It was now about the middle of the morning and the day was burning hot and breathless.
Their hearts began to pound with excitement, and their breath was drawn painfully through throats lined with dust.
A long ridge covered with forest rose on one side of them and now they saw the flash of many bayonets and rifle barrels along its lowest slope.
Another heavy column of infantry was advancing, and presently they heard the far note of trumpets calling to one another.
"Their whole army is in touch," said the sergeant.

"The trumpets show it.

Often on the plains, when we had to divide our little force into detachments, they'd have bugle talk with one another.

We must go faster if we can." They got another ounce of strength out of their horses, and now they saw Union cavalry in front.

In a minute or two they were among the blue horsemen, giving the hasty news of Jackson's advance.