say whether it was relief or regret.

Dick stepped into the narrow path cut in the side of the ravine and
inhaled more draughts of the fresh air. How sweet and strong it was!
How it filled one's lungs and brought with it life, courage and
confidence! One had to live in a hole in a hill before he could
appreciate fully the blessed winds that blew about the world. He knew
that the path ran in front of other hollows dug in the earth, and he felt
sorry for the people who were compelled to burrow in them. He felt sorry,
in truth, for all Vicksburg, because now that he was outside his fears
for Grant disappeared, and he knew that he must win.

While he remained in the path a deep boom came from the direction of the
Union army and a huge shell burst over the town. It was followed in a
moment by another and then by many others. While the besieged rejoiced
in victory the besiegers had begun anew the terrible bombardment, sending
a warning that the iron ring still held.

Dick paused no longer, but ran rapidly along the path until he emerged
upon the open plateau and proceeded toward the center of the town.
He judged that in the hours following a great battle, while there was yet
much confusion, he would find his best chance.

He had reckoned rightly. There was a great passing to and fro in
Vicksburg, but its lights were dim. Oil and candles alike were scarce,
and there was little but the moon's rays to disclose a town to the eye.
The rejoicings over the victory had brought more people than usual into
the streets, but the same exultation made them unsuspicious, and Dick
glided among them in the dusk, almost without fear.