"
He was studying the party intently. The brilliant moonlight, and the
strength of his glasses made everything sharp and clear and his gaze
concentrated upon the bugler. He knew that man, his powerful chest and
shoulders, and the well-shaped head on its strong neck. Nor did he deny
to himself that he had a feeling of gladness when he recognized him.
"It's none other," he said aloud.
"None other what?" asked St. Clair.
"Our warning bugler was Shepard, the Union spy. I can make him out
clearly on his horse with his bugle in his hand. You'll remember my
telling you how I had that fight with him in the river."
"And perhaps it would have been better for us all if you had finished him
off then."
"I couldn't have done it, Arthur, nor could you, if you had been in my
place."
"No, I suppose not, but these Yankees are coming up pretty close.
It's sure proof that Meade's whole army will be here in the morning,
and the bridge won't be built."
"It may be built, but, if Meade chooses a battle, a battle there will be.
Heavy forces must be very near. You can see them now signaling to one
another from hill to hill."
"So I do, and this is as far as we ought to go. A hundred yards or
two farther and we'll be in the territory of the enemy's sharpshooters
instead of our own.
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