Nevertheless, he did not relax his vigilance and caution for an instant.

He made the circuit of the fort and saw that everything was ready.

The Southern riflemen lined every earthwork, and the guns had been wheeled into the best positions, with the gunners ready.

Then he returned to his old place.
"The charge will come soon, Lieutenant Kenton," he said to Harry.
"Their cannonade serves a double purpose.

It keeps us busy dodging ball and shell, and it creates a bank of smoke through which their infantry can advance almost to the fort and yet remain hidden.