Then they will attack us. He sent
the same order by three messengers, but one of them was in reality a spy
of ours, and he came straight to General Grant with it. We're forewarned,
and the trap can't shut down on us, because General Grant means to go at
once for Pemberton."
Dick understood the situation, which was both critical and thrilling.
Grant was still in the heart of the Confederacy, and its forces were
converging fast upon him. But the grim and silent man, instead of merely
trying to escape, intended to strike a blow that would make escape
unnecessary. All the young officers saw the plan and their hearts leaped.
Dick, in the excitement of the day, forgot about the Woodville house and
its inmates. Troops were already marching out of Jackson to meet the
enemy, but the Winchester regiment would not leave until early the next
morning. They were to spend a second night, or at least a part of it,
in Colonel Woodville's house.
It was the same group that ate supper there and the same army cook served
them. They did not go to the bedrooms afterward, but strolled about,
belted, expecting to receive the marching call at any moment.
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