st with his glasses. The cold wind still blew from
the mountains, and there were three high but distant torches, where the
clumps of pines still burned.

"Restless, Dick?" said the Colonel. "Well, so am I."

"We have cause to be so, sir."

"So we have, my lad. We thought the danger to the Union had passed with
Vicksburg and Gettysburg, but the day so soon to come may shatter all
our hopes. They must have a hundred thousand men out there, and they've
chosen time and place. What's more, they've succeeded so far. I don't
hesitate to talk to you in this way, Dick, but you mustn't repeat what I
say."

"I shouldn't dream of doing so, sir."

"I know you would not, but General Thomas apprehends a tremendous and
terrible attack. Whatever happens, we have not long to wait for it. I
think I feel the touch of the dawn in the wind."

"It's coming, sir. I can see a faint tinge of gray in that cleft between
the hills toward the east."

"You have a good eye, Dick. I see it now, too. It's growing and
turning to the color of silver. But I think we'll have time to get our
breakfasts. General Thomas does not believe the first attack will be
made upon our wing."

The wind was freshening, as if it brought the dawn upon its edge.
The night had been uncommonly cold for the time of the year in that
latitude, and there was no sun yet to give warmth. But the men of Thomas
were being awakened, and, as no fires were allowed, cold food was served
to them.

"What's happened, Dick, while I was asleep?" asked Pennington.

"Nothing. The two armies are ready, and I think to-day will decide it."

"I hope so. Two days are enough for any battle."

Pennington's tone was jocular, but his words were not. His face was
grave as he regarded the opposing forest. He had the feeling of youth
that others might be killed, but not he. Nevertheless he was already
mourning many a good comrade who would be lost before the night came
again.

"There are the wasps!" said Warner, bending a listening ear. "You can
always hear them as they begin to sting. I wonder if skirmishers ever
sleep?"

The shots were on the right, but they came from points far away. In
front of them the forest and hills were silent.

"It's just as General Thomas thought," said Dick. "The main volume of
their attack will be on our right and center. They know that Thomas
stands here and that he's a mighty rock, hard to move. They expect to
shatter all the rest of the line, and then whir