When night came at last, on this day of battles, I was wearied out with the incessant riding on staff duty; but I remembered my promise; again mounted my horse; and set out for “Five Forks,” where, in any event, I was sure of a warm welcome.
Pushing on over the White Oak road, I turned southward at Five Forks, and riding on toward Judge Conway’s, had just reached the road coming in from Dinwiddie Court-House, when I heard a cavalier approaching from that quarter, at a rapid gallop.
He was darting by, toward Five Forks, when by the starlight I recognized Mohun.
“Halt!” I shouted.
He knew my voice, and drew rein with an exclamation of pleasure.
“Thanks, my dear old friend,” he said, grasping my hand. “I knew you would not fail me.”
“Your wedding will take place, Mohun?”
“Yes, battle or no battle.”
“You are right. Life is uncertain. You will hear cannon instead of marriage-bells probably, at your nuptials—but that will be inspiring. What is the news from the Court-House?”
“Our infantry is falling back.”