Page:American Boy's Life of William McKinley.djvu/127

Rh "Face about and follow me!" And on he swept, quickly out of their sight around another bend. He was now so close he could make out the soldiers distinctly. Alas! the blue was slowly retreating and the gray was pushing forward with renewed vigor. He paused for a moment, trying to devise some line of action, and as he did so, he saw a mass of Union soldiers rushing pell-mell toward him, and in front a young officer on horseback trying vainly to stop them and form them in military order. The young officer was Captain McKinley.

"What does this mean, McKinley?" he demanded.

"We have been surprised, general. Early crossed the north fork of the creek some time last night, and has captured our batteries over there. The boys are panic-stricken."

"Where is General Crook?"

"I left him on yonder rise," and the young captain pointed in the direction.

"Come with me, boys!" shouted Sheridan, and threw his overcoat to McKinley. "We are going to have a good thing on them now!" And on he went again. For