In a
moment the guns were rushing on at a gallop, and, as I rode beside
them, I saw a crimson glare shoot up above the woods, in the direction
of the Weldon railroad. The firing had meanwhile grown heavier, and the
guns were rushed onward. Will Davenant's whole appearance had
completely changed. The youth, so retiring in camp, so cool in a hot
fight, seemed burnt up with impatience, at the delay caused by the
terrible roads. His voice had become hoarse and imperious; he was
everywhere urging on the drivers; when the horses stalled in the
fathomless mudholes, he would strike the animals, in a sort of rage,
with the flat of his sabre, forcing them with a leap which made the
traces crack, to drag the piece out of the hole, and onward. A glance
told me, then, what was the secret of this mere boy's splendid
efficiency. Under the shy, blushing face, was the passion and will of
the born soldier--the beardless boy had become the master mind, and
drove on every thing by his stern will.
In spite of every exertion to overcome the obstacles in the roads, it
was nearly sunrise before we reached open ground. Then we emerged upon
the upland, near "Disaway's," and saw a picturesque spectacle. From the
hill, we could make out every thing. A hot cavalry fight was going on
beneath us.
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