Page:Randall Parrish - The Red Mist.djvu/349

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With Backs to the Wall
329

and the approaching rumble of wagon wheels. Harwood turned, and faced inward.

"It's the forage train, boys," he said sharply, "with a bunch of cavalry riding ahead. Get to the windows, but be quiet about it—you know the orders. By God! Wharton, we're liable to have our fight yet. Have the men load; come with me, Wyatt, where we can see out in front."

Noreen clung to me, as I groped my way through the narrow door into the vestibule. It could make little difference where she was in case we were discovered and attacked; better, indeed, that we remain together. At the open window I held her hands, and the three of us watched in silence, staring out at the white ribbon of road revealed under the moon, the noise of the approaching column growing more distinct.