The weather, after a day or two of
coolness, had grown intensely hot again, and the noon sun poured down
upon them sheaves of fiery rays. Dick looked back, and he saw once more
that vast billowing cloud of dust made by the marching army. But in
front he saw only quiet and peace, save for a few distant horsemen who
seemed to be riding at random.
"There's a little town called Sharpsburg in the peninsula formed by
the Potomac and the Antietam," said Shepard, who stayed with them, his
immediate work done, "and the Potomac being very low, owing to the dry
season, there is one ford by which Lee can cross and go back to Virginia.
But he isn't going to cross without a battle, that's sure. The rebels
are flushed with victory, they think they have the greatest leaders ever
born and they believe, despite the disparity of numbers, that they can
beat us."
"And I believe they can't," said Dick.
"If it were not for that lost day we'd have 'em beaten now," said Shepard,
"and we'd be marching against Jackson."
The regiment in its swift advance now came nearer to the Antietam,
the narrow but deep creek between its high banks.
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