The Southern lines were smashed completely by those heavy and continuous
blows. Driven hard on every side they now retreated rapidly, and their
triumphant enemies seized prisoners and cannon.
The whole Confederate army continued its swift retreat until it reached
its intrenchments, where the officers rallied the men and turned to face
their enemy. But the cautious Thomas stopped. He had no intention of
losing his victory by an attack upon an intrenched foe, and drew off for
the present. His army encamped out of range and began to attend to the
wounded and bury the dead.
Dick, feeling the reaction after so much exertion and excitement,
sat down on a fallen tree trunk and drew long, panting breaths. He saw
Warner near and remembered the blood that had been dripping from his
hand.
"Do you know that you are wounded, George?" he said. "Look at the back
of your hand."
Warner glanced at it and noticed the red stripe. It had ceased to bleed.
"Now, that's curious," he said. "I never felt it. My blood and brain
were both so hot that the flick of a bullet created no sensation.
I have figured it out, Dick, and I have concluded that seventy per cent
of our bravery in battle is excitement, leaving twenty per cent to will
and ten per cent to chance."
"I suppose your calculation is close enough."
"It's not close merely. It's exact."
Both sprang to their feet and saluted as Major Hertford approached.
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