ll,
but the sharpshooter disappeared.

In another moment the major was beside the captain and orders were given
for the sharpshooters to charge toward the island, which they did with
vigor. In the meantime, Deck fell back to where the battalion lay.

"I have received orders to form on the road facing the stream," said
Colonel Lyon. "Something is coming this way besides the Confederate
infantry. The enemy is retreating."

Without delay, the three battalions minus half of Captain Knox's company
and half of Ripley's sharpshooters, were faced about according to the
order. They had hardly taken positions favorable to each, when the
outposts came running in.

"Three regiments of infantry and a part of a battery!" was the
announcement. "They are coming along as though they were followed by
the Old Nick himself!"

Colonel Lyon looked at Deck, his first major.

"We must meet them, and stop them--such are my orders, my son."

"As far as the first battalion is able, the orders shall be carried out,
Colonel," replied the son, with a true military salute.

Majors Belthorpe and Truman were also called up, and told what had to be
done, and the various captains were also instructed.

Hardly was this over, than a company and a half of infantry appeared,
running at more than double-quick, over rocks and brush, some armed and
some unarmed, and more without knapsacks than with them. They were
followed by what seemed to be remnants of several other companies.

"Halt! I command you to halt, you cowards!" yelled a frenzied major of
the Confederates. "What are you running for?"

"Ain't got no more ammunition!" called back a soldier, almost
breathlessly. "Where's the ammunition they said was around here?"

"It is not far away. I say halt! Halt! Halt! and you shall have
ammunition! Halt!" stormed the Confederate officer, but without avail,
for a panic is a panic, and hard to subdue, even among those who are
naturally the bravest of soldiers.

"They are coming like sheep!" exclaimed Deck. "First company, take
aim--fire! Second company forward!" And around swung the battalion, one
company after another delivering such an effective fire that the enemy
stopped in a state bordering on total despair. Then half a dozen
companies appeared which were not so panic-stricken. A cannon, dragged
by eight struggling and almost exhausted horses, followed; and then came
more infantry, until the woods seemed alive with them.

"We are in for the g