Meanwhile each mounted man, taking up a foot-soldier behind him, crossed the river, and then returned for another, until in a short time all had safely effected a passage. Then, unable to do more in the darkness, we lay down to wait for the coming of dawn.
Many of the men fell fast asleep in spite of the random firing, but my mind was busy with thoughts of the approaching fight.
About two o'clock, Dr. Welsh, who had been assisting the regular army surgeons, came and lay down beside me.
"Well, Crawford," said he, finding I was awake, "how do you like the music? Rather alarming at first, eh? But you'll get used to it. After hearing the bullets swish round your ears a time or two you'll think nothing of it."
"That may be," I replied, "but it is distinctly unpleasant just now."
He laughed, saying the fight would be only a skirmish at the most, and not worth considering.
"Are you going to stay with us?" I asked.
"Oh no," said he; "this is only a run ashore, just to stretch my legs a bit, you know. They get cramped on board ship. By George, those fellows intend serenading us till daybreak. Who's that on the other side of you—Craig?"
"Yes—sound asleep and snoring. I wish I were."
"Ah, no doubt he has a clear conscience. Take pattern by him, my boy."