The wind blew out of the northwest, sharp and intensely cold.
The snow crunched under their feet.

But the four had wrapped themselves in heavy overcoats, and they were so engrossed in their mission that neither wind nor snow was anything to them.
They passed along the bank of the creek, keeping well within the shadow of the bushes, leaving behind them the last outpost of the Union army, and then slowly drew near to the fort.

They saw before them many lights burning in the darkness, and at last they discerned dim figures walking back and forth.

Dick knew that these were the Southern sentinels.

The four went a little nearer, and then crouched down in the snow among some low bushes.
Now they saw the Southern sentinels more distinctly.