But the swift command of their officers quickly put them down again.
"Don't forget the other Confederate column to the south of us," whispered Whitley.

"They did not fire at first for fear their bullets would pass over our heads and strike their own comrades.

For the same reason they must have dropped back a little in order to avoid the fire of their friends.

Their volley will come from an angle about midway between our left and rear." Just as he spoke the last words the rifles flashed at the surmised angle and again the bullets beat among the young troops or swept over their heads.

A soldier was killed only a few feet from Dick.