Despite every effort, Harry's eyes grew heavy and he began to doze a little.

He would waken entirely at times and straighten up with a jerk.

Then he would see the fields and forests still rushing past, now and then a flash as they crossed a stream, and always the sober figure of the general, staring, unseeing, through the window.
He suddenly became wide-awake, when he heard sharp comment in the coach.
All the older officers were gazing through the windows with the greatest interest.

Harry saw a man in Confederate uniform galloping across the fields and waving his hands repeatedly to the train which was already checking speed.
"A staff officer with news," said Dalton.
"Yes," said Harry, "and I'm thinking it will seem bad news to you and me." The train stopped in a field, and the officer, panting and covered with dust and perspiration, rode alongside.

Jackson walked out on the steps, followed by his eager officers.
"What is it ?" asked Jackson.
"The Northern army has retaken Front Royal.