The general had not said much before, but the incessant sharpshooting from the bushes and slopes as they marched southward had caused him intense annoyance, and, if continued, he knew that it would hurt the spirit of the troops.
"We shall try to trap Slade's band to-night," said Colonel Winchester to Dick and the other young officers who gathered around him.

"We think he has three or four hundred men and my regiment can deal with that number.
We will defile to the right without noise and make our way up the mountain.

An Ohio regiment, which can also deal with Slade if it catches him, will defile to the left.

Maybe we can trap these irregulars between us.

Sergeant Whitley will guide my force." The sergeant stepped forward, proud of the honor and trust.