Dick saw that he was worn
and thin, but his face had the strong and resolute look characteristic
of those descended from Henry Ware, the great borderer.
"You know, general, that I endorse all your views," continued Colonel
Kenton. "We are unfortunate here in having a division of counsels,
while the Yankees have a single and strong head. We have underrated
this man Grant. Look how he surprised us and took Henry! Look how he
hangs on here! We've beaten him on land and we've driven back his fleet,
but he hangs on. To my mind he has no notion of retreating. He'll keep
on pounding us as long as we are here."
"That's his way, an' it ought to be the way of every general," growled
Forrest. "You cut down a tree by keepin' on cuttin' out chips with an
axe, an' you smash up an army by hittin' an' hittin' an' keepin' on
hittin'. We ought to charge right out of our works an' jump on the
Yankees with all our stren'th."
The two walked on, followed by the soldiers who had come with them,
and Dick heard no more. But he was too cautious to stir for a long
while. He lay there until the cold began to make its way through his
boots and heavy overcoat. Then he rose carefully, brushed off the snow,
and began his retreat toward the Union lines. Four or five hundred
yards further on and he met Colonel Winchester and his own comrades
come back to search for him. They welcomed him joyfully.
"We did not miss you until we were nearly to our own pickets," said the
colonel.
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