He turned and shook aloft his saber.

"Forward, lads!" he shouted. "Gallant men of our own army will be
overwhelmed unless we get up in time!"

The whole force broke into a gallop through the woods, the fire in their
front rapidly growing heavier. In ten minutes they would be there,
but rifles suddenly blazed from the forest on their flank and many
saddles were emptied. Nothing upsets like surprise, and for a few
moments the whole command was in disorder. It was evident that Forrest
was attacking Winchester with only a part of his force, while he formed
an ambush for Grierson.

But the Northern cavalrymen had not learned in vain through disaster and
experience. Grierson quickly restored order and drew his men back into
the forest. As the enemy followed the Northern carbines began to flash
fast. The troopers in gray were unable to flank them or drive them back.
Grierson, sure of his superior numbers, pushed on toward Winchester,
while fighting off the foe at the same time.

Dick and the sergeant kept in the van, and presently they came within
sight of Colonel Winchester's men, who, dismounted, were holding off as
best they could the overwhelming attack of Forrest. The Southern leader,
after sending the majority of his men to a new crossing lower down had
forced the ford before the Winchester regiment, and would have crushed it
if it had not been for the opportune arrival of Grierson.

But a tremendous cheer arose as the Northern cavalry leader, who was
already proving his greatness, charged into the battle with his grim