d spirit.

But the battle still swayed back and forth. Hertford and his cavalry
were thrown off, merely to return anew to the charge. A portion of
the Northern force was driven back on the creek. The strong Southern
batteries poured forth death. Dick felt that they might yet lose, but
they suddenly heard a tremendous cheer, and a fresh force coming up
at the double quick enabled them to sweep the field. Before sunset the
Southern army retreated toward Jackson, leaving the field to the men in
blue.

Dick dismounted and, examining himself carefully, found that he had
suffered no wound. Colonel Hertford and the sergeant had also taken no
hurt. But the lad and his elder comrade secured but little rest. They
were bidden to ride across the country at once to General Sherman with
the news of the victory. Sherman was at the head of another column, and
Grant was farther away with the main body.

Dick and the sergeant, with the battle smoke still in their eyes, were
eager for the service.

"When you're with Grant you don't stay idle, that's certain," said Dick
as they rode across the darkening fields.

"No, you don't," said the sergeant, "and I'm thinking that we've just
begun. I know from the feel of it that big things are going to happen
fast. Sheer away from the woods there, Mr. Mason. We don't want to be
picked off by sharpshooters."

They arrived after dark in Sherman's camp and he received them himself.
Dick remembered how he had seen this thin, dry man holding fast with his
command at Shiloh, and he saluted him with the deepest respect. He knew
that here was a bold and tenacious spirit, kin to that of Grant. Sherman
had heard already of the battle, but he wished more and definite news.

"You say that our victory was complete?" he asked tersely.

"It was, sir," replied Dick. "The entire force of the enemy retired
rapidly toward Jackson, and our men are eager to advance on that city."

"It would be a great stroke to take the capital of Mississippi," said
Sherman musingly. Then he added in his crisp manner:

"Are you tired?"

"Not if you wish me to do anything," replied Dick quickly.

Sherman smiled.

"The right spirit," he said. "I wish you and your comrade to ride at
once with this news to General Grant. He may hear it from other sources,
but I want to send a letter by you."

In ten minutes Dick and the sergeant were riding proudly away on another
mission, and, passing through all the dangers of Southern sc