Robertson, Hampton and the commander-in-chief's son,
W. H. F. Lee--why should a man be burdened with three initials? We can
take care of any cavalry force that the Yankees may send against us."

"I've noticed in the recent fighting," said Harry, "that the Northern
cavalrymen are a lot better than they used to be. Most of us were born
in the saddle, but they had to learn to ride. They'll give us a tough
fight now whenever we meet 'em."

"I agree with you," said Sherburne, "but they can't beat us. You can
ride back in the morning, Harry, and report to the commander-in-chief
that he alone can move us from this position. Listen to that stamping
of hoofs! Among ten thousand horses a lot are likely to be restless;
and look there at the hilltop where thirty good guns are ready to turn
their mouths on any foe."

"I see them all," said Harry, "and I think you're right. I'll ride back
peaceably to General Lee in the morning, and tell him that I left ten
thousand cavalrymen lying lazily on the grass, and ten thousand horses
eating their heads off near Brandy Station."

"But to-night you rest," said one of the young officers. "Do you smoke?"

"I've never learned."

"Well, I don't smoke either unless we get 'em from the Yankees. Here's
what's left of a box that we picked up near the Chancellor House.
It may have belonged to Old Joe Hooker himself, but if so he'll never
get it back again."

He distributed the cigars among the smokers, who puffed them with
content. Meanwhile the noises of the camp sank, and presently Harry,
taking his blankets and saying good night, went to sleep in the Inn of
the Greenwood Tree.

CHAPTER XI

THE CAVALRY COMBAT

Harry was a fine sleeper. One learns to be in long campaigns. Most of
those about him slept as well, and the ten thousand horses, which had
been ridden hard in the great display during the day, also sank into
quiet. The restless hoofs ceased to move. Now and then there was a
snort or a neigh, but the noise was slight on Fleetwood Hill or in the
surrounding forests.

A man came through the thickets soon after midnight and moved with the
greatest caution toward the hill on which the artillery was ranged.
He was in neither blue nor gray, just the plain garb of a civilian,
but he was of strong figure and his smoothly shaven face, with its
great width between the eyes and massive chin, expressed character and
uncommon resolution.

The intruder--he was obviousl