A gentleman dressed in a black coat with a standing collar to it, encircled with a belt, in which was secured a pair of navy revolvers, entered the tent, out of breath with excitement of running.
"The Rev. Mr. Elbroon, Major Lyon, one of our Home Guard," said the colonel as soon as the clergyman appeared at the entrance.
There was nothing clerical in his appearance except the standing collar of his coat; and the revolvers especially belied his profession.
"The Lord be praised for his great mercy!" exclaimed the minister, as soon as he could get breath for utterance.
"What is the matter, Joseph?" asked the magnate of Greeltop very familiarly.
"The guerillas are coming!" exclaimed the reverend gentleman.
"Where are they?" asked the colonel, as coolly as though he had been in command of a regiment for years.
"They are coming down by the mountain road back of your mansion!" gasped Mr. Elbroon, who was evidently very much alarmed, and could hardly speak in his fatigue and excitement.
"Sentinel!" called the major sharply.
The man appeared at once.