ltimore and Ohio that we destroyed. They seem
willing to depend upon the canal. But if Dam No. 5 were cut it would dry
that canal like a bone for miles. The river men say that if any
considerable breach were made it could not be mended this winter. As for
the troops on the other side of the river--" He drew out a slip of paper
and read from it: "'Yankees upon the Maryland side of the Potomac from
Point of Rocks to Hancock--say thirty-five hundred men. Two thirds of
this force above Dam No. 4. At Williamsport Colonel Leonard with three
regiments and several guns. At Four Locks a troop. At Dam No. 5 several
companies of infantry encamped. At Hancock a considerable force--perhaps
two regiments. A detachment at Clear Spring. Cavalry over against Sleepy
Creek, Cherry Run, and Sir John's Run. Concentration easy at any point
up and down the river. A system of signals both for the other side and
for any of their scouts who may have crossed to this. Troops reported
below Point of Rocks and at the mouth of the Monocacy. The remainder of
General Banks's division--perhaps fifteen thousand men--in winter
quarters at Frederick City.'--That is all I have to report, general."

"Very good," said Jackson. "Give me your memorandum. Captain Cleave--"

"Yes, sir."

Stonewall Jackson rose from the rush-bottomed chair and walked with his
slow stiff stride to the mantelpiece. From behind a china vase he took a
saucer holding a lemon which had been cut in two, then, standing very
rigidly before the fire, he slowly and meditatively sucked the lemon.
Cleave, beside the table, had a whimsical thought. The general, about to
open slightly the door of reticence and impart information, was
stimulating himself to the effort. He put the lemon down and returned to
the table. "Captain Cleave, while I am waiting for General Loring, I
propose to break this dam--Dam No. 5."

"Yes, sir."

"I shall go almost immediately to Martinsburg, taking with me General
Garnett's brigade and two of the Rockbridge guns. It will be necessary
to cover the operation. The work may take several days. By the time the
dam is broken General Loring will be up."

His eyes moved toward the mantel. Allan Gold stepped noiselessly across
the room and brought back the saucer with the lemon, setting it on the
table. "Thank you," said Jackson gently, and sucked the acid treasure.
"With this reinforcement I am going against Kelly at Romney. If God
gives us the victory there, I shall s