d the rebel, plentifully
interlarding the sentence with oaths.

The flag of truce dropped, and the dastardly foe poured in a volley of
musketry, before which a dozen of our brave boys fell, either killed or
wounded.

"Fire!" yelled the colonel; and the order was obeyed with a will. "Charge
bayonets! Forward--double quick--march!"

The men, burning with indignation at the treachery of the rebel horde,
sprang forward to wreak their righteous vengeance upon the cowardly
traitors. So impetuous was the charge, that the rebel regiment broke, and
sought safety in flight.

"Down with them!" hoarsely screamed Tom, as the line swayed forward, and
pursued the panic-stricken foe into the woods on the left. The even line
was broken, and the boys scattered to do their work to the best advantage.

Tom's legs seemed to be in excellent condition, notwithstanding the
toilsome marches of the last twenty-four hours; and he dashed forward into
the woods followed by only a dozen choice spirits, whose enthusiasm was
equal to his own. A squad of flying rebels in front of them was the object
of their present anxiety, and they soon distanced their companions.

The rebels, seeing by how small a force they were pursued, rallied and
formed line again.

"Give it to them!" cried Tom, as he led his little force upon the rebels.

"Hold on, Tom!" said Hapgood; "we have gone far enough. There's a rebel
regiment forming behind us."

"Can't help it," said Tom, as he rushed forward, with the veteran by his
side. "Give it to them!"

Tom and his men threw themselves upon the rebel squad, and a sharp fight
ensued, in which the parties fought with bayonets, clubbed muskets, and
even with the death grip upon each other's throats. The traitors could not
stand it, and fled again.

The sergeant glanced behind him, and saw the rebel regiment formed ready
to charge upon his own. He was cut off from his friends, with the enemy on
his front and rear. Three of his men had fallen in the sharp encounter
with the rebels, and most of them were wounded or bruised, and all of them
out of breath. To add to the peril of the situation, the squad they had
been pursuing were rallying and being reenforced by their fugitive
companions.

"Bad, Tom, bad," said Hapgood, who was puffing and blowing like a
porpoise, as he ominously shook his head.

"Follow me!" said Tom, confidently, as he led the way in a direction at
right angles with the advance of the party.

Our re