"
I opened my eyes with a struggle and looked up. The golden glow of
sunlight along the white wall told me the day must be already well
advanced, and I saw the lieutenant of my troop, Colgate, bending over
me, attired in service uniform.
"What is it, Jack?"
"We have been ordered north on forced march to join Early, and the
command has already started. I have delayed calling you until the final
moment, but knew you would never forgive being left behind."
Before he had finished I was upon the floor, dressing with that
rapidity acquired by years of practice, my mind thoroughly aroused to
the thought of active service once more.
"Was it the news I brought in yesterday, Colgate, which has stirred
this up?" I questioned, hastily dipping into a basin of water.
"I imagine it must have been, sir," replied the Lieutenant, leaning
back comfortably upon a cracker-box, which formed our solitary chair.
"Things have been on the move ever since, and it certainly resembles an
advance of some importance. Staff officers at it all night long,
McDaniels division off at daylight, while we go out ahead of Slayton's
troops. Reede was in beastly good humor when he brought the orders;
that usually means a fight."
"Any artillery?"
"Sloan's and Rocke's batteries are with us; did not learn who went out
with McDaniel's. Longstreet has crossed the White Briar.
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