They had no time for other words, as Forrest's horsemen, far outnumbering them, now pressed them harder than ever.

A continuous fire came from their ranks and at close range they rode in with the sabre.
Dick experienced the full terror and surprise of a night battle.

The opposing forces were so close together that it was often difficult to tell friend from enemy.

But Forrest's men had every advantage of surprise, superior numbers and perfect knowledge of the country.

Dick groaned aloud as he saw that the best they could do was to save as many as possible.