He felt that this ride must portend some important movement.

Sheridan would not gallop away from his main camp, except on a vital issue.
It was not a long distance to Charlestown, and when they arrived there they dismounted and waited.

Dick saw Colonel Winchester's face express great expectancy and he must know why they waited, but the youth did not ask him any questions, although his own curiosity increased.
An hour passed, and then a short, thickset, bearded man, accompanied by a small staff, appeared.

Dick drew a deep breath.

It was General Grant, Commander-in-Chief of all the armies of the Union, and Sheridan hastened forward to meet him.