Page:The Campaign of the Jungle.djvu/224

196 yonder hill and the two field-pieces perched on top of it. Come on, and I will lead you!"

He waved his sword and away went the first battalion on the double quick, two companies to the front. There was first a slight hollow to cross, and then came a thicket of brambles where many a uniform was reduced to rags. The battery at the top of the hill saw them coming and directed a heavy fire at their advance.

"Hot work!" cried the major, as he ranged up alongside of Ben. "I am afraid the carrying out of this order will cost us dear."

"If you'll allow me to make a suggestion, major—" began Ben.

"Make a dozen, captain."

"Why not take a course to the left then."

"For what reason?"

"There is a big rock on that side, on the very top of the hill."

"But we can't climb that rock."

"No, and neither can the rebels fire over it with their field-pieces. When we get up to the rock we can march around it."

"Well spoken, Russell—you're a born strategist," cried the major, who was too generous to