The older men, as well as the boys, were held as if by a spell.

It was something monstrous and eastern, like the appearance of a genie out of the Arabian Nights.
The light, after remaining fixed for at least a minute, began to move slowly from side to side and then faster.
"A signal!" exclaimed Colonel Newcomb.

"Beyond a doubt it is the Southerners.

Whatever they're saying they're saying it to somebody.

Look toward the south!" "Ah, there they are answering!" exclaimed Major Hertford.
All had wheeled simultaneously, and on another high spur a mile to the south a second red light as vivid and intense as the first was flashing back and forth.