saw our advance has come back, and, whoever it was, he was thoroughly
familiar with the house. He couldn't have been a servant. Servants
don't leave taunts of that kind. It must have been somebody who felt our
coming deeply, and if it had been an elderly man he would have waited for
action, he wouldn't have used saucy words. So, sir, I think it must have
been a boy. Just like Pennington there, for instance."

"Good, George, go on with your reasonings."

"As surely, sir, as z plus y equals the total of the two, the one who put
up the placard was a son of the owner. He alone would feel deeply enough
to take so great a risk. The conditions absolutely demand that the owner
has such a son and that he has done it."

"Very good, George. I think you're right, and this youth in giving way
to a natural burst of anger, although he did not mean to do so, has
posted up for us a warning. A lad of his spirit would go in search
of Forrest, and we cannot forget our experience with that general in
Tennessee. Now, boys, we'll make ready for the night, which is not far
away."

The house was built for a Southern climate, although Dick had learned
that it could be cold enough in Central Mississippi in midwinter.
But it was spring now and they opened all the doors and windows, letting
the pleasant air rush through the musty house.

"It may rain," said Colonel Winchester, "and the officers will sleep
inside. The men will spread their blankets on the piazzas, and the
horses will be tethered in the grounds. I hate to see the flowers and
grass trodden down, but nature will restore them."