Part 19 (1/2)

CHAPTER XX.

At dawn of the morning of the 21st of July, an officer in plain undress was busily writing at a table in a plainly-furnished apartment of a farm-house near Mana.s.sas. He was of middle age and medium size, with dark complexion, bold, prominent features, and steady, piercing black eyes. His manner and the respectful demeanor of several officers in attendance, rather than any insignia of office which he wore, bespoke him of high rank; and the earnest attention which he bestowed upon his labor, together with the numerous orders, written and verbal, which he delivered at intervals to members of his staff, denoted that an affair of importance was in hand. Several horses, ready caparisoned, were held by orderlies at the door-way, and each aid, as he received instructions, mounted and dashed away at a gallop.

The building was upon a slight elevation of land, and along the plain beneath could be seen the long rows of tents and the curling smoke of camp-fires; while the hum of many voices in the distance, with here and there a bugle-blast and the spirit-stirring roll of drums, denoted the site of the Confederate army. The reveille had just sounded, and the din of active preparation could be heard throughout the camp. Regiments were forming, and troops of horse were marshalling in squadron, while others were galloping here and there; while, through the ringing of sabres and the strains of marshal music, the low rumbling of the heavy-wheeled artillery was the most ominous sound.

An orderly entered the apartment where General Beauregard was writing, and spoke with one of the members of the staff in waiting.

”What is it, colonel?” asked the general, looking up.

”An officer from the outposts, with two prisoners, general.” And he added something in a lower tone.

”Very opportune,” said Beauregard. ”Let them come in.”

The orderly withdrew and reentered with Captain Weems, followed by Philip Searle and Rawbon. A glance of recognition pa.s.sed between the latter and Beauregard, and Seth, obeying a gesture of the general, advanced and placed a small package on the table. The general opened it hastily and glanced over its contents.

”As I thought,” he muttered. ”You are sure as to the disposition of the advance?”

”Quite sure of the main features.”

”When did you get in?”

”Only an hour ago. Their vanguard was close behind. Before noon, I think they will be upon you in three columns from the different roads.”

”Very well, you may go now. Come to me in half an hour. I shall have work for you. Who is that with you?”

”Captain Searle.”

”Of whom we spoke?”

”The same.”

The general nodded, and Seth left the apartment. Beauregard for a second scanned Philip's countenance with a searching glance.

”Approach, sir, if you please. We have little time for words. Have you information to impart?”

”Nothing beyond what I think you know already. You may expect at every moment to hear the boom of McDowell's guns.”

”On the right?”

”I think the movement will be on your left. Richardson remains on the southern road, in reserve. Tyler commands the centre. Carlisle, Bicket and Ayre will give you trouble there with their batteries. Hunter and Heintzelman, with fourteen thousand, will act upon your left.”

”Then we are wrong, Taylor,” said Beauregard, turning to an officer at his side; and rising, the two conversed for a moment in low but earnest tone.

”It is plausible,” said Beauregard, at length. ”Taylor, ride down to Bee and see about it. Captain Searle, you will report yourself to Colonel Hampton at once. He will have orders for you. Captain Weems, you will please see him provided for. Come, gentlemen, to the field!”

The general and his staff were soon mounted and riding rapidly toward the ma.s.ses and long lines of troops that were marshalling on the plain below.

Beverly stood at the doorway alone with Philip Searle. He was grave and sad, although the bustle and preparation of an expected battle lent a l.u.s.tre to his eye. To his companion he was stern and distant, and they both walked onward for some moments without a word. At a short distance from the building, they came upon a black groom holding two saddled horses.