The fires were built anew, and they hovered about
them for shelter and rest.
The wan twilight showed the close of the wintry day, and with the
increasing chill a part of Dick's sanguine feeling departed. The
gallant little fleet, although it had brought fresh men and supplies and
had protected their landing, had been driven back. The investment of
the fort was complete only on one side of the river, and steamers coming
up the Cumberland from Nashville might yet take off the garrison in
safety. Then the work of the silent general, all their hardship and
fighting would be at least in part a failure. The Vermont youth,
who seemed to be always of the same temper, neither very high nor very
low, noticed his change of expression.
"Don't let your hopes decrease, Dick," he said. "Remember that at least
twenty per cent of the decline is due to the darkness and inaction.
In the morning, when the light comes once more, and we're up and doing
again, you'll get back all the twenty per cent you're losing now."
"It's not to be all inaction with you boys tonight, even," said Colonel
Winchester, who overheard his closing words. "I want you three to go
with me on a tour of inspection or rather scouting duty. It may please
you to know that it is the special wish of General Grant. Aware that
I had some knowledge of the country, he has detailed me for the duty,
and I choose you as my assistants. I'm sure that the skill and danger
such a task requires will make you all the more eager for it.
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