They showed little fight, however, and were driven beyond
the place. The gray troopers pursued them with shouts and cheers--with
which were mingled cries of rejoicing from the people of Middleburg.
An hour afterward the lines were re-established in triumph.
Stuart returned to his former head-quarters amid a drenching rain; and
this recalls an incident very honorable to the brave soldier. As night
descended, dark and stormy, Stuart gazed gloomily at the torrents of
rain falling.
"My poor fellows!" he said, with a sigh, "they will have a hard time
to-night."
Then suddenly turning to his servant, he added:--
"Spread my oil-cloth and blankets under that apple tree yonder. I will
keep them dry enough when I once get into them."[1]
[Footnote 1: His words.]
"You are not going to sleep out on such a night, general!" exclaimed a
staff officer.
"Certainly I am," was his reply, "I don't intend to fare better than my
men!"[1]
[Footnote 1: His words.]
And an hour afterward Stuart was asleep under the apple tree, with a
torrent pouring on him.
That was the act of a good officer and soldier, was it not, reader?
Before sunrise Stuart was up, and walking uneasily to and fro. As the
day wore on, he exhibited more and more impatience. All at once, at the
appearance of an officer, approaching rapidly from the front, he
uttered an exclamation of pleasure.
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