certainty that a grand attack is coming. Two batteries of eight guns
each have come nearer. I did not think it possible for the fire of their
cannon to increase, but it has done so. Young sir, would you care to
look through the glasses?"

"I believe not, Colonel. I will trust to the naked eye and your report."

It was an odd feeling that made Dick decline the glasses. If he looked
he must tell to the others what he saw, and he wished to show neither
exultation nor depression. The colonel, the duty of courtesy discharged,
resumed his own position of witness and herald.

"The columns of infantry are getting up again," he said. "I see a man in
what I take to be a general's uniform riding along their front. He must
be making a speech. No doubt he knows the desperate nature of the attack,
and would inspire them. Now he is gone and other officers, colonels and
majors are moving about."

"What are the skirmishers doing, Colonel?"

"Their fire is not so hot. They must be drawing back. They have made
the prelude, and the importance of their role has passed. The masses of
infantry are drawing together again. Now I see men on horseback with
trumpets to their lips. Yes, the charge is coming. Ah-h! That burnt
them!"

There was a terrific crash much nearer, and Dick knew that it was the
Southern batteries opening fire. The shoulder upon which the colonel's
hand rested shook a little, but it was from excitement. He said nothing
and Colonel Woodville continued: