Although he was a little dazed, Dick had a good idea of direction and
he plunged through the mud which was now growing deep toward the little
ravine in which they had hitched their horses. All were gone, including
his own mount, and he had no doubt that the horse had broken or slipped
the bridle in the darkness and followed the others.
He stood a while behind the trunk of a great tree, trying to shelter
himself a little from the rain, and listened. But he could hear neither
his friends leaving nor any foes approaching. The storm was of uncommon
fury. He had never seen one fiercer, and knowing that he had little to
dread from the Southerners while it raged he knew also that he must make
his way on foot, and as best he could, to his own people.
Making a calculation of the direction and remembering that one might
wander in a curve in the darkness, he set off down the stream. He meant
to keep close to the banks of the Rappahannock, and if he persisted he
would surely come in time to Pope's army. The rain did not abate.
Both armies were flooded that night, but they could find some measure of
protection.
Pages:
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120