Then, with a crash, three horsemen leaped the low fence, riding recklessly toward us.

I seemed to see the gray-clad figures through a strange mist, which gradually cleared as they came to a sharp halt.

The one in advance was a gaunt, unshaven sergeant, lifting a hand in perfunctory salute, and glancing curiously at my uniform.
"Mornin', gentlemen," he said briefly.

"Is this the Hardy house--Johnston's headquarters ?" The major answered, and I noticed now he had Le Gaire gripped by the arm.
"This is the Hardy house, and I am Major Hardy, but Johnston is not here.

Who are you ?" "Couriers from Chambers' column, sir.