“Look out, boys,” he shouted, with a fierce oath, “they've got guards out!” He flung back one hand to his holster for a pistol, while the other reached for the powder flask at his belt. He primed the pan, and, seeing me immovable, set his horse forward at an amble, his pistol at the cock.
“Who in hell are you?” he cried.
“A traveller from Virginia,” I answered.
“And what are you doing here?” he demanded, with another oath.
“I have just this moment come here,” said I, as calmly as I might. “I lost the trail in the darkness.”
He glared at me, purpling, perplexed.
“Is Sevier there?” said he, pointing at the house.
“I don't know,” said I.
Tipton turned to his men, who were listening.
“Surround the house,” he cried, “and watch this fellow.”