Refreshed and watchful, the regiment rode away from Bellevue. Dick
looked back at the broad roof and the great piazzas, and then he thought
of young Woodville with a certain sympathy. They had fought a good fight
against each other, and he hoped they would meet after the war and be
friends.
It was about an hour after sunrise, and the day was bright and warm.
The beads of water that stood on every leaf and blade of grass were
drying fast, and the air, despite its warmth, was pure and bracing.
Dick, as he looked at the eight hundred men, tanned, experienced and
thoroughly armed, under capable leaders, felt that they were a match for
any roving Southern force.
"Just let Forrest come on," he said. "I know that the Colonel is aching
to get back at him for that surprise in Tennessee, and I believe we could
whip him."
"You're showing great spirit for a man who was beaten up in the prize
ring as you were last night. I thought you'd want to rest for a few
days."
"Drop it, George. I did get some pretty severe cuts and bruises, but I
was lucky enough to have the services of two very skillful and devoted
young physicians.
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