The Confederate leader, whoever he might be, and Dick had no doubt that
he was the redoubtable Turner Ashby, also appreciated the full facts
and he drove his whole force straight at the regiment. It was well for
the young troops that part of them were already across, and, under the
skillful leadership of Colonel Newcomb, Major Hertford, and three or
four old, regular army sergeants, of whom the best was Whitley, were
already forming in line of battle.
"Kneel," shouted the colonel, "and fire over the heads of your comrades
at the enemy!"
The light was still growing brighter. The rain came only in slight
flurries. The clouds were trooping off toward the northeast, and the
moon was out. Dick clearly saw the black mass of the Southern horsemen
wheeling down upon them. At least three hundred of the regiment were
now upon the bank, and, with fairly steady aim, they poured a heavy
volley into the massed ranks of their foe. Dick saw horses fall while
others dashed away riderless. But the Southern line wavered only for
a moment and then came on again with many shouts. There were also
dismounted men on either flank who knelt and maintained a heavy fire
upon the defenders.
The lads in blue were suffering many wounds, but a line of trees and
underbrush on the western shore helped them. Lying there partly
protected they loaded and pulled trigger as fast as they could, while
the rest of their comrades emerged dripping from the stream to join
them.
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