Some strange mood seemed to possess him.
"Mount at once, gentlemen," he said, "and ride with me.

I'm going to Winchester." One or two of the officers opened their mouths to protest, but checked the words when they saw Jackson's stern face.

They sprang into the saddle, and scorning possible attack or capture by roving Union cavalry, galloped to the town.
Jackson drew rein before the manse, where Dr.Graham was already standing at the open door to meet him, runners from the town carrying ahead the news that Jackson was returning with his staff.

It seemed that something the general had said to the minister the day before troubled him.

Harry inferred from the words he heard that Jackson had promised the minister too much and now he was stung by conscience.