his turn at the
watch, and he noticed that Colonel Winchester was still standing beside
one of the fires, but looking very anxious. Dick felt himself on good
enough terms, despite his youth, to urge him to take rest.

"I should like to do so," replied Colonel Winchester, "but Dick I tell
you, although you must keep it to yourself, that I think we are in some
danger. Your glimpse of the flying horsewoman, and the undoubted fact
that hundreds of horsemen have crossed the road ahead of us, have made
me put two and two together. Ah, what is it, sergeant?"

"I think I hear noises to the east of us, sir," replied the veteran.

"What kind of noises, sergeant?"

"I should say, sir, that they're made by the hoofs of horses. There, I
hear them again, sir. I'm quite sure of it, and they're growing louder!"

"And so do I!" exclaimed Colonel Winchester, now all life and activity.
"The sounds are made by a large body of men advancing upon us! Seize
that bugle, Dick, and blow the alarm with all your might!"

Dick snatched up the bugle and blew upon it a long shrill blast that
pierced far into the forest. He blew and blew again, and every man in
the little force sprang to his feet in alarm. Nor were they a moment too
soon. From the woods to the east came the answering notes of a bugle and
then a great voice cried:

"Forward men an' wipe 'em off the face of the earth!"

It seemed to Dick that he had heard that voice before, but he had no
time to think about it, as the next instant came the rush of the wild
horsemen, a thousand strong, leaning low over their saddles, their
faces dark with the passion of anger and revenge, pistols, rifles, and
carbines flashing as they pulled the trigger, giving way when empty to
sabres, which gleamed in the moonlight as they were swung by powerful
hands.

Colonel Winchester's whole force would have been ridden down in the
twinkling of an eye if it had not been for the minute's warning. His
men, leaping to their feet, snatched up their own rifles and fired a
volley at short range. It did more execution among the horses than among
the horsemen, and the Southern rough riders were compelled to waver for
a moment. Many of their horses went down, others uttered the terrible
shrieking neigh of the wounded, and, despite the efforts of those who
rode them, strove to turn and flee from those flaming muzzles. It was
only a moment, but it gave the Union troop, save those who were already
slain, time to spr