Stuart's blue eye flashed, and half an hour afterward he was advancing
at the head of his cavalry. Not a foe was visible. Pressing on through
Upperville, and over the trampled fields beyond, he continued to
advance upon Middleburg, and near that place came up with the rear of
the enemy. They showed little fight, however, and were driven beyond
the place. The gray troopers pursued them with shouts and cheers--with
which were mingled cries of rejoicing from the people of Middleburg.

An hour afterward the lines were re-established in triumph.

Stuart returned to his former head-quarters amid a drenching rain; and
this recalls an incident very honorable to the brave soldier. As night
descended, dark and stormy, Stuart gazed gloomily at the torrents of
rain falling.

"My poor fellows!" he said, with a sigh, "they will have a hard time
to-night."

Then suddenly turning to his servant, he added:--

"Spread my oil-cloth and blankets under that apple tree yonder. I will
keep them dry enough when I once get into them."[1]

[Footnote 1: His words.]

"You are not going to sleep out on such a night, general!" exclaimed a
staff officer.

"Certainly I am," was his reply, "I don't intend to fare better than my
men!"[1]