We'll hear of their operations later, and it won't be a pretty story." They talked of many things, and after a while Harry and St.Clair were sent with a message to the crest of Three Top Mountain, where the Confederate signal station was located, and from which the Union officers had taken the dispatch about the coming of Longstreet with a strong force.

Both were fully aware of the great movement contemplated by Early and their minds now went back to march and battle.
The climb up the mountain was pleasant to such muscles and sinews as theirs, and they stopped at intervals to look over the valley, now a great desolation, until nature should come again with her healing touch.
Harry smothered a sigh as he recalled their early and wonderful victories there, and the tremendous marches with the invincible Stonewall.

Old Jack, as he sat somewhere with Washington and Cromwell and all the group of the mighty, must feel sad when he looked down upon this, his beloved valley, now trodden into a ruin by the heel of the invader.
He resolutely put down the choking in his throat, and would not let St.Clair see his emotion.

They reached the signal station, which at that hour was in charge of a young officer named Mortimer, but little older than themselves.

They delivered to him their message and stood by, while he talked with flags to another station on the opposite mountain.
Harry watched curiously although he could read none of the signals.
"This is our only newspaper and I can't read it," he said when Mortimer had finished.