refreshing bath in a deep pool of
the stream, he put it on. He felt now as if he had been entirely made
over, and, as he strolled back to camp, a tall, thin man, black of hair
and pallid of face, hailed him.

Harry took two glances before he recognized Arthur Travers in the
Southern uniform. Then he grasped his hand eagerly and asked him when
he had come.

"Only two days ago," replied Travers. "I'm in another regiment farther
along Bull Run. I merely came over here to tell you that your father
was well when I last heard from him. He is with the Western forces that
are to be under Albert Sidney Johnston."

Harry did not care greatly for Travers, but it was pleasant to see
anybody from the old home, and they talked some time. But Harry did
not see him again soon, as the bonds of discipline were now tightened.
Regiments were kept in ranks and the men were not permitted to wander
from their places. Northern bands were continually in their front,
and it was reported daily that the great army at Washington was about
to move.

Yet the days passed, and no important event occurred. July advanced.
The heat became more intense. The fields were bare, the vegetation
trodden out by armies, and, when the wind rose, clouds of dust beat upon
them. It was lucky for them that the country was cut by so many streams.

The Invincibles were moved about several times, but they stopped at
last at a little plateau where a branch railroad joined the main stem,
giving to the place the name Manassas Junction. Bull Run was near,
flowing between high banks, but with crossings at two fords and two
bridges. Beauregard had thrown up earthworks at the station, and strong
batteries were hidden in the foliage at the fords. The Southern army,
weary of waiting, was eager for battle. The Northern people, also weary
of waiting, demanded that their own troops advance.

As Harry sat with his friends one hot night the word was passed that the
Northern army was coming at last. The Southern scouts had reported that
McDowell's whole force was already on the march and was drawing near.
It would attempt the passage of Bull Run. A murmur ran through the camp
of the Invincibles, but there was little talk. They had already tasted
of battle at the fort in the valley, and it was not a thing to be taken
lightly.

Harry resolved that he would sleep if he could, but there was no rest
for the Invincibles just then. An order came from Beauregard, and,