Dick's heart sank. He knew that the colonel's words were true. The
Southern army, posted in its defenses, was breaking the ring of steel
that sought to crush it to death. Groups of men in blue who had seized
ground in the very front of the defenses either died there or were
gradually driven back. The inner ring along its front of miles thundered
incessantly on the outer ring, and repelled every attempt to crush it.

"They yield," said the colonel, after a long time. "The Northern fire
has sunk at many points, and there! and there! they're retreating!
The attack has failed and the South has won a victory!"

"But Grant will come again," said Dick, speaking his opinion for the
first time.

"No doubt of it," said Colonel Woodville, "but likely he will come to the
same fate."

He spoke wholly without animosity. The battle now died fast. The men
in gray had been invincible. Their cannon and rifles had made an
impenetrable barrier of fire, and Grant, despite the valor of his troops,
had been forced to draw off. Many thousands had fallen and the Southern
generals were exultant. Johnston would come up, and Grant, having such
heavy losses, would be unable to withstand the united Confederate armies.

But Grant, as Colonel Woodville foresaw, had no idea of retreating.
Fresh troops were pouring down the great river for him, and while he
would not again attempt to storm Vicksburg, the ring of steel around it
would be made so broad and strong that Pemberton could not get out nor
could Johnston get in.