r bravery and self-sacrifice were in vain. Nothing could stem the
relentless tide that poured upon them. Harry had never before seen the
Southern troops so exultant. Jackson's march of a whole day, unseen,
almost by the side of the enemy, and then his sudden attack upon his
right flank, made their battle rush fierce and irresistible. They might
be stayed for a few moments, but they swept on and on, carrying before
them the blue brigades.

The scene, while extraordinarily vivid to Harry, was nevertheless wild
and confused. The fire of the cannon and rifles on a long line was so
rapid and terrific that he was almost blinded by the incessant blaze,
which was like one solid sheet of flame. The dense smoke gathered
once more among the bushes and trees and the forest was filling with a
tremendous shouting.

Harry kept as close as he could to his general, who was now in the very
heart of the conflict. But it was a difficult task. His clothing was
torn by bushes and briars, and boughs whipped him across the face.
Now and then in a rift in the smoke he beheld a terrible sight. The
ground was covered with the arms and blankets and tents of the Union
army. Ahead of them were great masses of men, retreating and jammed
among the wagons. The horses, many of them wounded, were running about,
neighing in pain and terror. Officers, their uniforms often red from
wounds, were rushing everywhere, seeking to stay the panic.

Yet the Union officers at last succeeded in getting some order out of
the chaos. A battery was rallied on a hill and threw a sleet of steel
on the charging men in gray. Some of the seasoned infantry regiments
were managing to form a line and they were beginning to send back a
rifle fire. Harry felt that the resistance in front of them was
hardening a little.

But as usual the eye of Jackson saw everything, even through the flame
and smoke and confusion of a battle fought in dense forests and thickets.

He galloped up the turnpike himself, his staff hot at his heels, and
shouting to the gunners and pointing forward, he urged on the artillery.
Then he rode among the infantry, and they, as eager as he, rushed on
at increased speed. Yet the Northern resistance was still hardening.
Some of the German regiments atoned for their earlier panic by reforming
and making a brave resistance. Other regiments formed behind a
breastwork.

"They are going to make a bold stand," shouted Harry to Dalton.

"But it