The minister was saying something that Harry did not catch, but he believed that they were arguing some disputed point of Presbyterian doctrine.
When Jackson saw Harry he closed the book instantly, and put it on the shelf.

He had seen in the eyes of his aide that he was coming with no common message.
"Captain Sherburne is in the hall, sir," said the boy.

"He has come back from the scout toward Romney." "Bring him in." The minister quietly slipped out, as Sherburne entered, but Jackson bade Harry remain, saying that he might have orders for him to carry.
"What have you to tell me, Captain Sherburne ?" asked Jackson.
"We saw the patrols of the enemy, and we took two prisoners.

We learned that McClellan's army is showing signs of moving, and we saw with our own eyes that Banks and Shields are preparing for the same.

They threaten us here in Winchester." "What force do you think Banks has ?" "He must have forty thousand men." "A good guess.