"You were to obey my orders, sir, and you know what they were. See! They are coming now!"
He wheeled his horse about, pointing with one hand across the valley.
"Major Cain, have Oswald bring up his guns at once; Lieutenant McNeill, ride to Ramsey and Stewart; have their troops on the ridge within ten minutes—General Maxwell, these are your men?"
"They are, sir."
"Hold this line at any cost, the reserves will be up presently."
As he drew his horse about he again came face to face with Lee, who sat his saddle sullenly, his gaze on the ground. Washington looked at him a moment, evidently not knowing what to say. Then he asked quietly:
"Will you retain command on this height, or not, sir?"
"It is equal to me where I command."
"Then I expect you will take proper means for checking the enemy."
"I shall not be the first to leave the ground; your orders shall be obeyed."