used to the hideous
howling of the shells, but it was still unsafe anywhere except in the
trenches. It seemed to him, too, that the cannon fire was increasing
in volume. The slopes and the valley gave back a continuous crash of
rolling thunder. Heavier and heavier grew the bank of smoke over and
against the forest. It was impossible to see what was going on there,
but Harry had no doubt that the Northern regiments were massing
themselves for the attack.

The youth remained with Colonel Talbot, being held by the latter to
carry orders when needed to other points in the fort. St. Clair and
Langdon were kept near for a similar use and they were crouching in the
same trench.

"If everything happens for the best it's time it was happening," said
Langdon in an impatient whisper. "These shells and cannon balls flying
over me make my head ache and scare me to death besides. If the Yankees
don't hurry up and charge, they'll find me dead, killed by the collapse
of worn-out nerves."

"I intend to be ready when they come," said St. Clair. "I've made every
preparation that I can call to mind."

"Which means that your coat must be setting just right and that your
collar isn't ruffled," rejoined Langdon. "Yes, Arthur, you are ready
now. You are certainly the neatest and best dressed man in the
regiment. If the Yankees take us they can't say that they captured a
slovenly prisoner."

"Then," said St. Clair, smiling, "let them come on."

"Their cannon fire is sinking!" exclaimed Colonel Talbot. "In a minute
it will cease and then will come the charge! 'Tis Carrington's way,
and a good way! Hark! Listen to it! The signal! Ready, men! Ready!
Here they come!"

The great cannonade ceased so abruptly that for a few moments the
stillness was more awful than the thunder of the guns had been. The
recruits could hear the great pulses in their temples throbbing.
Then the silence was pierced by the shrill notes of a brazen bugle,
steadily rising higher and always calling insistently to the men to
come. Then they heard the heavy thud of many men advancing with
swiftness and regularity.

The Southern troops were at the earthworks in double rows, and the
gunners were at the guns, all eager, all watching intently for what
might come out of the smoke. But the rising breeze suddenly caught the
great bank of mists and vapors and whirled the whole aside. Then Harry
saw. He saw a long line of men, their front bristling wit