I tell you, speaking as a man to men who understand and fear not, that the fate of the day may rest with you.
Many gallant comrades of ours have gone already to the far shore, and if we must go, too, to-day, let our journey be not less gallant than theirs.

We can die but once, and if we must die, let us die here where we can serve our country most." His manner was quiet, but his words were thrilling, and the men of the regiment, springing to their feet, uttered a deep, full-throated cheer.
Then sinking down again at the motion of his hand, they turned their faces to the enemy.

The time had come.
The vast Southern front rushed from the wood, and the gray horsemen of Forrest, careless of death, swept down.

It was a terrifying sight, that army coming on amid the thunder and lightning of battle, tens of thousands of rifle muzzles, tens of thousands of fierce brown faces showing through the smoke, and the tremendous battle yell of the South swelling over everything.
Dick felt a quiver, and then his body stiffened, as if it were about to receive a physical shock.

The whole regiment fired as one man, and a gap appeared in the charging Southern column.