Shells began to shriek and fall among the Northern masses, and the fire of cannon and rifles mingled in a sinister crash.

But the Union regiments, although not yet replying, remained steady, although the shower of steel that was beginning to beat upon them found many a mark.
Vast columns of smoke pierced by fire rose in front.
It seemed to Dick's vivid fancy that the earth was shaking with the tread of the advancing brigades and the thunder of their artillery.
But he was still able to preserve his air of indifference, although his heart was now beating hard and fast.

Now and then when the smoke eddied or the banks of it broke apart he raised his glasses and with their powerful vision saw the long and deep Southern columns advancing, the field batteries in the intervals pouring a storm of death.
It was a sinister and terrible sight.

The South presented here an army outnumbering its force at Shiloh two to one, and they were veterans now, led by veteran commanders.

Moreover, they had Longstreet and his matchless fighters from Lee's army to bear them up.
"What do you see, Dick ?" asked Pennington, his voice distinctly audible through the steady roar.
"Johnnies! Johnnies! Johnnies! Thousands and thousands of them and then many thousands more.