The bullets of half a dozen Southern skirmishers, standing under the boughs of a beech tree less than two hundred yards away, hissed angrily by them.
"A close call," said the colonel.

"There, they've been scattered by our own riflemen and one of them remains to pay the toll." The reply of the Northern skirmishers had been quick, and the gray figure lying prone by the trunk of the tree told Dick that the colonel had been right.

He was shaken by a momentary shudder, but he could not long remember one among so many.

They rode on, leaving the prone figure out of sight, and the Southern cavalry and skirmishers pressed forward afresh.
Many of the Union men had food in their saddle bags, and supplies were sent back for those who did not have it.

Colonel Winchester who was now thoroughly cool, advised his officers to eat, even if they felt no hunger.
"I'm hungry enough," said Pennington to Dick.