Major Hawks had laid together and as evenly as possible a number of fence rails upon which Jackson was to sleep, but as yet no one was disposed to slumber.

They had finished eating, but they remained in a silent and somber circle about the fire.
Jackson stood up presently and his figure, wrapped in the long cloak was all dark.

The light did not fall upon his face.

All the others looked at him.

Among them was one of Ashby's young troopers, a bold and reckless spirit.