ther forward, and
the group of staff officers, of course, went with him. Some keen-eyed
Northern gunner picked them out, and a shell fell near. Then came
another yet nearer, and when it burst it threw dirt all over them.

"A life worth so much as General Jackson's should not be risked this
way," whispered Dalton to Harry, "but I don't dare say anything to him."

"Nor do I, and if we did dare he'd pay no attention to us. Our gunners
don't seem to be driving their gunners away. Do you notice that,
George?"

"Yes, I do and so does General Jackson. I can see him frowning."

The Northern batteries, nearly always of high quality, were doing
valiant service that morning. The three batteries on the left of the
turnpike and another of eight heavy rifled guns on the right, swept the
whole of Jackson's front with solid shot, grape and shell. The Southern
guns, although more numerous, were unable to crush them. The batteries
of the South were suffering the more. One of them was driven back
with the loss of half its men and horses. At another every officer was
killed.

"They outshoot us," said Dalton to Harry, "and they make a splendid
stand for men who have been kept on the run for two days and nights."

"So they do," said Harry, "but sooner or later they'll have to give way.
I heard General Jackson say that we would win a victory."

Dalton glanced at him.

"So you feel that way, too," he said very seriously. "I got the belief
some time ago. If he says we'll win we'll win. His prediction settles it
in my mind."

"There's a fog rising from the creek," said Harry, "and it's growing
heavier. I think Ewell was to march that way with his infantry and it
will hold him back. Chance is against us."

"His guns have been out of action, but there they come again! I can't
see them, but I can hear them through the mist."

"And here goes the main force on our left. Stonewall is about to
strike."

Harry had discovered the movement the moment it was begun. The whole
Stonewall brigade, the Acadians and other regiments making a formidable
force, moved to the left and charged. Gordon, Banks' able assistant,
threw in fresh troops to meet the Southern rush, and they fired almost
point blank in the faces of the men in gray. Harry, riding forward
with the eager Jackson, saw many fall, but the Southern charge was not
checked for a moment. The men, firing their rifles, leaped the stone
fences and charged home with the bayonet. The Northern r