For the first time now, since their collision, they met. But on this day their enmity seemed dead. The two men about to die grasped each other’s hands.
“They are pressing you back, colonel!” exclaimed Stuart.
“Yes, general, I have but three skeleton squadrons! and you see their force.”
“You are right. You have done all that any man could. Can you hold this cut?”
“I will try, general.”
Their glances crossed. Never was Stuart’s face kinder.
“If you say you will, you will do it! Hold this position to the last, colonel.”
“I’ll hold it until I die, general."{1}
{Footnote 1: His words.}
With a pressure of the hand they parted.