All through the late hours after midnight Harry heard the flash of their firing in front of him.
The cavalry under Sherburne and other daring leaders were exchanging shots with the equally daring cavalry of the enemy.
As the dawn approached the firing was heavier.

Harry knew that the day would witness a great battle, and his heart was filled with anxiety.
The army led by Shields showed signs of greater energy and tenacity than that led by Fremont.

The Northern troops that had fought so fiercely at Kernstown were there, and they also had leaders who would not be daunted by doubts and numbers.

Harry wondered if they had heard of the defeat of Fremont at Cross Keys.
He looked at the flashing of the rifles in the dusk, and before dawn rode back to the house where his commander slept.

He was ready and waiting when Jackson came forth, and Dalton appearing from somewhere in the dusk, sat silently on his horse by his side.
The general with his staff at once rode toward the front, and the masses of the Southern army also swung forward.