The darkness was heavy in the shadow of the slope and among the bushes, but, looking backward, Dick clearly saw the camp of General Thomas with its thousands of men and dozens of fires.

Figures passed and repassed before the flames, and the fused noises of a great camp came from the valley.
Dick took only a glance or two.

His whole attention now was for the sergeant, who was looking here and there and sniffing the air, like a great hound seeking the trail.

The soldier had melted into the scout, and Colonel Winchester, knowing him so well, had, in effect, turned the regiment over to him.
Dick and other young officers were sent back through the column to see that they marched without noise.

It was not difficult to enforce the orders, as the men were filled with the ardor of the hunt, and would do everything to insure its success.