Dick, through his glasses, saw that the Confederates so far from continuing the advance were now fortifying behind stone fences and also were spreading across the valley to keep from being flanked on either side by the cavalry.

But he saw too that their ranks were scanty.

If they spread far enough to protect their flanks they would become dangerously thin in the center.

He handed his glasses to the sergeant, and asked him to take a look.
"Their surprise," said Whitley, "has spent its force.

Their army is not big enough.