o such a high
achievement, was driven back with a rush, and a Southern battery
appearing on its flank, swept it with shell as it retreated. So heavy
was the Southern attack, that the infantry also were driven back and
their guns taken. The entire vanguard was routed, and as it received no
support, even Harry and Dalton knew that the main army under Shields had
not yet come up.

"That was the closest shave I ever saw," said Dalton. "So it was," said
Harry. "But just listen to that noise behind you!"

A tremendous roar and crash told them that the battle between Ewell and
Fremont had opened. Jackson beckoned to Harry, Dalton and the members
of his staff who had reassembled. The three, who were captured,
subsequently escaped in the confusion and turmoil and rejoined their
general. Setting a powerful force to guard the bridge, Jackson said to
his staff:

"While we are waiting for Shields to come up with his army, we'll ride
over and see how the affair between Ewell and Fremont is coming on."

The roar and crash told them it was coming on with great violence, but
Fremont, so strong in pursuit was not so strong in action. Now that he
was face to face with the enemy, he did not attack with all his might.
He hesitated, not from personal fear, but from fear on account of his
army. The whole force of Jackson might be in front of him, and the
apprehensions that he did not feel in pursuit assailed him when he
looked at the ridge covered with the enemy.

Harry and Dalton watched with breathless interest. A portion of
Fremont's army, but not all of it, just when it was needed most, was
sent to the charge. Led by the pickets and skirmishers they came forward
gallantly, a long line of glittering bayonets. In the thick woods on
their flank lay three Southern regiments, ambushed and not yet stirring.
No sunlight penetrated there to show their danger to the soldiers who
were breasting the slope.

Harry foresaw all, and he drew a long breath for brave men who were
marching to a certain fate.

"Why don't they look! Why don't they look!" he found himself exclaiming.

The next instant the entire wood burst into flame. Picking their aim and
firing at short range, the Southern riflemen sent sheet after sheet of
bullets into the charging ranks. It was more than human blood and flesh
could stand, and the Northern regiments gave way. But it was not a rout.
They retreated on their reserves, and stood there recovering themselves,
while the