giment had reformed again, and soon gave that in front of them
enough to do. The rebels in their rear caused the sergeant's squad no
little annoyance; but they continued on their course, loading and firing
as they retreated.

CHAPTER XXX.

MORE OF THE BATTLE.

While Tom and his little command were working their way back to the Union
lines, followed up by the disorganized band of rebels, a series of most
unearthly yells swept over the field, for they had emerged from the woods.
It was the rallying cry of the Confederate regiment which had formed in
their rear. They were charging upon the Massachusetts --th; but they might
as well have charged upon the Rock of Gibraltar, for presently Tom was
delighted to see them retiring before the tremendous onslaught of his
friends.

"Hurrah!" shouted he, forgetting the foe in his rear, and pressing forward
to that on his front, at the same time changing his course so as to
approach the right wing of the rebel regiment.

"Don't be rash, Tom," said the old soldier, who never permitted the
sergeant to leave his side.

"Follow me, boys!" roared Tom, breathless with excitement, as he started
off on the double quick towards the breaking lines of the enemy.

"Here we are!" replied the gallant fellows behind him, pushing forward
with a zeal equal to that of their leader, from whom they derived their
inspiration. "Go in, sergeant, and we'll stand by you."

But the bold soldier boy had discretion as well as gallantry; and he saw
that if he threw his little force upon the rebel line, the whole party
would be instantly annihilated. A covert of bushes fortunately lay on the
right flank of the retreating regiment, and Tom ordered his men to conceal
themselves behind it, until a favorable moment should arrive to take their
places in the lines.

The men were glad enough to obtain a breathing spell; but, at such a
tremendous moment as that, idleness would have been treason, for such a
glorious opportunity to strike a heavy blow had not before occurred.

"Load up, and fire at will," said Tom, as he charged his musket. "Don't
throw your lead away either."

"We are a dead shot here if we are any where," added Hapgood, as he and
the rest of the party hastily loaded their muskets.

Pop went Tom's piece first, and over went the rebel at the extreme right
of the rebel regiment. There was no such thing as missing the mark, for
they were on the flank of the Confederate line, which the un