grand night-time charge with worn-out troops. All
grand--just the kind of grandeur the South cannot afford!... An army yet
of blue troops and fresh, shouting brigades, and our centre and right on
the other side of the creek.... I don't dare do it, gentlemen!--not on
my own responsibility. What do you think, General Lawton?"

"I think you are right, sir."

"More and more troops are coming upon the plateau," said Winder.
"General Hill, if you will order us to go we will see to it that you do
not repent--"

"They are defeated and retreating, sir," said Cleave. "If they are
crossing the river, it is at least in the realm of probability that they
have but the one path. No one knows better than you what resolute
pressure might now accomplish. Every moment that we wait they gain in
steadiness, and other reserves will come up. Make their junction with
their centre, and to-morrow we fight a terrific battle where to-night a
lesser struggle might secure a greater victory."

"Speaking largely, that is true," said Hill. "But--I wish General
Jackson were here! I think you know, gentlemen, that, personally, I
could wish, at this minute, to be down there in the woods, beside the
Grapevine Bridge. But with the knowledge that the enemy is bringing up
reserves, with the darkness so thick, with no great force, and that
exhausted, and with no artillery, I cannot take the responsibility of
the advance. If General Jackson were here--"

"May I send in search of him, sir?"

"Yes, General Winder, you may do that. And if he says, 'Go!' there won't
one of you be happier than I."

"We know that, general.--Cleave, I am going to send you. You're far the
likeliest. We want him to come and lead us to the completest victory. By
God, we want Front Royal and Port Republic again!"

Cleave, turning, disappeared into the darkness. "See to your men,
General Winder. Get them ready," said Hill. "I'm going a little way into
the woods to see what I can see myself." He went, Lawton with him.
Before many minutes had passed they were back. "Nearly walked into their
lines! Strung across the Grapevine road. Massed thick between us and the
Chickahominy. Scattered like acorns through the woods. Pretty miserable,
I gather. Passed party hunting water. Speech bewrayeth the man, so
didn't say anything. Heard the pickets talking. 'Twas Meagher and French
came up. They're building great fires by the water. Looks as though they
meant to cross. Nothing of General Jack