For fifteen minutes the combat continued with great fury, amid
the pines; the air was filled with quick spirts of flame, with the
clash of sabres, with loud cheers and cries; then the wave of Federal
horsemen surged back toward the Rowanty; the Confederates pressed them,
with cheer; and the affair terminated in a headlong pursuit.
Tom and myself had gotten into the _melee_ early in the action, and my
feather had been cut out of my hat by a sabre stroke which a big blue
worthy aimed at me. This was my only accident, however. In fifteen
minutes I had the pleasure of seeing our friends run.
I followed with the rest, for about a mile. Then I drew rein, and
turned back--my horse was completely exhausted. I slowly returned
toward Dinwiddie Court-House; hesitated for a moment whether I would
lodge at the tavern; shook my head in a manner not complimentary to the
hostelry; and set out to spend the night at "Five Forks."
I did not know, until some days afterward, that a serious accident had
happened to the worthy Mr. Alibi, guide and friend of General Darke.
He had been struck by a bullet in the fight; had flapped his wings;
cackled; tumbled from his horse; and expired.
Nighthawk's visit thus went for nothing.
Mr. Alibi was dead.
XV.
FROM FIVE FORKS TO PETERSBURG.
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