"Major Lyon, in command of a squadron of United States cavalry," replied the officer.
"I am very glad to see you, Major, personally, and especially to see you at Greeltop; for we are greatly in need of efficient protection," returned the colonel. "I have heard all about you before."
"I am equally happy to meet you, Colonel Coffee; for I am at present in urgent need of full information in regard to the condition of affairs in this section."
"I shall be pleased to have you dine with me, and we can talk over matters at our leisure in my library."
Major Lyon excused himself from the dinner, and invited the colonel to his tent, which had been set up by this time.
CHAPTER XXX
THE MAGNATE OF GREELTOP'S VISIT
The cavalrymen had been duly drilled in all the details of forming a camp; and in a short time the tents were pitched, the pickets set up for the horses, and the cooks were busy in preparing supper. The headquarters tent was the first to be arranged, as soon as the major had indicated its location. Colonel Coffee was invited to take a camp-stool; for they do not have sofas and armchairs in a camp.