Joseph A Altsheler

The Sword of Antietam Joseph A Altsheler

Book Excerpt: ...of Sherburne was unknown to him. He merely felt that this was the vanguard of Jackson riding forward to set the trap. The men were now so near that they could be seen with the naked eye, and the sergeant said tersely: "At last we've seen what we were afraid we would see.""And look to the left also," said Warner, who still held the glasses. "There's a troop of horse coming up another road, too. By George, they're advancing at a trot! We'd better clear out or we may be enclosed between the two horns of their cavalry.""We'll go back to our force at Cedar Run," said Harry, "and report what we've seen. As you say, George, there's no time to waste."The four mounted and rode fast, the dust of the road flying in a cloud behind their horses' heels. Dick felt that they had fulfilled their errand, but he had his doubts how their news would be received. The Northern generals in the east did not seem to him to equal those of the west in keenness and resolution, while the case was reversed s...