It was to be their position for the fighting next day.

Thomas, passing by, had merely given them an approving look, and then had gone on to re-form his lines elsewhere.
Dick knew that all through the night he would be conferring with his commander, Rosecrans, McCook and the others, and he knew, too, that many of the Union soldiers would be at work, fortifying, throwing up earthworks, and cutting down trees for abattis.

He heard already the ring of the axes.
But the Winchester men rested for the present.

Nature had made their own position strong with a low hill, and a thicket in front.

They lay upon the ground, sheltering themselves from the cold wind, which cut through bodies relaxed and almost bloodless after such vast physical exertions and excitement so tremendous..