests anywhere. I reckon Colonel Coffee wants to speak to you, sir; for I suppose you are an officer of this company," added the man, who retired at the approach of the great man of the locality.
The magnate of the county rode up to the major, and saluted him with courtly grace; and though the latter was not brought up in a drawing-room, he was as polite as the occasion required.
"I am exceedingly happy to see that flag hoisted over a body of military in this county," said the colonel, with a cheerful smile, as he pointed with his riding-whip at the emblem of the Union.
"I am very glad to be where there are those who appreciate the flag," added the major.
"I am only sorry that you will find so few of them in this neighborhood," returned the dignified Kentuckian. "We are threatened by roving bands of plunderers to the east and south of us, and for the last week I have expected to walk away from my place by the light of my burning house. I live in that one on the side of the hill."
"I hope we shall be able to put an end to this state of affairs at once, Colonel Coffee," replied the major.
"You know my name," said the magnate with a smile.
"I asked it of that negro."
"He is the village barber, and a very intelligent man. May I ask whom I have the honor to address?" inquired the colonel.