The neigh of a horse became a fierce, lingering note, and out of the darkness that covered the rolling country in front of them came many sounds, but few of which were real.
For a long time there was movement on their own side of the stream.
Troops were continually coming up in the night and taking position.
It required no acute mind to perceive that the Southern commander expected the main attack to be made here, and was massing his troops in force to receive it.

Except at the ford itself the banks of the river were high, but those on the Northern side were higher.

A skirt of forest lined the Southern bank, and Harry saw Longstreet and his men march into it, and lie there on their arms.

Nearer to him among the trees were the powerful batteries of artillery.

Beauregard himself had come and he now had with him seven brigades eager for the attack.
The night was hot and windless, save at distant intervals, when a slight breeze blew from the North.