Bear in mind, my young friend, that this is for your private ear only." "Of course, sir! What was that?
Wasn't it a rifle shot ?" "The report is faint, but it was certainly made by a rifle.

And hark, there are others! We've evidently come upon their outposts! Confound this storm! It keeps us from seeing more than twenty yards in front of us!" The scattered rifle fire continued, and the weary soldiers raised their heads which they had bent to shelter their eyes from the driving snow and hail.

Pulses leaped up again, and blood sparkled.

The whole army rushed forward.

The roofs of houses came into view, and there was Bath.
But the firing had been merely that of a small rear guard, skirmishers who surrendered promptly.