"Where to?" he asked.
"To the attack," was the reply.
At the same moment a bugle rang out. Others took it up. It was the command to advance.
CHAPTER XVI.
AN ENGAGEMENT.
Right, left, front and rear of where Stubbs and Chester stood the troops began to move. In front they could make out the heavy guns being dragged forward, officers dashing about and gesticulating excitedly, but order reigning in the midst of apparent confusion.
From the rear now dashed a squadron of cavalry, a handsome appearing body of men. A second squadron came into sight and disappeared ahead, to be followed a moment later by a third. Other squadrons passed in rapid succession.
Chester and Stubbs kept their positions.
Half an hour passed and still the mounted horsemen swept by. Then came the infantry. Column upon column came swinging along at a dog trot, their officers urging them on. They moved silently and swiftly, apparently all ready for the terrible business in hand.
"A handsome body of men," said Stubbs. "I have never seen better."