d his brain moved better that way. I've heard that he walked part of
the way from Virginia to reach West Point. I hear now, too, that he is
very religious, and always intends to pray before going into battle."

"That's a bad sign--for us," said the other general. "It's easy enough
to sneer at praying men, but just you remember Cromwell. I'm a little
shaky on my history, but I've an impression that when Cromwell, the
Ironsides, old Praise-God-Barebones, and the rest knelt, said a few
words to their God, sang a little and advanced with their pikes, they
went wherever they intended to go and that Prince Rupert and all the
Cavaliers could not stop them."

"It is so," said the other gravely. "A man who believes thoroughly in
his God, who is not afraid to die, who, in fact, rather favors dying on
the field, is an awful foe to meet in battle."

"We may have some of the same on our side," said Colonel Newcomb. "We
have at least a great Puritan population from which to draw."

One of the generals gave the signal and the balloon was slowly pulled
down. Dick, grateful for his experience, thanked Colonel Newcomb and
rejoined his comrades.

CHAPTER II. THE MOUNTAIN LIGHTS

When Dick left the balloon it was nearly night. Hundreds of campfires
lighted up the hills about him, but beyond their circle the darkness
enclosed everything. He still felt the sensations of one who had been at
a great height and who had seen afar. That rim of Southern campfires was
yet in his mind, and he wondered why the Northern commander allowed
them to remain week after week so near the capital. He was fully aware,
because it was common talk, that the army of the Union had now reached
great numbers, with a magnificent equipment, and, with four to one,
should be able to drive the Southern force away. Yet McClellan delayed.

Dick obtained a short leave of absence, and walked to a campfire, where
he knew he would find his friend, George Warner. Sergeant Whitley was
there, too, showing some young recruits how to cook without waste, and
the two gave the boy a welcome that was both inquisitive and hearty.

"You've been up in the balloon," said Warner. "It was a rare chance."

"Yes," replied Dick with a laugh, "I left the world, and it is the only
way in which I wish to leave it for the next sixty or seventy years. It
was a wonderful sight, George, and not the least wonderful thing in it
was the campfires of the Southern army, burning down there tow