The little band of skirmishers or sharpshooters under Slade had been brushed aside easily, and now that they were in the valley they did not foresee any further attempt to stop their march to Sheridan.

The three colonels shared in the view, and when the men had finished breakfast and dried themselves at their fires they remounted and rode away gaily.

High spirits rose again in youthful veins, and some lad of a mellow voice began to sing.

By and by all joined and a thousand voices thundered out: "Oh, share my cottage, gentle maid, It only waits for thee To give a sweetness to its shade And happiness to me.
"Here from the splendid, gay parade Of noise and folly free No sorrows can my peace invade If only blessed with thee.
"Then share my cottage, gentle maid, It only waits for thee To give a sweetness to its shade And happiness to me." Colonel Hertford made no attempt to check them as they rode across the fields, yet green here, despite the summer's heat.
"They're bravest when they sing," he said to Colonel Winchester.
"It encourages them," said Colonel Winchester, "and I like to hear it myself.

It's a wonderful effect, a thousand or more strong lads singing, as they sweep over the valley toward battle." Dick, Pennington and Warner had joined in the song, but the youth some distance ahead of them was leader.