To the scouts and skirmishers and to Dick, wandering through the forest, nature was an unmitigated foe.
But nothing could stop the boy.

He was resolved to get back to the army with the news that a heavy Southern force was across the Rappahannock.
Others might get there first with the fact, but one never knew.

A hundred might fall by the wayside, leaving it to him alone to bear the message.
He stumbled on.

He was able to keep his cartridges dry in his pouch, but that was all.

His wet, cold clothes flapped around him and he shivered to the bone.