Stuart steadily advanced, and about sunset had passed Auburn, when, as he was riding at the head of his column, a messenger rode up hastily from Gordon, holding the rear.
“Well!” said Stuart.
“The enemy are in your rear, general!”
“Impossible!”
“General Gordon sent me to say so.”
Stuart turned and galloped back. Gordon came to meet him.
“The Yankee army are in our rear, general,” said Gordon. “Come, and I will show you.”
And riding to an eminence he pointed out across the fields, in the gathering gloom, long lines of infantry and artillery moving toward Manassas.
Stuart gazed at them keenly. As he sat looking toward them, a staff officer from the front came up rapidly.
“Well, captain!”