Pushing on over the White Oak road, I turned southward at Five Forks,
and riding on toward Judge Conway's, had just reached the road coming
in from Dinwiddie Court-House, when I heard a cavalier approaching from
that quarter, at a rapid gallop.
He was darting by, toward Five Forks, when by the starlight I
recognized Mohun.
"Halt!" I shouted.
He knew my voice, and drew rein with an exclamation of pleasure.
"Thanks, my dear old friend," he said, grasping my hand. "I knew you
would not fail me."
"Your wedding will take place, Mohun?"
"Yes, battle or no battle."
"You are right. Life is uncertain. You will hear cannon instead of
marriage-bells probably, at your nuptials--but that will be inspiring.
What is the news from the Court-House?"
"Our infantry is falling back."
"The condition of the roads stopped them?"
"Yes, it was impossible to get on; and they have been recalled by order
of General Lee. Listen! There is the column coming--they are falling
back to Five Forks, a mile north of Judge Conway's."
In fact, as we rode on now, I heard the muffled tramp of a column, and
the rattle of artillery chains in the woods.
"The enemy will follow, I suppose?"
"Not before morning, I hope."
I smiled.
"Meanwhile you are making good use of the time to get married.
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