He forced a cheerfulness of tone when he spoke to the men, and they dragged themselves wearily to their feet in order to begin the retreat.

But though the muscles were tired the spirit was not unwilling.

All the omens were sinister, pointing to the need of withdrawal.

The vicious skirmishers were still busy and a crackling fire came from many points in the woods.

The occasional rolling thunder of a cannon deepened the somberness of the scene.
All the officers of the regiment had lost their horses and they walked now with the men.