His reserves were ordered forward, and
instructions rapidly given to the colonel who was to repel the
attack; meanwhile his field-glass was glued to his eyes.
Soon he cried, "It will be their supreme effort. We must strike a
stunning blow in order to get away in safety," and he sprang on his
horse and started the charge himself.
The men, adoring their leader, followed with stern resolve and high
enthusiasm. Scoville, who had returned, reported and rested
somewhat, knew how critical was the moment. He rode close to the
general, but did not fall out when the wary commanding officer
permitted the human bolt he had launched to pass beyond him. He was
responsible for the entire force, and must do just enough and no
more. He must still keep his eyes on all parts of the field and his
brain ready to direct when the result of the charge was known. More
than the military necessity of repelling the Confederate charge
bursting from the grove occupied the mind of Scoville. It looked to
him as if the fight would take place about the very home of the girl
to whom his heart was so tender, and his impulse was to be near, to
protect and defend.
Pages:
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315