rise of the moon, he found General Jackson standing upon the bank
of the river, giving minute directions to a swarm of officers. His mind
missed nothing. He directed not only the movements of the troops, but he
saw also that the trains of ammunition and food were sent to the proper
points. About half way between midnight and morning he lay down and
slept in a small house near the river bank. Shortly before dawn the
commander of a battery, looking for one of his officers, entered the
house and saw Jackson, dressed for the saddle, sword, boots, spurs and
all, lying on his face upon the bed, asleep. On a small table near him
stood a short piece of tallow candle, sputtering dimly. But the officer
saw that it was Jackson, and he turned on tiptoe to withdraw.

The general awoke instantly, sat up and demanded who was there. When the
officer explained, he said he was glad that he had been awakened, asked
about the disposition of the troops, and gave further commands. He did
not go to sleep again.

But Harry's orders carried him far beyond midnight, and he had no
thought of sleep. Once more repressed but intense excitement had
complete hold of him. He could not have slept had the chance been
given to him. The bulk of the army was now in front of Shields, and
the pickets were not only in touch, but were skirmishing actively. All
through the late hours after midnight Harry heard the flash of their
firing in front of him.

The cavalry under Sherburne and other daring leaders were exchanging
shots with the equally daring cavalry of the enemy.

As the dawn approached the firing was heavier. Harry knew that the day
would witness a great battle, and his heart was filled with anxiety.
The army led by Shields showed signs of greater energy and tenacity than
that led by Fremont. The Northern troops that had fought so fiercely at
Kernstown were there, and they also had leaders who would not be daunted
by doubts and numbers. Harry wondered if they had heard of the defeat of
Fremont at Cross Keys.

He looked at the flashing of the rifles in the dusk, and before dawn
rode back to the house where his commander slept. He was ready and
waiting when Jackson came forth, and Dalton appearing from somewhere in
the dusk, sat silently on his horse by his side.

The general with his staff at once rode toward the front, and the masses
of the Southern army also swung forward. Harry saw that, according to
Jackson's custom, they would attack, not wai