exertions? The sun,
rising higher, poured down a flood of golden beams, driving the mists
from the mountains and disclosing the plain and slopes below wrapped in
fire, shot through with the gleam of steel from the bayonets.

Tyler, who commanded the Northern vanguard, proved himself here, as at
Kernstown, a brave and worthy foe. He, too, had eyes to see and a brain
to think. Seeing that his Ohio and West Virginia men were standing fast
against every attack made by Winder, he hurried fresh troops to their
aid that they might attack in return.

The battle thickened fast. At the point of contact along the slopes and
in the woods, there was a continued roar of cannon and rifles. Enemies
came face to face, and the men of Jackson, victorious on so many fields,
were slowly pressed back. A shout of triumph rose from the Union lines,
and the eager Tyler brought yet more troops into action. Two of Ewell's
battalions heard the thunder of the battle and rushed of their own
accord to the relief of their commander. But they were unable to stem
the fury of Ohio and West Virginia, and they were borne back with the
others, hearing as it roared in their ears that cry of victory from
their foe, which they had so often compelled that foe himself to hear.

But it was more bitter to none than to Harry. Sitting on his horse in
the rear he saw in the blazing sunlight everything that passed. He saw
for the first time in many days the men in gray yielding. The incredible
was happening. After beating Fremont, after all their superb tactics,
they were now losing to Shields.

He looked at Jackson, hoping to receive some order that would take him
into action, but the general said nothing. He was watching the battle
and his face was inscrutable. Harry wondered how he could preserve
his calm, while his troops were being beaten in front, and the army
of Fremont might thunder at any moment on his flank or rear. Truly the
nerves that could remain steady in such moments must be made of steel
triply wrought.

The Northern army, stronger and more resolute than ever, was coming
on, a long blue line crested with bayonets. The Northern cannon, posted
well, and served with coolness and precision, swept the Southern ranks.
The men in gray retreated faster and some of their guns were taken.
The Union troops charged upon them more fiercely than ever, and the
regiments threatened to fall into a panic.

Then Jackson, shouting to his staff to follow, spurred fo