But it was a familiar sound in this mighty war, and he found himself singularly calm.

He never knew how he was going to feel on the eve of battle.

Sometimes the constriction at his heart was painful, and sometimes its beat was smooth and regular.
All the officers of the Winchester regiment were dismounted owing to the rough nature of the country in which they were stationed.

They held the most uneven part of the center, where thickets and ravines were many.
Hot food and coffee were served to them, and new warmth and courage flowed through their bodies.
The distant fire increased, and, standing on a hillock, Dick looked long through his glasses.

A faint haze which had hung in the south was clearing away.