He panted for breath and was without the power to move.

He regarded vaguely the moving lights that had begun to show in the darkness, and he heard without comprehension the voices of men and the fitful fire of the cannon.
"Steady, Dick! Steady!" said a cheerful voice.

"Now is the time to rejoice! We've won a victory, and nothing can break General Grant's death grip on Donelson!" Colonel Winchester was speaking, and he put a firm and friendly hand on the boy's shoulder.

Dick came back to life, and, looking into his colonel's face, he grinned.

Colonel Winchester could have been recognized only at close range.