He was wild with eagerness to see it, and it was a cruel hurt to his spirit that he was held there, and could not take a part in it.
He thought of rushing from the place, and of seeking a way through the lines to his own army, but a little reflection showed him that it would be folly.

He must merely be a witness, while Colonel Winchester, Warner, Pennington, the sergeant, Colonel Hertford, all whom he knew and the tens of thousands whom he did not know, fought the battle.
A tremendous sound, distant and steady, would not blot out much smaller sounds nearby, and now he heard noises in the larger chamber.

The voice of Colonel Woodville was raised in sharp command.
"Lift me up!" he said, "I must see! Must I lie here, eating my soul out, when a great battle is going on! Help me up, I say! Wound or no wound, I will go to the door!" Then the voice of Miss Woodville attempting to soothe was heard, but the colonel broke forth more furiously than ever, not at her, but at his unhappy fate.
Dick, spurred by impulse, left his alcove and entered the room.
"Sir," he said respectfully to Colonel Woodville, "you are eager to see, and so am I.May I help you ?" Colonel Woodville turned a red eye upon him.
"Young man," he said, "you have shown before a sense of fitness, and your appearance now is most welcome.

You shall help me to the door, and I will lean upon you.

Together we will see what is going to happen, although I wish for one result, and you for another.