It was a long ride under the moon and stars.

There was but little talk along the lines.

The noises were those of marching feet and not of men's voices.

All the troops felt the mystery and solemnity of the night and the deep import of their unknown mission.
The dawn found them still marching, but that dawn was again heavy with the fogs and mists that rose from the broad river.

The three Northern balloons could see nothing.