But neither Sherman nor McClernand would yield, save for the slow retreat, yielding ground foot by foot only.

And there were many unknown heroes around them.

Sergeant Whitley blazed with courage and spirit.
"We could be worse off than we are!" he shouted to Dick.

"General Buell's army may yet come!" "Maybe we could be worse off than we are, but I don't see how it's possible!" shouted Dick in return, a certain grim humor possessing him for the moment.
"Look! What I said has come true already!" shouted the sergeant.

"Here is shelter that will help us to make a new stand!" In their slow retreat they reached two low hills, between which a small ravine ran.