The rattle had become a steady roll.
"It is a regular engagement!" the general exclaimed.

"The enemy must be in force, and must have attacked Williams' column." General Johnson ordered one of his orderlies to mount and ride out at full speed and see what was going on.

A quarter of an hour passed.

No one returned to his work.

The men stood in groups, talking in low voices, and listening to the distant roar.
"It is clearer than it was," the general exclaimed.
Several of the officers standing round agreed that the sound was approaching.
"To work, lads!" the general said.