en the figure of the spy sliding through the thickets, and Harry and
his comrades in the Inn of the Greenwood Tree were very warm and snug in
their blankets. As day came he yawned, stretched, closed his eyes again,
thinking that he might have another precious fifteen minutes, but,
recalling his resolution, sprang to his feet and began to rub his eyes
clear.

He had slept fully dressed, like all the rest, and he intended to go
down to a brook in a few minutes and bathe his face. But he first gave
Sherburne a malicious shove with his foot and bade him wake up, telling
him that it was too late for an alert cavalry captain to be sleeping.

Then Sherburne also yawned, stretched, and stood up, rubbing his eyes.
The others about them rose too, and everybody felt chilled by the river
fog, which was uncommonly heavy.

"Breakfast for me," said Sherburne.

"Not just now, I think," said Harry. "Listen! Aren't those rifle
shots?"

A patter, patter, distant but clear in the morning, came from a point
down the stream.

"You're right!" exclaimed Sherburne in alarm. "It's on our side of
the river and it's increasing fast! As sure as we live, the enemy has
crossed and attacked!"

They were not left in doubt. The pickets, running in, told them that
a heavy force of Northern cavalry was across the Rappahannock and was
charging with vigor. In fact, two of the divisions had passed the fords
unseen in the fog and were now rushing Stuart's camp.

But Stuart, although surprised, never for an instant lost his presence
of mind. Throughout the Southern lines the bugles sounded the sharp
call to horse. It was full time. The outposts had been routed already
and were driven in on the main body.

Harry ran to his horse, which had been left saddled and bridled for
any emergency. He leaped upon him and rode by the side of Sherburne,
whose troop was already in line. They could not see very well for the
mists, but the fire in front of them from cavalry carbines had grown
into great violence. It made a huge shower of red dots against the
white screen of the mist, and now they heard shouts and the beat of
thousands of hoofs.

"They're making for our artillery!" exclaimed Sherburne with true
instinct. "Follow me, men! We must hold them back, for a few minutes
at least!"

Sherburne and his gallant troops were just in time. A great force of
cavalry in blue suddenly appeared in the whitish and foggy dawn and
charged straight for