oncluded the sentence. But at last the guns stopped, and among the men
in the rifle pits rumors again flew, like birds, but they were now for
the most part black creatures who flapped their wings drearily near to
the ground and refused to rise on any wings of hope. The men's faces
grew doleful from the interpreting of omens. Tales of hesitation and
uncertainty on the part of those high in place and responsibility came
to their ears. Stories of disaster were borne into their minds with
many proofs. This din of musketry on the right, growing like a
released genie of sound, expressed and emphasized the army's plight.

The men were disheartened and began to mutter. They made gestures
expressive of the sentence: "Ah, what more can we do?" And it could
always be seen that they were bewildered by the alleged news and could
not fully comprehend a defeat.

Before the gray mists had been totally obliterated by the sun rays, the
regiment was marching in a spread column that was retiring carefully
through the woods. The disordered, hurrying lines of the enemy could
sometimes be seen down through the groves and little fields. They were
yelling, shrill and exultant.

At this sight the youth forgot many personal matters and became greatly
enraged. He exploded in loud sentences. "B'jiminey, we're generaled
by a lot 'a lunkheads."

"More than one feller has said that t'-day," observed a man.

His friend, recently aroused, was still very drowsy. He looked behind
him until his mind took in the meaning of the movement. Then he
sighed. "Oh, well, I s'pose we got licked," he remarked sadly.

The youth had a thought that it would not be handsome for him to freely
condemn other men. He made an attempt to restrain himself, but the
words upon his tongue were too bitter. He presently began a long and
intricate denunciation of the commander of the forces.

"Mebbe, it wa'n't all his fault--not all together. He did th' best he
knowed. It's our luck t' git licked often," said his friend in a weary
tone. He was trudging along with stooped shoulders and shifting eyes
like a man who has been caned and kicked.

"Well, don't we fight like the devil? Don't we do all that men can?"
demanded the youth loudly.

He was secretly dumfounded at this sentiment when it came from his
lips. For a moment his face lost its valor and he looked guiltily
about him. But no one questioned his right to deal in such words, and
presently he recove