.

KERNSTOWN.
The long winding lines of the two armies spread over a maze of fields, woods and thickets, with here and there a stone wall and scattered low hills, which could be used as points of strength.

Jackson's men, led by able officers, were pushing forward with all their might.

The woods, the thickets and the mud nullified to some extent the superior power of the Northern artillery, but the rifles were pouring forth shattering volleys, many at close range.
Harry felt his horse stagger just after he reached the crest of the hill, but he took no notice of it until a few minutes later, when the animal began to shiver.

He leaped clear just in time, for when the shiver ceased, the horse plunged forward, fell on his side and lay dead.
As Harry straightened himself on his feet a bullet went through the brim of his cap, and another clipped his epaulet.
"Those must be western men shooting at you, Harry," said a voice beside him.