"That's the only way in the dark.
They can see much better than we can, and if men would but let them go their own way instead of trying to guide them, they would seldom run against anything.

The only thing is to lie well down on the horse's neck, otherwise one might get swept out of the saddle by a bough.

It's a question of nerve.

I think not many of us would do as Stuart does, and trust himself entirely to his horse's instinct." The word was now passed down the line that perfect silence was to be observed, and that they were to move forward in column, the ranks closing up as much as possible, so as not to lose touch of each other.
With heads bent down, and blankets wrapped around them as cloaks, the cavalry rode off through the pouring rain.

The thunder was crashing overhead, and the flashes of lightning enabled them to keep their places in close column.