His rifle and ammunition he laid at the edge of the bank within reach.

Situated thus comfortably, he used his excellent eyes with excellent results.

He could see Perryville on his left, and also a great camp on some heights that ran along the creek.

There were plenty of lights in this camp, and, despite the lateness of the hour, officers were passing about.
It was obvious to the sergeant that many thousands of soldiers were on those heights, and now he wanted to hear again with his own ears.

He did not dare go any nearer, and the water in the creek was growing cold to his body.