"Those troops will try to come across here,—I don't doubt it for a moment. But we—What is it, Life?" he asked abruptly, as the tall captain of the seventh company dashed up from the timber on the left.
"We've spotted several companies of the enemy over in this direction," Life jerked his thumb toward the point to which Deck was marching. "Major Belthorpe thought I had best give you the tip."
"Are they moving?" asked Deck, much interested.
"No,—looks to me as if they were retreating—but it may be a blind."
"How is it you are here?"
"The colonel sent my company after your battalion, and Major Belthorpe is just coming up."
"What of Major Truman's command?"
"Two of the companies are over yonder, and the others are in the rear. I thought—Creation! Get to cover, quick!"
Life drew his own horse back, and the others followed suit. A dozen riflemen had opened upon them, putting a bullet through the mane of Deck's horse. The first volley was followed immediately by another, and Artie Lyon suffered the ruin of one of his shoulder straps. Before the Confederates could fire again, all were safely out of range.
"We've developed 'em," was Life's dry comment. "Reckon I had best get back to my command."