It was very dark now and the wood was moaning, but the columns
of air came directly from the wood, bearing clearly upon their crest the
noises made by regiments.
"You're right, Dick," said Colonel Winchester, bitter mortification
showing in his tone. "They're there, and they're on our side of the
river. Oh, we might have known it! They say that Stonewall Jackson
never sleeps, and they make no mistake, when they call his infantry foot
cavalry!"
Dick was silent. He shared his leader's intense disappointment, but he
knew that it was not for him to speak at this moment.
"Mr. Shattuck," said Colonel Winchester, "how near do you think we can
approach without being seen?"
"I know a neck of woods leading within a hundred yards of the cottages.
If we was to leave our horses here with a couple of men we could slip
down among the trees and bushes, and there ain't one chance in ten that
we'd be seen on so dark a night."
"Then you lead us. Pawley, you and Woodfall hold the horses. Now follow
softly, lads! All of you have hunted the 'coon and 'possum at night,
and you should know how to step without making noise.
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