Dick, looking at him in the moonlight, said to himself for the hundredth time that he was a magnificent specimen of American manhood, thick, powerful, intelligent, respectful to his superior officers, who often knew less than he did, a veteran from whom woods, hills, and plains hid few secrets.

He thought it a good thing that the sergeant was to be their guide, because he would lead them into no ambush.
As Dick turned away for departure Ohio said to him: "We'll meet on the mountain side, and I hope we'll catch our game, but don't you fellows fire into us in the dark." Dick promised and his regiment marched away toward the slope.

All were on foot, of course, and they had received strict instructions to make no noise.

They turned northward, left the camp behind them, and were soon hidden in the dark.
Dick was at the head of the column with Colonel Winchester and the sergeant.

Warner and Pennington were further back.