on of the Southern cavalry under Jones, which Harry and
Sherburne had joined, now merely sought to check the Northern advance
until Stuart could arrive. Everyone expected Stuart. Such a brilliant
cavalryman could not fail. But the Northern force was increasing.
Buford and his men were coming down on their flank. It seemed that the
Confederate force was about to be overwhelmed again, but suddenly their
guns came into action. Shell and canister held back the Northern force,
and then arose from the Southern ranks the shout: "Stuart! Stuart!"

Harry saw him galloping forward at the head of his men, his long,
yellow hair flying in the air, his sabre whirled aloft in glittering
circles, and he felt an immense sensation of relief. Leading his
division in person, Stuart drove back the Northern horsemen, but he in
his turn was checked by artillery and supporting columns of infantry
in the wood.

Pleasanton, the Union leader, was showing great skill and courage.
Having profited by his enemy's example, he was pressing his advantage
to the utmost. Already he had found in Stuart's captured baggage
instructions for the campaign, showing that the whole Southern army was
on its way toward the great valley, to march thence northward, and he
resolved instantly to break up this advance as much as possible.

Pleasanton pressed forward again, and Stuart prepared to meet him.
But Harry, who was keeping by the side of Sherburne, saw Stuart halt
suddenly. A messenger had galloped up to him and he brought formidable
news. A heavy column of horsemen had just appeared directly behind the
Southern cavalry and was marching to the attack. Stuart was in a trap.

Harry saw that Stuart had been outgeneralled, and again he shut his
teeth together hard. To be outgeneralled did not mean that they would
be outfought. The Northern force in their rear was the third division
under Gregg, and Stuart sent back cavalry and guns to meet them.

Harry now saw the battle on all sides of him. Cavalry were charging,
falling back, and charging again. The whole forces of the two armies
were coming into action. Nearly twenty thousand sabres were flashing in
the sunlight that had driven away the fog. Harry had never before seen
a cavalry battle on so grand a scale, but the confusion was so great
that it was impossible for him to tell who was winning.

The Northern horse took Fleetwood Hill; Stuart retook it. Then he
sought to meet the cavalry divisi