coming through the woods, led by Hardee in person. Then he saw, too,
the value of presence of mind and of a courage that would not yield.
The three batteries planted by the Kentuckian, Rousseau, on the railway
embankment suddenly opened a terrible enfilading fire upon the Southern
advance. The Kentucky regiment standing so firmly in the breach also
opened with every rifle firing directly into the ranks of their brother
Kentuckians, who were advancing in the vanguard of the South. Here again
people of the same state and even of the same county fought one another.

The Confederates pursuing a defeated and apparently disorganized enemy
were astounded by such a sudden and fierce fire. One of their generals
was killed almost instantly, and a part of their line was hurled back
with great violence. Thomas pushed forward with a portion of the troops,
and after a desperate assault the Southern line reeled and then stopped
in the wood. Courage and presence of mind had saved a battle for the
time being, at least.

At that point the combat sank for a while, and Dick, unwounded but
exhausted, dropped upon the ground. Around him lay his friends, and they,
too, were unwounded. It was with a sort of grim humor that he remembered
a conversation they had held before the battle.

"Well, Frank," he said, "you've escaped."

"So far only," said Warner. "The hurricane has softened down a lot here,
but not everywhere else. Listen!"

He pointed through the woods toward the left where another battle was
swelling with a mighty uproar. Bragg having driven in the Union right
was now seeking to shatter the Union left, but at this point there was