But the Northern force was increasing.
Buford and his men were coming down on their flank.

It seemed that the Confederate force was about to be overwhelmed again, but suddenly their guns came into action.

Shell and canister held back the Northern force, and then arose from the Southern ranks the shout: "Stuart! Stuart!" Harry saw him galloping forward at the head of his men, his long, yellow hair flying in the air, his sabre whirled aloft in glittering circles, and he felt an immense sensation of relief.

Leading his division in person, Stuart drove back the Northern horsemen, but he in his turn was checked by artillery and supporting columns of infantry in the wood.
Pleasanton, the Union leader, was showing great skill and courage.
Having profited by his enemy's example, he was pressing his advantage to the utmost.

Already he had found in Stuart's captured baggage instructions for the campaign, showing that the whole Southern army was on its way toward the great valley, to march thence northward, and he resolved instantly to break up this advance as much as possible.
Pleasanton pressed forward again, and Stuart prepared to meet him.
But Harry, who was keeping by the side of Sherburne, saw Stuart halt suddenly.