They increased their speed to a gallop, making directly for Cedar Run,
a cold, clear little stream coming out of the hills. It was now about
the middle of the morning and the day was burning hot and breathless.
Their hearts began to pound with excitement, and their breath was drawn
painfully through throats lined with dust.

A long ridge covered with forest rose on one side of them and now they
saw the flash of many bayonets and rifle barrels along its lowest slope.
Another heavy column of infantry was advancing, and presently they heard
the far note of trumpets calling to one another.

"Their whole army is in touch," said the sergeant. "The trumpets show
it. Often on the plains, when we had to divide our little force into
detachments, they'd have bugle talk with one another. We must go faster
if we can."

They got another ounce of strength out of their horses, and now they saw
Union cavalry in front. In a minute or two they were among the blue
horsemen, giving the hasty news of Jackson's advance. Other scouts and
staff officers arrived a little later with like messages, and not long
afterward they heard shots behind them telling them that the hostile
pickets were in touch.

They watered their horses in Cedar Run, crossed it and rejoined their own
regiment under Colonel Arthur Winchester. The colonel was thin, bronzed
and strong, and he, too, like the other new men from the West, was eager
for battle with the redoubtable Jackson.

"What have you seen, Dick?" he exclaimed. "Is it a mere scouting force
of cavalry, or is Jackson really at hand?"