The doubts and fears which beset him in his first battle had no existence on this day.

So thoroughly had he schooled his mind to the fearful ordeal of carnage, that he felt quite at home.

He was cool and determined, and continually encouraged those around him by his cheering words as well as by his example.
"Ben is down!" exclaimed Hapgood.
"Poor fellow!" replied Tom, without taking his eye off the foe in front.
"There goes Bob Dornton!" added Hapgood.
"Stand up to it, my men!" said Tom, firmly, for he had no time then to think of the fallen.
"Forward!" shouted the impetuous colonel, who, if he had never been popular with the men before, was rapidly establishing himself in their good graces by his unflinching heroism.

"Forward! double quick! march!" And on dashed the gallant regiment, mounting the enemy's lofty works, and driving the foe before them like sheep, at the point of the bayonet.

This was the first experience of this exciting description which Tom had seen, and he entered into the spirit of it with a hearty zeal.
"Halt!" was the order, as a regiment filed out in front of them, with a flag of truce flying on its front.