in the road, and horses, killed by shells or bullets, lay on the guns or
between the wheels.

Dick had never beheld a more terrible sight. Their army was defeated so
far, the dead and the wounded were heaped everywhere, terrified fugitives
were pouring to the rear, and the enemy, wild with triumph, and shouting
his terrible battle yell, was coming on with an onset that seemed
invincible.

Colonel Winchester darted among the fugitives and with stinging words and
the flat of his sword beat many of them back into line. Dick, Warner,
Pennington and other young officers did likewise. More Kentucky troops
bringing artillery came up and joined those who were standing so sternly.
It became obvious to all that they must hold the ground here or the
battle indeed was lost once and for all.

Thomas, the silent and resolute Virginian, had arrived also, and had
joined Rosecrans. Dick observed them both. Rosecrans, tremendously
excited, and reckless of death from the flying shells and bullets,
galloped from point to point, urging on his soldiers, telling them to die
rather than yield. Thomas, cool, and showing no trace of excitement also
directed the troops. Both by their courage and resolution inspired the
men. The beaten became the unbeaten. Dick felt rather than saw the
stiffening of the lines, and the return of a great courage.

The new line of battle was formed directly under the fire of a victorious
and charging enemy. Three batteries were gathered on a height
overlooking a railroad cut, where they could sweep the front of the foe.

Just as they were in battle order Dick saw the faces of the Southerners