na Legion, which reached
Richmond only that morning, came by train and landed directly upon the
battlefield about noon. In five minutes it was in the thick of the
battle, and it alone stemmed a terrific rush of Sherman, when all others
gave way.

Noon had passed and the heart of McDowell swelled with exultation.
The Northern troops were still gaining ground, and at many points the
Southern line was crushed. Some of the recruits in gray, their nerves
shaken horribly, were beginning to run. But fresh troops coming up
met them and turned them back to the field. Beauregard and Johnston,
the two senior generals, both experienced and calm, were reforming their
ranks, seizing new and strong positions, and hurrying up every portion
of their force. Johnston himself, after the first rally, hurried back
for fresh regiments, while Jackson's men not only held their ground but
began to drive the Northern troops before them.

The Invincibles had fallen back somewhat, leaving many dead behind them.
Many more were wounded. Harry had received two bullets through his
clothing, and St. Clair was nicked on the wrist. Colonel Talbot and
Lieutenant-Colonel St. Hilaire were still unharmed, but a deep gloom had
settled over the Invincibles. They had not been beaten, but certainly
they were not winning. Their ranks were seamed and rent. From the
place where they now stood they could see the place where they formerly
stood, but Northern troops occupied it now. Tears ran down the faces
of some of the youngest, streaking the dust and powder into hideous,
grinning masks.

Harry threw himself upon the ground and lay there for a few moments,
panting. He choked with heat and thirst, and his heart seemed to have
swollen so much within him that it would be a relief to have it burst.
His eyes burned with the dust and smoke, and all about him was a fearful
reek. He could see from where he lay most of the battlefield. He saw
the Northern batteries fire, move forward, and then fire again. He saw
the Northern infantry creeping up, ever creeping, and far behind he
beheld the flags of fresh regiments coming to their aid. The tears
sprang to his eyes. It seemed in very truth that all was lost. In
another part of the field the men in blue had seized the Robinson house,
and from points near it their artillery was searching the Southern
ranks. A sudden grim humor seized the boy.

"Tom," he shouted to Langdon, "what was that you said about sle