A warning ran instantly among the Union troops and the horsemen in blue and one or two infantry regiments drew closer together.
"They're going to charge in force," said Colonel Winchester to Dick.
"See, our rearguard has lost touch with our main army, leaving a side opening between.

They see this chance and intend to make the most of it." "But our men are willing and anxious to meet them," said Dick.

"You can see it in their faces." He had made no mistake, as the fire in their rear deepened, and they saw the gathering squadrons of gray cavalry, a fierce anger seized the retreating Union rearguard.

Those wasps had been buzzing and stinging them all day long and they had had enough of it.

They could fight, and they would, if their officers would let them.