It was dark now and he gazed toward the North, where the stars already
twinkled serenely in the sky. It seemed to him that their army was
about to enter some vast, illimitable space, swarming with unknown
enemies. He felt for a little while a deep depression. But it was
partly physical. His exertions of the day had been tremendous, and the
intense excitement, too, had almost overcome him. The watchful Dalton
noticed his condition, and wisely said nothing, allowing his pulses to
regain their normal beat.

It was nearly an hour before his nerves became quiet, and then he sank
into a heavy sleep. In the morning youth had reasserted itself, both
physically and mentally. His doubts and apprehensions were gone.
The unconquerable Army of Northern Virginia was merely marching again
to fresh triumphs.

Although Hooker now understood Lee's movement, and was pushing more
troops forward on his side of the Rappahannock, the Southern general,
with his eye ever on his main object, did not cease his advance.
He had turned his back on Washington, and nothing, not even formidable
irruptions like that of Pleasanton, could make him change his plan.

The calls from the Valley of Virginia became more frequent and urgent.
Messengers came to Lee, begging his help. Milroy at Winchester, with a
strong force, was using rigorous measures. The people claimed that he
had gone far beyond the rules of war. Jackson had come more than once
to avenge them, and now they expected as much of Lee.

They did not appeal in vain. Harry saw Lee's eyes flash at the reports
of the messengers, and he himself took a dispatch, the nature of which
he knew, to Ewell, who was in advance, leading Jackson's old corps.