from beds up stairs, and thrust into places where they would yield most protection.  The front door alone was left so as to be opened, but a heavy table was made ready to brace it if necessary.  Satisfied nothing more could be done to increase our security I had the men take their weapons, and the sergeants assign them to places.  I passed along from room to room, watchful that no point of defence had been overlooked, and speaking words of encouragement to the fellows.  After the fight began there could be little commanding; every man would have to act for himself.

“Draw down the shades, lads, and keep it as dark as possible inside.  Lay your ammunition beside you, where you can get it quickly.  Mahoney, we shall not need as many men at these windows as we will toward the front of the house—­two to a window here should be sufficient.  Carbines, first, boys, and then revolvers if they get close.  What is that, Miles?  Yes, detail a man to each window up stairs; two to the front windows.  Have them protect themselves all they can, and keep back out of sight.  Now, boys, keep your eyes open, but no shooting until you get orders.  Sergeant Mahoney will command this side, and Miles the other, while I’ll take the front.  There is a corporal here, isn’t there?”

“Yes, sir,—­Conroy.”

“Well, Conroy, you are in charge up stairs.  I’ll be there and look you over in a few minutes; I want to take a glance outside first.”

The brief time these hasty preparations required had witnessed a marked change in conditions without.  Where before it had been a scene of disastrous confusion, it was now that of disciplined attack.  Chambers’ men had swept aside the stragglers, and spread out into battle lines, the gray regiments massing mostly to the right of the pike, but with heavy fringe of cavalry extending past us as far as the ravine.  From my point of vantage it all formed an inspiring picture, dully monotonous in color, but alive with action; the long dust-covered lines, the rifle barrels shining, the constant shifting of columns, the regiments hurrying forward, the swift moving of cavalry, and hard riding of staff officers, sent the hot blood leaping through my veins.  And all this was no dress review.  Just ahead they were at it in deadly earnest—­barely beyond those trees, and below the edge of the hill.  I could hear the thunder of the guns, continuous, almost deafening, even at this distance; could see the black, drifting smoke, and even the struggling figures.  We were almost within the zone of fire already.  Men were down in the ranks yonder, and a stricken horse lay just within the gate.  Back and forth, riding like mad, aides dashed out of the choking powder fumes, in endeavor to hasten up the reserves.  Even as I watched one fell headlong from his saddle, struck dead by a stray bullet.  I was soldier enough to understand.  Within ten minutes Chambers would be out there, hurling his fresh troops against the exhausted Federal advance, while those fellows, now