dead men.

While they slept consternation was spreading in the North. Lincoln, ever
hopeful and never yielding, had believed that Jackson was in disorderly
flight up the valley, and so had his Secretary of War, Stanton. The fact
that this fleeing force had turned suddenly and beaten both Fremont and
Shields, each of whom had superior forces, was unbelievable, but it was
true.

But Lincoln and the North recalled their courage and turned hopeful eyes
toward McClellan.

CHAPTER XV. THE SEVEN DAYS

Harry did not awaken until late the next morning. Jackson, for once,
allowed his soldiers a long rest, and they were entitled to it. When he
rose from his blankets, he found fires burning, and the pleasant odor
of coffee, bacon and other food came to his nostrils. Many wounded were
stretched on blankets, but, as usual, they were stoics, and made no
complaint.

The army, in truth, was joyous, even more, it was exultant. Every one
had the feeling that he had shared in mighty triumphs, unparalleled
exploits, but they gave the chief credit to their leader, and they spoke
admiringly and affectionately of Old Jack. The whole day was passed
in luxury long unknown to them. They had an abundance of food, mostly
captured, and their rations were not limited.

The Acadian band reappeared and played with as much spirit as ever, and
once more the dark, strong men of Louisiana, clasped in one another's
arms, danced on the grass. Harry sat with St. Clair, Happy Tom and
Dalton and watched them.

"I was taught that dancing was wicked," said Dalton, "but it doesn't
look wicked to me, and I notice that the general doesn't forbid it."

"Wicked!" said St. Clair, "why, after we take Washington, you ought
to come down to Charleston and see us dance then. It's good instead of
wicked. It's more than that. It's a thing of beauty, a grace, a joy,
almost a rite."

"All that Arthur says is true," said Happy Tom. "I'm a Sea Islander
myself, but we go over to Charleston in the winter. Still, I think
you'll have to do without me at those dances, Arthur. I shall probably
be kept for some time in the North, acting as proconsul for Pennsylvania
or Massachusetts."

"Which way do you think we are going from here, Harry?" asked St. Clair.
"I don't think it's possible for General Jackson to stay longer than
twenty-four hours in one place, and I know that he always goes to you
for instructions before he makes any movement."

"That's so. He spoke t