Five were told off as sentinels to give the alarm when the ammunition train came in sight, and five more were detailed to scout in the direction of Charlotte to make certain the powder was yet to the south of our hiding-place.
Neither Sidney nor I envied those who were obliged to remain in the saddle yet longer. If, four and twenty hours previous, there had been an opportunity to act as scouts, we two lads would have been willing to fight for the honor; but now we congratulated each other on the possibility of gaining a little sleep before the battle was begun.
We tethered our horses near by; placed saddles and bridles where they might be come at in a hurry, and laid ourselves down in a thicket of small oaks, falling asleep almost as soon as we touched the ground.
It was sunset when I awakened, and looked about me fearing, by some unlucky chance, the company had got away without my knowledge; but my mind was soon set at rest by seeing a score or more of men lounging near at hand as if discussing some matter of importance.
Without stopping to awaken Sidney, I went toward them, and soon learned that our journey had not been in vain. The scouts had come in with the report that the powder and its convoy had not yet arrived at Charlotte, therefore we had only to wait patiently for the desired opportunity.
I was also told that Master Howell had stationed guards three miles down the road, in order that we might have timely warning of the movements of the train, and there was nothing for us to do but pass the time as best we might, providing all hands were ready for a quick jump at the word of command.
When we first halted I was so sore in body from long riding that I believed four and twenty hours of a rest would not be sufficient to satisfy me; but within half an hour after awakening and being told that there was no doubt as to the coming of our game, I was eager to be in the saddle once more.
Although our sentinels were four miles away, and would come into camp at their best pace on hearing or seeing the ammunition train, the word was passed that no man should speak above a whisper, while the horses were to be guarded closely lest by whinnying they betray our whereabouts.
Then came a most trying time of waiting, when we crouched in the darkness close by our accouterments that there might be no delay in laying hands on them immediately the alarm was given, and expecting each instant to be engaged in deadly conflict.
Sidney and I were side by side, not making any attempt to start a conversation because our nerves were strung too tightly to admit of anything like ordinary topics, and I do not remember of passing such dreary, dismal moments.