All had received orders to hold themselves in readiness for an instant march, and his blood tingled with expectancy.

At midnight the Winchester regiment rode off to the left to join the cavalry under Wilson which was to lead the advance, moving along a pike road and then crossing the little river Opequan.
Dick rode close behind Colonel Winchester and Warner and Pennington were on either side of him.

Not far away from them was Sergeant Whitley, ready for use as a scout.

Shepard had disappeared already in the darkness.

They joined Wilson's command and waited in silence.