k steadied
himself. The old man still kept the glasses to his eyes, and swept them
back and forth in as wide an arc as their position permitted. The hills
shook with the thunder of the cannon, and the brilliant sun, piercing
through the smoke, lighted up the vast battle line.

"The attack of the skirmishers grows hotter," said the old man. "The
thickets blaze with the fire of their rifles. Heavy masses of infantry
are moving forward. Now they stop and lie on their arms. They are
awaiting the word from other parts of the field, and it shows with
certainty that a grand attack is coming. Two batteries of eight guns
each have come nearer. I did not think it possible for the fire of their
cannon to increase, but it has done so. Young sir, would you care to
look through the glasses?"

"I believe not, Colonel. I will trust to the naked eye and your report."

It was an odd feeling that made Dick decline the glasses. If he looked
he must tell to the others what he saw, and he wished to show neither
exultation nor depression. The colonel, the duty of courtesy discharged,
resumed his own position of witness and herald.

"The columns of infantry are getting up again," he said. "I see a man in
what I take to be a general's uniform riding along their front. He
must be making a speech. No doubt he knows the desperate nature of
the attack, and would inspire them. Now he is gone and other officers,
colonels and majors are moving about."

"What are the skirmishers doing, Colonel?"

"Their fire is not so hot. They must be drawing back. They have made
the prelude, and the importance of their role has passed. The masses
of infantry are drawing together again. Now I see men on horseback with
trumpets to their lips. Yes, the charge is coming. Ah-h! That burnt
them!"

There was a terrific crash much nearer, and Dick knew that it was the
Southern batteries opening fire. The shoulder upon which the colonel's
hand rested shook a little, but it was from excitement. He said nothing
and Colonel Woodville continued:

"The smoke is so heavy I can't see what damage was done! Now it has
cleared away! There are gaps in the Yankee lines, but the men have
closed up, and they come on at the double quick with their cannon still
firing over their heads!"

In his excitement he took his hand off Dick's shoulder and leaned
forward a little farther, supporting himself now against the earthen
wall. Dick stood just behind him, shielded from the sight of