It seems likely to me that they will wait at the far end of the valley to cut us off.

What force do you think it is ?" "Perhaps a cavalry detachment that has ridden hurriedly to intercept us.
I would say at a guess that it is Turner Ashby and his men.

A skillful and dangerous foe, as you know." Already the fame of this daring Confederate horseman was spreading over Virginia and Maryland.
"If we are right in our guess," said Major Hertford, "they will dismount, lead their horses along the mountain side, and shut down the trap upon us.

Doubtless they are in superior force, and know the country much better than we do.

If they get ahead of us and have a little time to do it in they will certainly tear up the tracks." "I think you are right in all respects," said Colonel Newcomb.