Page:American Boy's Life of William McKinley.djvu/116

88 commander, sitting somewhat in perplexity, on horseback.

"Colonel Duval, General Crook orders that you move your command to the right of the Sixth Corps as soon as possible," said the young staff officer, after saluting.

Colonel Duval nodded, to show that he understood what was said.

"By what route?" he asked, after a pause.

"He did not say exactly, but I heard him speak of moving up the ravine," answered McKinley.

At this Colonel Duval shook his head decidedly. Going up the ravine might prove a dangerous move, and might cause the loss of many men.

"I shall not move until I receive more definite orders," he said.

At this Captain McKinley's face fell, for he was an earnest soldier, and he knew that General Crook wanted the movement made without further question. He cast his eyes down into the ravine and across to the fields and woods which the enemy occupied. Then he braced up and saluted again.