It was painted white, except the shutters which were green, and a brick walk led to a portico, with fine and lofty columns.

There was nobody outside, but as the shutters were open it was probable that someone was inside.
Dick disliked to force an entrance at such a place, but he had been sent out to protect the flank and he could not let a rifleman lie hidden there, merely to resume his deadly business as soon as they passed on.

They pushed the gate open and rode upon the lawn, an act of vandalism that he regretted, but could not help.

They reached the door without any apparent notice being taken of them, and as the detachments were approaching from the other sides, Dick dismounted and knocked loudly.
Receiving no answer, he bade all the others dismount.
"Curley, you hold the horses," he said, "and Dixon, you tell the men in the other detachments to seize anybody trying to escape.

Sergeant, you and I and the others will enter the house.