Clouds of smoke from the great batteries floated down the river.
"A Yankee failure so far, Harry," said Colonel Leonidas Talbot.

"The bridge has advanced no further, and I should say that our shore is now enriched by about fifty thousand pounds of steel hurled from those batteries and with little harm to us." "I've no doubt you're right, sir," said Harry, "and now that a period of rest has come, I shall hurry back to General Jackson, who may need me to carry some order." "A moment, please, Harry, my boy," said Colonel Talbot, twirling his mustaches.

"You are near to General Jackson, of course, being his personal aide.

If it should fall out conveniently, would you do myself and my most excellent friend and second, Lieutenant-Colonel St.Hilaire, a small favor ?" "Of course, Colonel.

Gladly.