On the morning of the fourth they reached the foot of the range in which Wildcat Gap is situated.

They were marching slowly up the steep mountain side, their soaked garments clinging about their weary limbs and clogging their footsteps.

Suddenly a sullen boom rolled out of the mist that hung over the distant mountain tops.
Every one stopped, held their breaths, and tried to check the beating of their hearts, that they might hear more.
They needed not.

There was no difficulty about hearing the succeeding reports, which became every instant more distinct.
"By God, that's cannon!" said the Colonel.

"They're attacking our boys.
Throw off everything, boys, and hurry forward!" Overcoats, blankets, haversacks and knapsacks were hastily pied, and the two most exhausted men in each company placed on guard over them.
Kent and Abe did not contribute their canteen to the company pile.