Thus the night glided away. We had not been discovered. Over the trees was seen the yellow streak of dawn.
I looked round. The men’s faces were haggard from want of sleep. But they evidently felt perfect confidence in Stuart.
He hastened to justify it.
No sooner had light come than he placed his artillery in position. As it grew and broadened, the enemy were seen just on a hill in front of us, busily cooking their breakfasts.
Suddenly a single cannon sent its long thunder, dull and reverberating, through the woods, from the direction of Warrenton.
Stuart rose erect in his saddle, and looked in the direction of the sound, his eyes glowing.
Another followed; then another; then a long, continuous bellow of artillery, making the hills echo.
There was no longer any doubt about the fate of the messengers. Lee had received the dispatches; Rodes had opened on the Federal columns, attacking as that good soldier knew how to attack.
Stuart darted to his guns. On his countenance was a grim smile.
“Attention!” he exclaimed.