He knew how the Southerners fought,
and here more so than anywhere else, it would be brother against brother.
This state was divided more than any other, and, however the battle went,
kindred would meet kindred. Colonel Kenton, Dick's uncle, a man whom he
liked and admired, was undoubtedly across those ridges, and they might
meet face to face in the coming battle.
It was far into the morning now and the colonel did not sleep again.
He saw the messengers leaving the tent of General McCook, and he knew
that the commander of the division was active. Just what success he
would have would remain for the morrow to say. The colonel saw the dawn
come. The dry fields and forests reddened with the rising sun, and then
the army rose up from its sleep. The cooks had already prepared coffee
and food.
"Show me the enemy," said Pennington fiercely, "and as soon as I finish
this cup of coffee, I'll go over and give him the thrashing he needs."
"He's just across those ridges, sir, and on the banks of the far creek,"
said Sergeant Whitley.
"How do you know?"
"I made a call on him last night.
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