As you say, George, there's no time to waste." The four mounted and rode fast, the dust of the road flying in a cloud behind their horses' heels.

Dick felt that they had fulfilled their errand, but he had his doubts how their news would be received.

The Northern generals in the east did not seem to him to equal those of the west in keenness and resolution, while the case was reversed so far as the Southern generals were concerned.
But fast as they went the Southern cavalry was coming with equal speed.
They continually saw the flash of arms in both east and west.

The force in the west was the nearer of the two.

Not only was Sherburne there, but Harry Kenton was with him, and besides their own natural zeal they had all the eagerness and daring infused into them by the great spirit and brilliant successes of Jackson.
"They won't be able to enclose us between the two horns of their horsemen," said Sergeant Whitley, whose face was very grave, "and the battle won't be to-morrow or the next day." "Why not?
I thought Jackson was swift," said Warner.
"Cause it will be fought to-day.