enerals, chafing at retreat before a force which they knew
to be smaller than their own, wanted to march out and attack in the
morning. Hooker, suddenly grown prudent, awed perhaps by his great
responsibilities, wished to contract his camp and build intrenchments
yet stronger. He compromised at last amid varying counsels, and decided
to hold his present intrenched lines along their full length. His
gallant officers on the extended right and left were indignant at the
thought of withdrawing before the enemy, sure that they could beat him
back every time.

But there were bolder spirits at the Southern headquarters, three miles
away. Lee and Jackson always saw clearly and were always able to
decide upon a course. Besides, their need was far more desperate. The
Southern army did not increase in numbers. Victories brought few new
men to its standards. Winning, it held its own, and losing, it lost
everything. Before it stood the Army of the Potomac, outnumbering it
two to one, and behind that army stood a great nation ready to pour
forth more men by the hundreds of thousands and more money by the
hundreds of millions to save the Union.

Harry, leaning against a bush, fell into a light doze, from which Dalton
aroused him bye and bye. But the habit of war made him awake fully
and instantly. Every faculty was alive. He arose to his feet and saw
that Lee and Jackson were just parting. A faint moon shone over the
Wilderness, revealing but little of the great army which lay in its
thickets.

"I fancy that the plan which will give us either victory or defeat is
arranged," said Dalton.

But neither Harry nor Dalton was called, and bye and bye they sank into
another doze. They were awakened toward morning by Sherburne, who stood
before them holding his horse by the bridle. The horse was wet with
foam, and it was evident that he had been ridden far and hard.

"What is it?" asked Harry, springing to his feet. "I've been riding
with General Stuart," replied Sherburne, who looked worn and weary,
but nevertheless exultant. "How many miles we've ridden I'll never know,
but we've been along the whole Northern front and around their wings.
With the help of Fitz Lee we've discovered their weak point. The
Northern left, fortified in the thickets, is impossible. We'd merely
beat ourselves to pieces against it; but their right has no protection
at all, that is, no trenches or breastworks. I thought you boys might
be want