errand, but he had his doubts how their news would be received. The
Northern generals in the east did not seem to him to equal those of the
west in keenness and resolution, while the case was reversed so far as
the Southern generals were concerned.

But fast as they went the Southern cavalry was coming with equal speed.
They continually saw the flash of arms in both east and west. The force
in the west was the nearer of the two. Not only was Sherburne there,
but Harry Kenton was with him, and besides their own natural zeal they
had all the eagerness and daring infused into them by the great spirit
and brilliant successes of Jackson.

"They won't be able to enclose us between the two horns of their
horsemen," said Sergeant Whitley, whose face was very grave, "and the
battle won't be to-morrow or the next day."

"Why not? I thought Jackson was swift," said Warner.

"Cause it will be fought to-day. I thought Jackson was swift, too,
but he's swifter than I thought. Them feet cavalry of his don't have to
change their name. Look into the road comin' up that narrow valley."

The eyes of the three boys followed his pointing finger, and they now saw
masses of infantry, men in gray pressing forward at full speed. They
saw also batteries of cannon, and Dick almost fancied he could hear the
rumble of their wheels.

"Looks as if the sergeant was right," said Pennington. "Stonewall
Jackson is here."