e midnight," said Dick, "but, after all,
that will be early enough. If I judge him right, even midnight won't
catch General Thomas asleep."

"You've judged him right," said Markham. "I've been with 'Pap' Thomas
some time--we call him 'Pap' because he takes such good care of us--and
I think he is going to be one of the biggest generals in this war.
Always silent, and sometimes slow about making up his mind he strikes
like a sledge-hammer when he does strike."

"He'll certainly have the opportunity to give blow for blow," said Dick,
as he remembered that marching army behind them. "How far do you think
it is yet to the general's camp?"

"Not more than a half dozen miles, but it will be dark in a few minutes,
and at the rate we're going it will take us two full hours more to get
there."

The wintry days were short and the sun slid down the gray, cold sky,
leaving forest and hills in darkness. But the little band toiled
patiently on, while the night deepened and darkened, and a chill wind
whistled down from the ridges. The officers were silent now, but they
looked eagerly for the first glimpse of the campfires of Thomas. At
last they saw the little pink dots in the darkness, and then they pushed
forward with new zeal, urging their weary horses into a run.

When Captain Markham, Dick and Warner galloped into camp, ahead of
the others, a thickset strong figure walked forward to meet them. They
leaped from their horses and saluted.

"Well?" said General Thomas.

"The enemy is advancing upon us in full force, sir," replied Captain
Markham.

"You scouted thoroughly?"

"We saw their whole army upon the road."

"When do you think they could reach us?"

"About dawn, sir."

"Very good. We shall be ready. You and your men have done well. Now,
find food and rest. You will be awakened in time for the battle."

Dick walked away with his friends. Troopers took their horses and
cared for them. The boy glanced back at the thickset, powerful figure,
standing by one of the fires and looking gravely into the coals. More
than ever the man with the strong, patient look inspired confidence
in him. He was sure now that they would win on the morrow. Markham and
Warner felt the same confidence.

"There's a lot in having a good general," said Warner, who had also
glanced back at the strong figure. "Do you remember, Dick, what it was
that Napoleon said about generals?"

"A general is everything, an army nothing or something like t