Many of their horses went down, others uttered the
terrible shrieking neigh of the wounded, and, despite the efforts of
those who rode them, strove to turn and flee from those flaming muzzles.
It was only a moment, but it gave the Union troop, save those who were
already slain, time to spring upon their horses and draw back, at the
colonel's shouted command, to the cover of the wood. But they were
driven hard. The Confederate cavalry came on again, impetuous and
fierce as ever, and urged continually by the great partisan leader,
Forrest, now in the very dawn of his fame.
"It was no phantom you saw, that girl on the horse!" shouted Warner in
Dick's ear, and Dick nodded in return. They had no time for other words,
as Forrest's horsemen, far outnumbering them, now pressed them harder
than ever. A continuous fire came from their ranks and at close range
they rode in with the sabre.
Dick experienced the full terror and surprise of a night battle.
The opposing forces were so close together that it was often difficult
to tell friend from enemy. But Forrest's men had every advantage
of surprise, superior numbers and perfect knowledge of the country.
Dick groaned aloud as he saw that the best they could do was to save
as many as possible. Why had he not taken a shot at the horse of that
flying girl?
"We must keep together, Dick!" shouted Warner. "Here are Pennington and
Sergeant Whitley, and there's Colonel Winchester.
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