Sergeant, if either of those men attempt to leave the ranks again, shoot them!" said the captain.
Fred and Ben took their places in the ranks amid the laughter and jeers of the company.
"Who's the baby now ?" said Bob Dornton.
"You have disgraced the company," added old Hapgood.

"I didn't think you would run away before the battle commenced." "I shall keep both eyes on you, my boys, and if you skulk again, I'll obey orders--by the Lord Harry, I will!" said the sergeant, as he glanced at the lock of his musket.

"Company K isn't going to be laughed at for your cowardice." At six o'clock the order came for the brigade to march.

It now consisted of only three regiments, for the time of one, composed of three months' men, had expired while at Centreville; and though requested and importuned to remain a few days longer, they basely withdrew, even while they were on the very verge of the battlefield.

This regiment left, and carried with it the scorn and contempt of the loyal and true men, who were as ready to fight the battles of their country on one day as on another.
The men knew they were going to battle now, for the enemy was only a few miles distant.