They've
avenged Donelson!--General--for God's sake speak to me--say you won't
die--you can't, you can't--Oh, Lord God, save his precious life!--"
No sign or answer came. His breast had ceased to move. The Governor
tenderly lifted the grief-stricken boy and sent him with his General's
last message.
"Find Beauregard and tell him he is in command of the field. Not a word
of the death of the Chief until his victory is complete."
Dick saluted and sprang into the saddle.
"I understand, sir."
[Illustration: "Dick saluted and sprang into the saddle--'I understand,
sir'"]
It was late in the afternoon before he located General Beauregard and
delivered the fateful news.
The victorious Confederate army had furiously pressed its charge.
Johnston's word had passed from command to command.
"Forward--forward--let every order be forward!"
Everything had yielded at last before them. From camp to camp, from
rallying point to rallying point the Union hosts had been hurled,
division piling on division in wild confusion.
Driven headlong, the broken ranks were thrown in panic on the banks of
the river. Thousands crouched in ravines and sought shelter under the
steep bluffs of the river banks. Trampling mobs were struggling in vain
to board the transports and cross the river.
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