From somewhere in front came the strains of a regimental band playing: "The hour was sad, I left the maid, A lingering farewell taking, Her sighs and tears my steps delayed, I thought her heart was breaking.
In hurried words her name I blessed, I breathed the vows that bind me And to my heart in anguish pressed The girl I left behind me." It was a favorite air of the Southern bands, and, much as it stirred Harry now, he was destined to hear it again in moments far more thrilling.

He presented his order from General Beauregard to a sentinel, who passed him to an officer, who in turn told him to go about a quarter of a mile westward, where he would find the regiment of Colonel Talbot quartered.
"It's a mixed regiment," he said, "made up of Virginians, South Carolinians, North Carolinians, and a few Kentuckians and Tennesseeans, but it's already one of the best in the service.

Colonel Talbot and his second in command, Lieutenant-Colonel St.Hilaire, have been thrashing it into shape in great fashion.

They're mostly boys and already they call themselves 'The Invincibles.' You can see the tents of their commanding officers over there by that little creek." Harry's eyes followed the pointing finger, and again his heart leaped.
His friends were there, the two colonels for whom he had such a strong affection, and the two lads of his own age.

Theirs looked like a good camp, too.