It had been cut up once more at Cold Harbor, and because of its great services and losses it was permitted to remain a while in the rear as a reserve, and obtain the rest it needed so sorely.
The brave youths were recovering fast from their wounds and exertions.
Their camp was beside a clear brook and there were tents for the officers, though they were but seldom used, most of them, unless it should be raining, preferring to sleep in their blankets under the trees.

The water was good to drink, and farther down were several deep pools in which they bathed.

Food, as usual in the Northern army, was good and plentiful, and for the Winchesters it seemed more a period of play than of war.
"What did you see at the house, Dick ?" asked Colonel Winchester.
"The spy, Shepard.

I talked a while with him.

He says the Confederacy is growing weaker every day, but if we try to storm Lee's lines we'll be cut to pieces." "I think he's right in both respects, although I feel sure that some kind of a movement will soon be attempted.