these waggins to
come along an' get them stores? 'Cause he believed he was goin' to save
'em. An' mebbe he saved 'em, 'cause he believed he was goin' to do it.
It works both ways. Git up!"

The shout of "Git up!" was to his horses, which added a little more to
their pace, and now Harry saw troops coming back to meet them and form
an escort.

In half an hour they were at the village. Already the ammunition and
supplies had been brought forth and were stacked, ready to be loaded on
the wagons. General Jackson was everywhere, riding back and forth on his
sorrel horse, directing the removal just as he had directed the march
and the brief combat. His words were brief but always dynamic. He seemed
insensible to weariness.

It was now full morning, wintry and clear. The small population of the
village and people from the surrounding country, intensely Southern and
surcharged with enthusiasm, were bringing hot coffee and hot breakfast
for the troops. Jackson permitted them to eat and drink in relays.
As many as could get at the task helped to load the wagons. Little
compulsion was needed. Officers themselves toiled at boxes and casks.
The spirit of Jackson had flowed into them all.

"I've gone into training," said Langdon to Harry.

"Training? What kind of training, Tom?"

"I see that my days of play are over forever, and I'm practicing hard,
so I can learn how to do without food, sleep or rest for months at a
time."

"It's well you're training," interrupted St. Clair. "I foresee that
you're going to need all the practice you can get. Everything's loaded
in the wagons now, and I wager you my chances of promotion against one
of our new Confederate dollar bills that we start inside of a minute."

The word "minute" was scarcely out of his mouth, when Jackson gave the
sharp order to march. Sherburne's troop sprang to saddle and led the
way, their bugler blowing a mellow salute to the morning and victory.
Many whips cracked, and the wagons bearing the precious stores swung
into line. Behind came the brigade, the foot cavalry. The breakfast and
the loading of the wagons had not occupied more than half an hour. It
was yet early morning when the whole force left the village and marched
at a swift pace toward Winchester.

General Jackson beckoned to Harry.

"Ride with me," he said. "I've notified Colonel Talbot that you are
detached from his staff and will serve on mine."

Although loath to leave his comrades Harry appreci