The sooner we fight the better." "Well, that's what General Grant thinks already," said Dick; "so I suppose he doesn't need chills and fever to drive him on.

All the same, Sergeant, I'll wrap up as you say." All the men in the Winchester regiment were soon doing the same.

The mists of the Mississippi, the Big Black and the bayous were raw and cold, although it would be hot later on.

But the period of coldness did not last long.

Soon the low sun showed in the east and the warm daylight came.