hundred feet. The brush was heavy along the road, and the first row of
the Riverlawns, dismounted, were as close up to this natural defence as
possible.

The open space disturbed the Confederate colonel and he hardly knew
whether to trust a rush across it or not. But, finally, he gave the
order, and four of his companies came on, spread out in a skirmish line.
They fired as they came, and received a sharp fire in return. At the
brush they hesitated, and while doing this, received a volley from the
Riverlawns behind.

"This is going to be warm work!" observed Major Belthorpe to Deck, as he
galloped up on his black charger. "That fellow must have a good reserve
force somewhere back there."

"Ripley and Knox have found them, that's certain," answered Deck, as a
rattle of guns came from the sides of the enemy. "We'll soon get their
report."

At that instant Colonel Lyon dashed up.

"There are but eleven companies of them," he said. "I think by a rapid
dash to the north we can turn their flank and either make them retreat
or surrender."

"Let us make the move then," said Belthorpe, and Colonel Lyon gave the
orders. Soon the Riverlawns were in rapid motion, to the Confederates'
surprise, and likewise their bewilderment.

CHAPTER XXXIII

CAPTAIN ARTIE LYON IS SHOT DOWN

Life Knox was responsible for the movement which was now being made. He
had not only aided in uncovering the true strength of the enemy opposed
to the Riverlawns, but he had made a discovery that he considered of
great importance. Colonel Lyon had agreed with him and had acted on his
advice.

As has been said, the timber faced the road. It was uneven ground, and
to the north there was a sharp rise, running from the highway to a
regular cliff ten rods to the rear. To the south, the rise sloped away
into a hollow, at the lower end of which was a swamp having apparently
no outlet.

The Confederate regiment had come upon the Riverlawns at a spot midway
between the rise of ground and the swamp. If, therefore, the Riverlawns
could gain the high ground, they would command the situation, for the
enemy would either have to retreat to the swamp, or take to the highway
and the field.

Colonel Lyon well knew that success depended very largely upon quickness
of movement, and the order was passed to make the quickest time possible
in advancing as indicated. All the Riverlawns' horses were of the best,
and the way they tore over the brush and up the h