The men were exhausted by cold and fatigue, and were compelled to lay down their tools.

The fires were built anew, and they hovered about them for shelter and rest.
The wan twilight showed the close of the wintry day, and with the increasing chill a part of Dick's sanguine feeling departed.

The gallant little fleet, although it had brought fresh men and supplies and had protected their landing, had been driven back.

The investment of the fort was complete only on one side of the river, and steamers coming up the Cumberland from Nashville might yet take off the garrison in safety.
Then the work of the silent general, all their hardship and fighting would be at least in part a failure.

The Vermont youth, who seemed to be always of the same temper, neither very high nor very low, noticed his change of expression.
"Don't let your hopes decrease, Dick," he said.