We ran to our horses--and I think I heard something
like a kiss, in the shadow of the porch, as Tom and Katy parted.
We galloped into the woods, following a course parallel to that taken
by the enemy's cavalry, and keeping as close to it as was safe.
"A sudden parting between yourself and Katy, Tom!" I said, as we
galloped on. "A touching spectacle! When will you be married?"
"In a week or two--to answer seriously, old fellow," responded Tom.
"Is it possible!"
"Even so, my boy."
"Here, at Disaways?"
"No, in Richmond. Katy's family are refugees there, now; and I was
going to escort her to Petersburg to-morrow, but for these rascals--and
I will do it, yet."
"Good! I hope the way will be clear then! Let us go on. There is no
time to lose in order to warn General Fitz!"
We pushed on, following bridle-paths, and making toward Dinwiddie
Court-House. Half an hour thus passed, and we were near the Roney's
Bridge road, when, suddenly, the whole forest on our right blazed with
shots. Loud shouts accompanied the firing. The woods crackled as
horsemen rushed through them. An obstinate fight was going on in the
darkness, between the Federal and Confederate cavalry.
Plainly, the Confederates had not been surprised, and the dash and vim
with which they met the Federal onset, seemed to dishearten their
enemies.
Pages:
603
604
605
606
607
608
609
610
611
612
613
614
615
616
617
618
619
620
621
622
623
624
625
626
627