He peered out at the sentry, who hugged his great coat closer, as he paced to and fro. He fancied he saw in the gloom a man and horse, and heard the sharp challenge—
“Halt! Who goes there?”
The horseman drew up, and replied promptly—
“A messenger from General Shields, with dispatches for Colonel Hopkins. I must deliver them at once.”
[Original]
The sentinel called—“Sergeant of the guard—post number five—a message from headquarters!”
The words were passed along the line of guards, until it reached the sergeant, who came instantly.
He carried the papers to his colonel, who read them hastily, and signed each one, handing them back to the orderly, who rode swiftly away.