Despite the clouds about the earthworks and the hill, Dick saw continual flashes of light, and he knew now that the battle below was a reality and not a sham.
Early and all his men would be kept too busy to see the march of Crook and his force on his flank, and Dick, like Warner, became sure that the great movement would be a success.
But their progress, owing to the nature of the ground and the need to keep under cover, was slow.

It seemed to Dick that they marched an interminable time under the trees, while the battle flashed and roared in the plain.

He saw noon pass and the sun rise to the zenith.

He saw the brilliant light dim on the eastern mountains, and they were still marching through the forests.
The battle was now behind them and the sun was very low, but the command halted and turned toward the east.

Nevertheless, they were still hidden by the woods and the low hills of the valley.