Then he knew beyond all shadow of doubt. It was Harry and
he surmised that the other two were his comrades, St. Clair and Langdon,
whom he had met when they were burying the dead.
Dick was so sodden and cold and wretched that he was tempted to call out
to them--the sight of Harry was like a light in the darkness--but the
temptation was gone in an instant. His way lay in another direction.
What they wished he did not wish, and while they fought for the triumph
of the South it was his business to endure and struggle on that he might
do his own little part for the Union.
But despite the storm and his sufferings, he drew courage from nature
itself. While a portion of the Southern army was across it must be a
minor portion, and certainly the major part could not span such a flood
and attack. The storm and time allied were now fighting for Pope.
He wandered away a little into the open fields in order to find easier
going, but he came back presently to the forest lining the bank of the
river, for fear he should lose his direction. The yellow torrent of the
Rappahannock was now his only sure guide and he stuck to it.
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