"Lieutenant Harry Kenton of the Invincibles, one of Stonewall Jackson's
best regiments, has seen them. You know him; he was here yesterday."

As he spoke, Captain Sherburne sprang from his horse and pointed to Harry.

"You remember me, Captain McGee," said Harry. "I stopped with you a
minute yesterday. I rode on a scouting expedition, and I have seen the
Union force myself. It outnumbers us at least two to one, but we'll have
the advantage of the defense."

"Yes, I know you," said McGee, his heavy and strong, but not very
intelligent face, brightening a little. "But it's a great responsibility
I've got here. We ought to have had more troops to defend such valuable
stores. I've got two hundred men, captain, and I should say that you've
about the same."

It was then that Captain Philip Sherburne showed his knightly character,
speaking words that made Harry's admiration of him immense.

"I haven't any men, Captain McGee," he said, "but you have four hundred,
and I'll help my commander as much as I can."

McGee's eyes gleamed. Harry saw that while not of alert mind he was
nevertheless a gentleman.

"We work together, Captain Sherburne," he said gratefully, "and I thank
God you've come. What splendid men you have!"

Captain Sherburne's eyes gleamed also. This troop of his was his pride,