Cannon shot also whizzed among them, indicating that the Southern pickets were in strong force.
But the Northern troops, full of vigor and zeal, swept back the pickets and charged directly upon a larger force in the town beyond.

A short and fierce battle for the possession of the village ensued, but this was only a Southern outpost, and it was not strong enough to withstand the rush of the Ohio men and Winchester's regiment.

Fighting at every step they retreated through the village and into the forest beyond, leaving one of their cannon in the hands of the Union troops.
"An omen of victory," exclaimed Dick, when he saw the captured cannon.
"Careful, Dick! Careful!" said Warner.

"Remember that you're not strong on omens.

You're always seeing sure signs of success just before we go into a big battle." "If Dick sees visions, and they're visions of the right kind, then he's right," said Pennington.