It will be a long time before they can bring a united force against us." But while he spoke the mutter of the guns grew louder.

Jackson listened attentively a long time, and then sent several of his staff officers to the rear with orders to the cavalry, the Invincibles under Talbot, and one other regiment to hold the enemy off at all costs.

As Harry galloped back the mutter of the cannon grew into thunder.

There was also the sharper crash of rifle fire.

Presently he saw the flash of the firing and numerous spires of smoke rising.
His own message was to the Invincibles and he delivered the brief note to Colonel Talbot, who read it quickly and then tore it up.
"Stay with us a while, Harry," he said, "and you can then report more fully to the general what is going on.