It was followed in a
moment by another and then by many others. While the besieged rejoiced
in victory the besiegers had begun anew the terrible bombardment, sending
a warning that the iron ring still held.
Dick paused no longer, but ran rapidly along the path until he emerged
upon the open plateau and proceeded toward the center of the town.
He judged that in the hours following a great battle, while there was yet
much confusion, he would find his best chance.
He had reckoned rightly. There was a great passing to and fro in
Vicksburg, but its lights were dim. Oil and candles alike were scarce,
and there was little but the moon's rays to disclose a town to the eye.
The rejoicings over the victory had brought more people than usual into
the streets, but the same exultation made them unsuspicious, and Dick
glided among them in the dusk, almost without fear.
He had concluded that "the longest way around was the shortest way
through," and he directed his steps toward the river. He had formed a
clear plan at last, and he believed that it would succeed.
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