Bart, seeing you are fairly beat in this business, let's work along
over into the road against the house, and see what comes of it."

Scarcely had Bart gained his proposed situation in a nook of the
fence, before the major, followed by his son, came bustling out into
the yard.

"Jock!" he said, hastily turning to his son, "you run to the barn, and
saddle and bring out my horse, while I slip over to Captain Barney's.
But who have we here?" he added, espying and approaching Bart. "Who
are you, friend?"

"Well, you may call me any thing but a tory and I won't complain, major."

"That's right. O, I believe I know you now--the comical chap I have
seen with Woodburn, at Warner's encampment All right. Glad you happen
here just at this time--we have business on hand."

"I know it."

"Know it! how? You didn't come with my sister?"

"No; after her; but got at the wrinkle about the gang down yonder
before she did; and am now on my way to the council, or the camp, with
the news."

"That I propose to do myself. I have a fleet horse, and it will be
best I should go with the news myself. Besides, I wish to put you,
with the few others I can raise hereabouts, on the track at once. You
shall lose nothing by it; so turn in here, and go with me."