"We must be intending to make an attack," said Dick, "but I don't suppose
we'll move until day."

He had learned long since that night attacks were very risky. Friend was
likely to fire into friend and the dusk and confusion invariably forbade
victory. But the faculties that create anxiety and alarm had been dulled
for the time by immense exertions and dangers, and he placidly awaited
the event, whatever it might be.

"What time is it?" asked Pennington.

"Half past three in the morning," replied Dick, who was able to see the
face of his watch.

"Not such a long wait then. Day comes early this time of the year."

"You lads can sit down and make yourselves comfortable," said Colonel
Winchester. "It's desirable for you to be as fresh as possible when
you're wanted. I'm glad to see the men sleeping. They'll receive a
signal in ample time."

The young officers followed his suggestion, but they kept very wide awake,
talking for a little while in whispers and then sinking away into
silence. The noise from the massed troops near them decreased also
and Dick's curiosity began to grow again. He stood up, but he saw no
movement, nothing to indicate the nature of any coming event. He looked
at his watch again. Dawn was almost at hand. A narrow band of gray
would soon rim the eastern hills. An aide arrived, gave a dispatch to
Colonel Winchester, and quickly passed on.