"Here," replied Hinton.
"I have a word for you, from William Nettleton!" He whispered a few words to the adjutant, who started, looked at his watch, and replied:
"It is half past two. For God's sake, major, let us on."
"Friends, soldiers!" said the major, addressing those around him, "we are here, in front of the enemy. Their numbers are sufficiently great to overwhelm us—almost fourteen to one. But we, soldiers, have been taunted with the name of 'gold-laced body-guard,' 'feather-bed soldiers,' 'kid-gloved gentry,' and such like degrading epithets. I will not command you to face such terrible odds, but I wish to go, and if you will go with me, I will lead you. If any are sick, let them remain behind; if any one fears, let him also remain. Who will go with me?"
"I shall go, if I do so alone!" cried the adjutant.
The words were scarcely uttered, when the shout went up:
"We all will go—none of us are sick or worn out!"
"Then forward!" cried Zagonyi, as he drove his spurs into his horse.
They rode rapidly along to the west of the city, and came dashing down the road which passed the Fair-Ground. It was the party who had been pursued by the guard, who had ridden up and given the alarm just at the fatal moment, and had thus saved the life of Hayward, by striking terror to the hearts of his murderous enemies.
The Body-guard came thundering on. They were compelled to charge through a narrow lane or road, on each side of which there was a dense oak wood. It was an excellent position for the formation of infantry lines, as it would be impossible for cavalry to advance among the trees. And besides this a rail fence flanked this road on either side, just at the edge of the grove. The rebel lines of infantry were formed on each side of this lane, about ten feet back from the fence. The trees afforded them protection, and as the guard charged through, a murderous fire was poured upon them. But, nothing daunted, they dashed onward. Their purpose was to gain the open field, which declined gradually toward the city, and was situated east of the road. In this field their principal lines of infantry and cavalry were formed. They had scarcely passed the wood when another obstacle to their rapid advance presented itself. A large wagon was placed directly across their path. The horses shied suddenly in passing this obstruction, and some of their riders were violently thrown; but with an extraordinary effort, they succeeded in regaining their seats. Finally a halt was made, and several of the daring spirits sprang from their horses, and commenced the work of tearing down the fence in order that the squadron might ride into the open field, and there form for a charge upon the rebel ranks.