sed. That column of dust miles long was at the same distance in
front, continuing in its slow course for the river, but the foes in
contact were having plenty of dust showers of their own. Dick's throat
and mouth burned with the dust and heat of the pitiless August day, and
his bones ached with the tension and the long hours in the saddle. But
his spirit was high. They were holding off the Southern cavalry and he
felt that they would continue to do so.

About noon he ate more cold food, and then rode on, while the sun blazed
and blazed and the dust whirled in clouds like the "dust devils" of the
desert, continually spitting forth bullets instead of sand. Late in
the afternoon he heard the sound of many trumpets, and saw the Southern
cavalry getting together in a great mass. A warning ran instantly
among the Union troops and the horsemen in blue and one or two infantry
regiments drew closer together.

"They're going to charge in force," said Colonel Winchester to Dick.
"See, our rearguard has lost touch with our main army, leaving a side
opening between. They see this chance and intend to make the most of
it."

"But our men are willing and anxious to meet them," said Dick. "You can
see it in their faces."

He had made no mistake, as the fire in their rear deepened, and they
saw the gathering squadrons of gray cavalry, a fierce anger seized the
retreating Union rearguard. Those wasps had been buzzing and stinging
them all day long and they had had enough of it. They could fight, and
they would, if their officers would let them. Now it seemed that the
officers were willing.

A deep and menacing mutter of satisfaction ran along the whole line.
They would show the Southerners what kind of men they were. Colonel
Winchester drew his infantry regiment into a small wood which at that
point skirted the road.

"There is no doubt that we've found it at the right time," said Warner.

Both knew that the forest would protect the infantry from the fierce
charges of the Southern cavalry, while proving no obstacle to the
Northern defense. His own cavalry was gathering in the road ready to
meet Jeb Stuart and his squadrons.

The three boys sat on their horses within the covering of the trees,
and watched eagerly, while the hostile forces massed for battle. The
Southern cavalry was supported by infantry also on its flanks, and once
again Dick caught sight of Jeb Stuart with his floating plume. But that
time he was too far away fo