Ewell will fight off Fremont, holding him there until Jackson can annihilate Shields.

Then he will retreat over the river to Jackson, burning the bridge behind him." Dalton nodded.
"Looks that way to a man up a tree," he said.
"It's like the general," said Harry.

"He could bring his whole army on this side, burn the bridge, and in full force attack Shields, but he prefers to defeat them both." "Yes; but I wish to Heaven we had more men." "Sh! Here comes the general," said Harry.
The two were silent as General Jackson and an officer passed.

The general spoke a word or two to the boys and went on.

They were but ordinary words, but both felt uplifted because he had spoken to them.
Morning found them motionless in the forest, over the caves.