Grant, who had recently been in doubt owing to the
threat of Pemberton on his flank, hesitated no longer when he heard of
the victory, and resolved at once upon the capture of Jackson.
Dick, after his battle and two rides, went to sleep in a wagon, while an
orderly took his horse. When he awoke unknown hours afterward he found
that he was moving. He knew at once that the army was advancing.
Before him and behind him he heard all the noises of the march, the beat
of horses' hoofs, the grinding of wheels, the clanking of cannon, the
cracking of whips and the sounds of many voices.
He was wonderfully comfortable where he lay and he had the satisfaction
and pride of much duty done. He felt that he was entitled to rest, and,
turning on his side, he went to sleep again. After another unknown time
his second awakening came and he remained awake.
He quietly slipped out at the tail of the wagon, and stood for a few
moments, dazzled by the blazing sunlight. Then a loud, cheery voice
called out:
"Well, if it isn't our own Lucky Dick come back again, safe and well to
the people to whom he belongs!"
"If z equals Dick and y equals his presence then we have z plus y,
as Dick is certainly present," called out another voice not quite so loud,
but equally cheery.
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