Part 21 (1/2)
The two forces joined and they were shortly back with Colonel Winchester, who fully appreciated the great value of the information obtained by such a remarkable coordination of effort.
”d.i.c.k,” he said, ”you and Mr. Shepard shall ride at once with me and this map to General Sheridan.”
CHAPTER IX
AT GRIPS WITH EARLY
d.i.c.k felt great excitement and elation as he rode before dawn with Colonel Winchester and the spy to see Sheridan. They found him sitting by a small fire receiving or sending reports, and talking with a half-dozen of his generals. It was not yet day, but the flames lighted up the commander's thin, eager face, and made him look more boyish than ever.
d.i.c.k felt as he had felt before that he was in the presence of a man. He had had the same impression when he stood near Grant and Thomas. Did strong men send off electric currents of will and power which were communicated to other men, by which they could know them, or was it the effect of deeds achieved? He could not decide the question for himself, but he knew that he believed implicitly in their leader.
Colonel Winchester paused near Sheridan, but the general's keen eye caught him at once.
”Good morning, Colonel Winchester!” he exclaimed. ”You bring news of value. I can tell it by your face!”
”I do, sir,” replied the colonel, ”but it was Mr. Shepard here, whom you know, and Lieutenant Mason who obtained it. Mr. Shepard, show General Sheridan the map.”
It was characteristic of Colonel Winchester, a man of the finest feelings, that he should have Shepard instead of himself carry the map to General Sheridan. He wanted the spy to have the full measure of credit, including the outward show, for the triumph he had achieved with the aid of his sister. And Shepard's swift glance of thanks showed that he appreciated it. He drew the map from his pocket and handed it to the general.
Sheridan held it down, where the full glow of the flames fell upon it, and he seemed to comprehend at once the meaning of the lines. A great light sprang up in his eyes.
”Ah!” he exclaimed. ”The location of the Confederate forces and the openings between them and the mountains! This is important! Splendid! Did you make it yourself, Mr. Shepard?”
”No, sir. It was made by my sister who came from Richmond. We met her on the mountain.”
Sheridan looked at Shepard and the eyes of general and spy met in complete understanding.
”I know of her,” the general murmured. ”A n.o.ble woman! There are many such as she who have done great service to our cause that can never be repaid! But this is a stroke of fortune!”
”Look, Merritt, Averill and all of you,” he said aloud. ”Here lies our path! Mr. Shepard, you will go over the details of this with us and, Colonel Winchester, you and your aide remain also to help.”
d.i.c.k felt complimented, and so did Colonel Winchester. Sheridan knew how to handle men. While the sentinels, rifle on shoulder, walked up and down a little distance away, a dozen eager faces were soon poring over the map, Shepard filling in details as to the last little hill or brook.
”Since we know where they are and how many they are,” said Sheridan, ”we'll make a big demonstration in front of Fisher's Hill, where Early's works are too strong to be carried, and while we keep him occupied there we'll turn his left flank with a powerful force, marching it just here into the open s.p.a.ce that Mr. Shepard's map shows. Tomorrow-or rather today, for I see the dawn comes-will be a day of great noise and of much burning of powder. But behind the curtain of smoke we'll make our movements. Merritt with his cavalry shall go to the right and Averill will go with him. Crook shall take his two divisions and hold the north bank of Cedar Creek, and later on Crook shall be the first to strike. Gentlemen, we've won one victory, and I know that all of you appreciate the value of a second and a third. The opportunity of the war lies here before us. We can uncover the entire left flank of the Confederacy here in Virginia, and who knows what will follow!”
He looked up, his eyes glowing and his confidence was communicated to them all. They were mostly young men and they responded in kind to his burning words. Sheridan knew that he could command from them the utmost fidelity and energy, and he uttered a little exclamation of confidence.
”I shall consider the victory already won,” he said.
The generals left for their commands, and Sheridan again thanked Colonel Winchester, d.i.c.k and Shepard.
”I recommend that all three of you take some rest,” he said, ”you won't have much to do this morning.”
They saluted, mounted and rode back. ”You take his advice, d.i.c.k, and roll yourself in your blanket,” said Colonel Winchester, when they were on the way.
”I will, sir,” said d.i.c.k, ”although I know that great history is being made now.”
”I feel that way, too,” said the colonel. ”Look, the sun is coming up, and you can see the Confederate outposts.”
The thin, clear air of September was brilliant with morning light, and through gla.s.ses the Confederate outposts and works around Fisher's Hill were quite clear and distinct. Some of the Northern and Southern sentinels were already exchanging compliments with one another, and they heard the faint popping of rifles. But d.i.c.k well knew from Sheridan's words that this early firing meant nothing. It would grow much heavier bye and bye and it would yet be but the cover for something else.