There was a time when it seemed that the gunboats would be able to pass the fortress and rake it from a point up the river.  Many of the guns in the water batteries had been silenced, but the final achievement was too great for so small a force.  The rudder of one of Foote’s gunboats was shot away, the wheel of another soon went the same way, and both drifted helplessly down the stream.  The other two then retreated, and the fire of both fort and fleet ceased.

But there was joy in the Union camp.  The soldiers had an abundance of food now, and soon the long ring of fires showed that they were preparing it.  Their forces had been increased a third, and there was a fresh outburst of courage and vigor.  But Grant ordered no more attacks at present.  After the men had eaten and rested a little, picks and spades were swung along a line miles in length.  He was fortifying his own position, and it was evident to his men that he meant to stay there until he won or was destroyed.

Dick was conscious once more of a sanguine thrill.  Like the others, he felt the strong hand over him, and the certainty that they were led with judgment and decision made him believe that all things were possible.  Yet the work of fortifying continued but a little while.  The men were exhausted by cold and fatigue, and were compelled to lay down their tools.  The fires were built anew, and they hovered about them for shelter and rest.

The wan twilight showed the close of the wintry day, and with the increasing chill a part of Dick’s sanguine feeling departed.  The gallant little fleet, although it had brought fresh men and supplies and had protected their landing, had been driven back.  The investment of the fort was complete only on one side of the river, and steamers coming up the Cumberland from Nashville might yet take off the garrison in safety.  Then the work of the silent general, all their hardship and fighting would be at least in part a failure.  The Vermont youth, who seemed to be always of the same temper, neither very high nor very low, noticed his change of expression.

“Don’t let your hopes decrease, Dick,” he said.  “Remember that at least twenty per cent of the decline is due to the darkness and inaction.  In the morning, when the light comes once more, and we’re up and doing again, you’ll get back all the twenty per cent you’re losing now.”

“It’s not to be all inaction with you boys tonight, even,” said Colonel Winchester, who overheard his closing words.  “I want you three to go with me on a tour of inspection or rather scouting duty.  It may please you to know that it is the special wish of General Grant.  Aware that I had some knowledge of the country, he has detailed me for the duty, and I choose you as my assistants.  I’m sure that the skill and danger such a task requires will make you all the more eager for it.”