"It is the camp flag, and I wanted it in the most sightly place I could find," replied the captain.
"It will answer a double purpose, then. Could you see it from behind the knoll?"
"Perfectly; we did not get the flag-pole elevated till half an hour ago."
"I shall send Deck to lower that flag, and remain by the staff till I give him the signal to hoist it again. Then you will march to the south road with all speed, and attack the enemy in the rear or on the flank."
"I understand you perfectly, Major Lyon, and your order shall be carried out to the letter," replied Captain Truman, as he saluted, and hurried to his company, which had been formed in the field by the side of the road.
"Dexter!" called the commander, when he had found his son in the ranks.
Both of the boys had been used as messengers during the morning, and this service had led them into the most dangerous positions; and both of them had fought like heroes as volunteers while their company was at the plantation.
Deck came out of his place in the ranks, saluted his father, and expected to be called upon for more messenger service, hoping it would lead him into the thickest of the action, as it had before.
"Do you see that flag on the railroad bridge, Dexter?" asked his father, pointing at the ensign.