t soon proved that they read their general's mind
aright.

It was the last day of March when Lee suddenly gave the order for his
gaunt veterans to advance, and they obeyed without faltering. The rains
had ceased, a bright sun was shining, and the Southern trumpets sang the
charge as bravely as at the Second Manassas or Chancellorsville. They
had only two thousand cavalry on their flank, under Fitz Lee, but the
veteran infantry advanced with steadiness and precision. Colonel
Leonidas Talbot and Lieutenant Colonel Hector St. Hilaire were on foot
now, having lost their horses long since, but, waving their small swords,
they walked dauntlessly at the head of their little regiment, St. Clair
and Langdon, a bit farther back, showing equal courage.

The speed of the Southern charge increased and they were met at first by
only a scattering fire. The Northern generals, not expecting Lee to move
out of his works, were surprised. Before they could take the proper
precautions Lee was upon them and once more the rebel yell that had
swelled in victory on so many fields rang out in triumph. The front
lines of the men in blue were driven in, then whole brigades were thrown
back, and Harry felt a wild thrill of delight when he beheld success
where success had not seemed possible.

He saw near him the Invincibles charging home, and the two colonels still
waving their swords as they led them, and he saw also the worn faces
of the veterans about him suffused once more with the fire of battle.
He watched with glowing eyes as the fierce charge drove the Northern
masses back farther and farther.

But the Union leaders, though taken by surprise, did not permit
themselves and their troops to fall into a panic. They had come too
far and had fought too many battles to lose the prize at the very last
moment. Their own trumpets sounded on a long line, calling back the
regiments and brigades. Although the South had gained much ground Harry
saw that the resistance was hardening rapidly. Grant and Sheridan were
pouring in their masses. Heavy columns of infantry gathered in their
front, and Sheridan's numerous and powerful cavalry began to cut away
their flanks. The Southern advance became slow and then ceased entirely.

Harry felt again that dreadful sinking of the heart. Leadership, valor
and sacrifice were of no avail, when they were faced by leadership,
valor and sacrifice also added to overwhelming numbers.

The battle was long