"Then I wish you would order them to this camp, and relieve my men of the duty of guarding our prisoners."
"It shall be done at once. Mr. Elbroon, will you attend to this matter?"
"Certainly. Do you go to Plain Hill, Colonel?" replied the clergyman.
"I desire to look after the safety of my sister and her children."
"And I need the assistance of the colonel to show me the way, and point out the localities in the town," added the major.
Mr. Elbroon mounted his horse, and hastened to the armory of the local force. The first company had formed in the parade. Colonel Coffee had taken a fresh horse while near his residence. The commander and his orderly mounted their horses.
"Lieutenant," said the major, addressing the officer of the camp, "it is remotely possible that this place may be attacked in my absence with the company. If such should be the case, you will make a bonfire on the knoll the other side of the road, and I think we shall be able to see it. Have it ready to light whether it is needed or not."
The horses had been watered and fed, and they were in fair condition, though they had been on the march all day. The commander led off at a smart gallop, and the company kept up with him. Life Knox was in temporary command of the second platoon. The column moved too rapidly for any connected conversation, and in half an hour was approaching Plain Hill.
"What can that mean, Colonel?" asked the major, as they reached the top of a hill, where a brilliant light suddenly flashed upon them. "Can it be that the ruffians are burning the houses."
"Possibly; I don't know: but they have not yet fired Hasbrook's mansion, for I can see it on the top of Plain Hill," replied Colonel Coffee; and his tones indicated the anxiety he felt.