What I felt at that instant I can not describe. Something seemed to
choke me. I groaned aloud, and turned toward the cavalry.
At fifty paces from me I saw Mordaunt, surrounded by his officers and
men.
His swarthy face glowed--his eyes blazed. Near him, General Fitzhugh
Lee--with Tom Herbert, and some other members of his staff--was sitting
his horse, pale and silent.
"What will you do, general?" said Mordaunt, saluting with drawn sabre.
Fitzhugh Lee uttered a groan.
"I don't wish to be included in the surrender," he said. "Come, let's
go. General Lee no longer requires my poor services!"[1]
[Footnote 1: His words.]
Mordaunt saluted again, as General Lee and his staff officers turned
away.
"We'll go out sword in hand!" Mordaunt said. "Let who will, follow me!"
A wild cheer greeted the words. The men formed column and charged.
As they moved, a second cheer was heard at fifty paces from us. I
turned my head, and saw Mohun, in front of about fifty cavalrymen,
among whom I recognized Nighthawk.
In an instant I was at Mohun's side.
"You are going to charge!" I said.
"And die, Surry! A gentleman gives his word but once!"
And, following Mordaunt with long leaps, Mohun and his horsemen burst
upon the enemy.
Then was presented a spectacle which made the two armies hold their
breath.
Pages:
670
671
672
673
674
675
676
677
678
679
680
681
682
683
684
685
686
687
688
689
690
691
692
693
694