They would have ample opportunity for observation before morning.
A half hour later they discerned dim lights ahead and they knew that
the Potomac could not be far away.

They drew to one side in a bit of forest, and Sherburne again detached
himself, Harry and eight others from the troop, which he left as before
under the command of Marlowe.

"Wait here in the wood for us," he said to his second in command.
"We should be back by dawn. Of course, if any force of the enemy
threatens you, you'll have to do what seems best, and we'll ride back
to General Jackson alone."

The ten went on a bit farther, using extreme care lest they run into a
Northern picket. Fortunately the fringe of wood, in which they found
shelter, continued to a point near the river, and as they went forward
quietly they saw many lights. They heard also a great tumult, a mixture
of many noises, the rumbling of cannon and wagon wheels, the cracking
of drivers' whips by the hundreds and hundreds, the sounds of drivers
swearing many oaths, but swearing together and in an unbroken stream.

They rode to the crest of the hill, where they were well hidden among
oaks and beeches, and there the whole scene burst upon them. The
late moon had brightened, and many stars had come out as if for their
especial benefit. They saw the broad stream of the Potomac shining like
silver and spanned by a bridge of boats, on which a great force, horse,
foot, artillery, and wagons, was crossing.

"That's McClellan's army," said Harry.