I know Stonewall Jackson, and I saw him with my own eyes. He was there
at the head of thirty thousand men, and we've already lost stores worth
millions and millions. Jeb Stuart was there, too. I saw him. And I saw
Munford, who leads Jackson's cavalry since the death of Turner Ashby.
Oh, they'll find out soon enough that it's Jackson. We're trapped, sir!
I tell you we're trapped, and our own commander-in-chief won't believe
it. Good God, Colonel, the trap has shut down on us and if we get out
of it we've got to be up and doing! This is no time for waiting!"
Colonel Winchester saw from the rapidity and emphasis with which Shepard
spoke that his excitement had increased, but knowing the man's great
devotion to the Union he had no rebuke for his plain speech.
"You have done splendid work, Mr. Shepard," he said, "and the commander-
in-chief will recognize what great risks you have run for the cause.
I've no doubt that the accuracy of your reports will soon be proved."
Colonel Winchester in truth believed every word that Shepard had said,
sinister though they were.
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