des, sliced bacon, broke eggs into the skillet and
produced an omelette which was a triumph. He was, in truth, a master
cook--and everything was good and savoury--and the trio was very hungry.
Ewell had cigars, and smoked them like a Spaniard--generous, too--giving
freely to the others. As often as it burned low Billy threw dried sticks
upon the fire. The evening was cool, the shadows advancing; the crackling
light and warmth grateful enough. The newcomers asked questions. They were
eager to know--all the country was keen-set to know--eye-witnesses of
events were duly appreciated. The scout had been at McDowell?

"Yes, but not in the battle, the Stonewall Brigade not being engaged.
12th Georgia did best--and the 44th Virginia. 12th Georgia held the
crest. There was one man, just a boy like Billy there ('I'm eighteen!'
from Billy)--couldn't anybody keep him back, behind the rise where our
troops were lying down. 'We didn't come all this way to hide from
Yankees,' he cried, and he rushed out and down upon them--poor fellow!"

"That's the spirit. In the morning you followed on?"

"Yes, but Milroy and Schenck did not do badly. That was a good fetch of
theirs--firing the forest! Everywhere a great murk with tongues of
flame--smoke in nostril and eyes and the wind blowing fast. It looked
like the end of the world. Old Jack--beg pardon, sir, General
Jackson--General Jackson couldn't but smile, it was such excellent
tactics. We drew off at last, near Franklin, and the army went into camp
for a bit. Billy and I have been with a squadron of Ashby's."

"Keeping Fremont back?"

"Yes. General Jackson wanted the passes blocked. We did it pretty
thoroughly."

"How?"

"Burned all the bridges; cut down trees--in one place a mile of
them--and made abatis, toppled boulders over the cliffs and choked the
roads. If Fremont wants to get through he'll have to go round Robin
Hood's Barn to do it! He's out of the counting for awhile, I reckon. At
least he won't interfere with our communications. Ashby has three
companies toward the mountains, He's picketed the Valley straight across
below Woodstock. Banks can't get even a spy through from Strasburg. I've
heard an officer say--you know him, Major Stafford--Major Cleave--I've
heard him say that General Jackson uses cavalry as Napoleon did and as
no one has done since."

Ewell lit another cigar. "Well, I'm free to confess that old Jackson
isn't as crazy as an idiot called Dick Ewell thoug