It is a terrible thing
to feel through some superior sense that an invisible foe is approaching,
and not be able to know by any kind of striving whence he came.
The lights flashed alternately, and presently both dropped from the sky,
seeming to Dick to leave blacker spots on the darkness in their place.
Then only the heavy night and the rain encompassed them.
"What do you think it is?" asked Colonel Newcomb of Major Hertford.
"Southern troops beyond a doubt. It is equally certain that they were
warned in some manner from Washington of our departure."
"I think so, too. It is probable that they saw the light and have been
signalling their knowledge to each other. It seems likely to me that
they will wait at the far end of the valley to cut us off. What force
do you think it is?"
"Perhaps a cavalry detachment that has ridden hurriedly to intercept us.
I would say at a guess that it is Turner Ashby and his men. A skillful
and dangerous foe, as you know."
Already the fame of this daring Confederate horseman was spreading over
Virginia and Maryland.
"If we are right in our guess," said Major Hertford, "they will dismount,
lead their horses along the mountain side, and shut down the trap upon
us. Doubtless they are in superior force, and know the country much
better than we do. If they get ahead of us and have a little time to do
it in they will certainly tear up the tracks."
"I think you are right in all respects," said Colonel Newcomb.
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