But the soldiers did not complain.
It was noon now, and they ate food from their knapsacks.

Two springs of clear water were found a little distance from the river and all drank there.

Then they went back to their weary waiting.
On the other side of the river they could see the dismounted troopers, playing cards, sleeping or currying their horses.

They seemed to be in no hurry at all.

Colonel Winchester sent divisions of scouts up and down the stream, and, both returning after a while, reported that the river was not fordable anywhere.
Colonel Winchester sat down under a tree and smoked his pipe.