A quiver ran through the lads who were now gathering in the wood and at its edge.

But Dick knew that the fire was distant.

The other wing had opened the battle, and it might be a long time before their own division was drawn into the conflict.
He stood there as the sound grew louder, a continuous crash of rifles, accompanied by the heavy boom of cannon, and far off he saw a great cloud of smoke gathering over the forest.

But no shouting reached his ears, nor could he see the men in combat.

Colonel Winchester, who was standing beside him, shrugged his shoulders.
"They're engaged heavily, or they will be very soon," he said.
"And it looks as if we'd have to wait," said Dick.
"Things point that way.