The long line of
Union skirmishers began to reply in like manner, but it was evident
that they found themselves too obvious marks in the open. Here and
there men fell from their saddles, and the riderless horses galloped
away. The notes of a bugle were heard above the din, and the Union
skirmish line retired rapidly to the foot of the ridge.
Miss Lou saw all this only as the eyes catch, half-involuntarily,
what is passing before them. With an awe almost overwhelming, her
attention was absorbed by a phase of war utterly unknown to her--an
artillery duel. Two Confederate batteries in the grove had opened
and defined their positions. The Union guns replied, shot for shot,
in loud explosions, with answering, deep-toned roar. Above the
detonations were heard the piercing screams of the shells as they
flew back and forth. On the ridge they burst with a sharp crack and
puff of vapor, with what effect could only be guessed; but the
missiles which shrieked into the grove gave the impression of
resistless, demoniacal power.
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