Part 38 (1/2)
”It is hard to tell who is winning to-day,” returned Larry. ”At first I thought the Yankees were in retreat.”
”So did I, Larry. Well, we'll know how matters stand by night.”
As they came in sight of our hero's home a Federal battery dashed into sight, drawn by horses covered with foam. The battery was followed by a regiment of infantry.
”Colonel Stanton's regiment!” cried Jack.
”They are in retreat!” answered Larry. ”Look! our soldiers are coming down the hill after them like mad!”
”There is Colonel Stanton on horseback,” went on Jack, straining his eyes. ”What a fine figure he cuts!”
”Ba, Jack! how can you say that of a Yankee? I have half a mind to shoot him.”
As Larry spoke he raised his gun, but Jack pulled it down.
”Don't, Larry!”
”Why not? We are at war, and he is our enemy.”
”I know, but----”
”But what? Are you too tender-hearted to be a real soldier?”
”It isn't that, Larry. Colonel Stanton is such a fine man----”
”Those Yankees killed Colonel Ruthven, don't forget that,” went on Larry earnestly. ”We ought to bring down every one of them--if we can.”
”Perhaps, but I would like to see Colonel Stanton spared--I cannot tell why.”
On swept the soldiers, and for the moment the Federals were hidden by the smoke of gun fire. Then, as they reappeared, Jack set up a cry, half of alarm.
”What is it?” queried Larry.
”Colonel Stanton is shot!”
”Shot? You are sure?”
”Yes. See, he has fallen over the neck of his horse and several soldiers are running toward him. How sad! I wonder if he is dead?”
”If he is, it but serves him right, Jack.”
”Perhaps; but I hope he isn't dead,” answered Jack, with a peculiar look in his anxious face. As the Federal colonel disappeared from view he gave something of a groan, he could not tell why.
CHAPTER XXII.
AFTER THE BATTLE.
The Federal battery had gained a hill behind the Ruthven plantation, and from this point began to fire rapidly at the advancing Confederates.