Dick felt that they might yet lose,
but they suddenly heard a tremendous cheer, and a fresh force coming up
at the double quick enabled them to sweep the field. Before sunset the
Southern army retreated toward Jackson, leaving the field to the men in
blue.
Dick dismounted and, examining himself carefully, found that he had
suffered no wound. Colonel Hertford and the sergeant had also taken
no hurt. But the lad and his elder comrade secured but little rest.
They were bidden to ride across the country at once to General Sherman
with the news of the victory. Sherman was at the head of another column,
and Grant was farther away with the main body.
Dick and the sergeant, with the battle smoke still in their eyes, were
eager for the service.
"When you're with Grant you don't stay idle, that's certain," said Dick
as they rode across the darkening fields.
"No, you don't," said the sergeant, "and I'm thinking that we've just
begun. I know from the feel of it that big things are going to happen
fast. Sheer away from the woods there, Mr. Mason. We don't want to be
picked off by sharpshooters.
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