The heavy reports rolled sullenly over the desolate forests, but the Northern cannon did not yet reply.

The Southern fire was doing no damage.

It was merely a threat, a menace to those who should dare the assault.
Colonel Winchester signalled to Dick and Pennington, and mounting their horses they rode with him to the crest of the highest adjacent hill.
Presently General Grant came and with him were the generals, McClernand and Smith.

Colonel Newcomb also arrived, attended by Warner.

The high officers examined the fort a long time through their glasses, but Dick noticed that at times they watched the river.