Hilaire. "The gallant Southern people, of course, remain
what they are."
"They're going," said Harry. "They've seen enough of us."
The distant troop disappeared over the crest of the hill. Harry had
noticed that Shepard led the way as if he were the ruling spirit, but he
did not consider it necessary to say anything to the others about him.
The trumpet blew and Sherburne's force, mounting, rode away from the
cove. Harry cast one regretful glance back at the splendid fire which
still glowed there, and then resigned himself to the cold and rain.
They did not stop again until far in the night. The rain ceased, but the
whole earth was sodden and the trees on the low ridge, on which Sherburne
camped, dripped with water. Spies might be all around them, but for the
sake of physical comfort and the courage that he knew would come with it,
he ordered another big fire built. Vigilant riflemen took turns in
beating up the forests and fields for possible enemies, but the young
officers once more enjoyed the luxury of the fire. Their clothing was
dried thoroughly, and their tough and sinewy frames recovered all their
strength and elasticity.
"To enjoy being dry it is well to have been wet," said Dalton
sententiously.
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