we're going to win or lose here," he said to Warner.

"Looks like it," replied the Vermonter, "but I think you can put your
money on the cavalry today. It's Sheridan's great striking arm."

"It'll have to strike with all its might, that's sure," said Dick.

He did not know that the force in front of him was commanded by a general
from his own state, Breckinridge, once Vice-President of the United
States and also high in the councils of the Confederacy. Breckinridge
was inspiring his command with the utmost vigor and already his heavy
guns were sweeping the front of the Union cavalry, while the riflemen
stood ready for the charge.

The great mass of Northern horsemen were eager and impatient. A thrill
of anticipation seemed to run through them, as if through one body,
and when the final command was given they swept forward in a mighty,
irresistible line. In Dick's mind then anticipation became knowledge.
He was as sure as he was of his own name that they were going to win.

Again he was knee to knee with Warner and Pennington, and with these good
comrades on his right and left he rode into the Southern fire, among the
shell and shrapnel and grapeshot and bullets that had swept so often
around him. In spite of the most desperate courage, the Southern troops
gave way before the terrific onset--they had to give ground or they would
have been trampled under the feet of the horses. Cannon and many rifles
were taken, and the whole Confederate division was driven in disorder
down the road.

Warner's stern calm was broken, and he shouted in delight "We win!
We win!" Then Dick and Pennington shouted with him: "We win! We win!"
and as the smoke of their own battle lifted they saw that the Union army
elsewhere was triumphant also. Sheridan along his whole line was forcing
the enemy back toward Winchester, raking him with his heavy guns, and
sending charge after charge of cavalry against him. Unable to withstand
the weight hurled upon them the Southern troops gave ground at an
increased rate.

Yet Early and his veterans never showed greater courage than on that day.
His brave officers were everywhere, checking the fugitives and, his best
division turning a front of steel to the enemy, covered the retreat.
Neither infantry nor cavalry could break it, although every man in the
Southern command knew that the battle was lost. Yet they were resolved
that it should not become a rout, and though many were falling before t