Journalists and public men met them, and Dick now learned how the truth about Bull Run had come to the capital.

The news of defeat had been the more bitter, because already they had been rejoicing there over success.

As late as five o'clock in the afternoon the telegraph had informed Washington of victory.

Then, after a long wait, had come the bitter despatch telling of defeat, and flying fugitives arriving in the night had exaggerated it tenfold.
The division to which Dick, Warner, and Whitley belonged marched over the Long Bridge and camped near the capital where they would remain until sent on further service.

Dick now saw that the capital was in no danger.