hievement was too
great for so small a force. The rudder of one of Foote's gunboats was
shot away, the wheel of another soon went the same way, and both drifted
helplessly down the stream. The other two then retreated, and the fire
of both fort and fleet ceased.

But there was joy in the Union camp. The soldiers had an abundance
of food now, and soon the long ring of fires showed that they were
preparing it. Their forces had been increased a third, and there was a
fresh outburst of courage and vigor. But Grant ordered no more attacks
at present. After the men had eaten and rested a little, picks and
spades were swung along a line miles in length. He was fortifying his
own position, and it was evident to his men that he meant to stay there
until he won or was destroyed.

Dick was conscious once more of a sanguine thrill. Like the others, he
felt the strong hand over him, and the certainty that they were led with
judgment and decision made him believe that all things were possible.
Yet the work of fortifying continued but a little while. The men were
exhausted by cold and fatigue, and were compelled to lay down their
tools. The fires were built anew, and they hovered about them for
shelter and rest.

The wan twilight showed the close of the wintry day, and with the
increasing chill a part of Dick's sanguine feeling departed. The gallant
little fleet, although it had brought fresh men and supplies and had
protected their landing, had been driven back. The investment of the
fort was complete only on one side of the river, and steamers coming up
the Cumberland from Nashville might yet take off the garrison in safety.
Then the work of the silent general, all their hardship and fighting
would be at least in part a failure. The Vermont youth, who seemed to be
always of the same temper, neither very high nor very low, noticed his
change of expression.

"Don't let your hopes decrease, Dick," he said. "Remember that at least
twenty per cent of the decline is due to the darkness and inaction.
In the morning, when the light comes once more, and we're up and doing
again, you'll get back all the twenty per cent you're losing now."

"It's not to be all inaction with you boys tonight, even," said Colonel
Winchester, who overheard his closing words. "I want you three to go
with me on a tour of inspection or rather scouting duty. It may please
you to know that it is the special wish of General Grant. Aware that I
had some knowledge