The men were now allowed to lie down, but most of them were still panting
with the heat. The three boys on horseback rode with Colonel Winchester
to the crest of a low hill, just beyond the first creek. From that point
they clearly saw the enemy gathered in battle array along the second
stream. Dick, with his glasses, saw the batteries, and could even mark
the sun-browned faces of the men.
"Has General Buell come?" he asked Colonel Winchester.
"He has not. Not half of our army is here."
The answer was made with emphasis and chagrin. There was a report that
Buell did not intend to attack until the following day, when he would
have his numbers well in hand.
"Under the circumstances," said the colonel, "we have to wait. Better
get off your horses, boys, and hunt the shade."
They rode back and obeyed. It was now getting well along into the
afternoon. Thousands of soldiers lay on the grass in the shadiest places
they could find. Many were asleep. Overhead the sun burned and burned
in a sky of absolute blazing white.
A cannon boomed suddenly and then another.
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