Some times the bark flew from trees and now and then there was a rain of twigs, shorn from the branches by the showers of missiles.
It was arduous work.

The men were worn by the darkness, the uncertainty and the incessant pursuit.

The Northern rear guard presented a strong front, retreating slowly with its face to the enemy, and always disputing the road.

Dick meanwhile could hear through the crash of the firing the deep rumble of Pope's great army with its artillery and thousands of wagons continually marching toward the Rappahannock.

His mind became absorbed in a vital question.