He said nothing and Colonel Woodville continued: "The smoke is so heavy I can't see what damage was done! Now it has cleared away! There are gaps in the Yankee lines, but the men have closed up, and they come on at the double quick with their cannon still firing over their heads!" In his excitement he took his hand off Dick's shoulder and leaned forward a little farther, supporting himself now against the earthen wall.

Dick stood just behind him, shielded from the sight of any one who might be passing in the ravine, although there was little danger now from searchers with a great battle going on.

Meanwhile he watched the combat with an eagerness fully equal to that of the old colonel.
The mighty crash of cannon and rifles together continued, but for a little while the smoke banked up in front so densely that the whole combat was hidden from them.

Then a wind slowly rolled the smoke away.
The figures of the men began to appear like shadowy tracery, and then emerged, distinct and separate from the haze.
"They are nearer now," said the Colonel.

"I can plainly see their long lines moving and their light guns coming with them.