In the night the large force under Crook was moved into the thick forest along Cedar Creek, where it was to lie silent and hidden until it received the word of command.
All the next day the movements were continued, while Crook's force, intended to be the striking arm, was still concealed in the timber.
Yet before dark there was a heavy combat, in which the Southern troops were driven out of Strasburg, enabling the Northern batteries to advance to strong positions.

That night Crook's whole strength was brought across Cedar Creek, but was hidden again in heavy timber.

To the great pleasure of its colonel and other officers the Winchester regiment was sent to join it as a cavalry support.
It was quite dark when they rode their horses across the creek and Shepard was again with them as guide.

Although he concealed it, the spy felt a great exultation.

The map that he had brought from his sister had proved invaluable.