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 tain opened fire. Then great shells went curving into the sky and fell far out on the plain. All fired at the unfortunate horseman.

Presently a mighty shell fell almost in their path. The rider struck the horse sharply with his sabre and guided him skillfully to one side just as the shell exploded. Both man and horse were hidden in a cloud of dust and smoke.

"There, now we have got him," cried the Captain. His companion said nothing, but his face was intense and he watched as though his life depended on the fate of the trooper.

Presently both man and horse emerged from the cloud of dust and galloped on.

"He is still going," said the other Confederate.

Shell after shell was hurled at them. The shrapnel spattered the ground about them and the bullets kicked up clouds of dust.

"I don't see why we don't hit him," said the young officer again.