But he first gave Sherburne a malicious shove with his foot and bade him wake up, telling him that it was too late for an alert cavalry captain to be sleeping.
Then Sherburne also yawned, stretched, and stood up, rubbing his eyes.
The others about them rose too, and everybody felt chilled by the river fog, which was uncommonly heavy.
"Breakfast for me," said Sherburne.
"Not just now, I think," said Harry.

"Listen! Aren't those rifle shots ?" A patter, patter, distant but clear in the morning, came from a point down the stream.
"You're right!" exclaimed Sherburne in alarm.

"It's on our side of the river and it's increasing fast! As sure as we live, the enemy has crossed and attacked!" They were not left in doubt.

The pickets, running in, told them that a heavy force of Northern cavalry was across the Rappahannock and was charging with vigor.

In fact, two of the divisions had passed the fords unseen in the fog and were now rushing Stuart's camp.
But Stuart, although surprised, never for an instant lost his presence of mind.