I'll be able to sleep out any time, except in the blizzards." "As soon as you finish devouring the government stores," said a voice behind them, "it would be well for all of you to seek the sleep you're telling so much about." It was Colonel Winchester who spoke, and they looked at him, inquiringly.
"Can I ask, sir, which way we ride ?" said Dick.
"Northward with General Sheridan," replied the Colonel.
"But there is no enemy to the north, sir!" "That's true, but we go that way, nevertheless.

Although you're discreet young officers I'm not going to tell you any more.

Now, as you've eaten enough food and drunk enough coffee, be off to your blankets.

I want all of you to be fresh and strong in the morning." Fresh and strong they were, and promptly General Sheridan rode away, taking with him all the cavalry, his course taking him toward Front Royal.

The news soon spread among the horsemen that from Front Royal the general would go on to Washington for a conference with the War Department, while the cavalry would turn through a gap in the mountains, and then destroy railroads in order to cut off General Early's communications with Richmond.
"We're to be an escort and then a fighting and destroying force," said Dick.