“I will lead you!”
To this the men responded with a mighty cheer and quickened movement, albeit they knew he was leading many of them to death.
Hard up the slopes they pressed.
Nor shot, nor shell, nor falling men deterred them.
The summit was reached. The Federals were in retreat. A little apart from the others, a fine target for the deadly marksman, the figure of General Johnston on “Fire-eater” was plainly visible.
His clothing was torn in places. His boot sole was slashed by a ball, but he himself was uninjured.
In his countenance was reflected a satisfaction of the day’s results.
From the last line of the retreating Federals a bullet whistled back, whistled back and cut him down.