“And,” declared Major Howard of the same command, “I never saw the like. It’s cowardice.”
“We are running from a shadow,” cried another officer, hotly. “The most of us never even caught sight of the enemy.”
Though he had been close to Washington since the opening of the war, Ben Cooper had never seen him angry until now. As the remainder of the advance now came up, the commander-in-chief rode up to General Lee, who came with it.
“General Lee, what is the meaning of this?” cried Washington, his face white with fury.
Lee flushed and seemed unable to answer.
“Can you not speak?” demanded Washington. “I desire to know the meaning of this disorder and confusion!”
Lee’s naturally irascible nature here asserted itself, and he made a stinging reply.
“You asked for the command, sir,” said Washington. “Why did you do so unless you desired to fight the enemy?”
For an instant it was upon Ben Cooper’s tongue to ride forward and tell what he knew.
“But no, no,” he said to himself. “I know but little, and am sure of nothing. I had best be silent.”