An intense wish to swim again in the cool waters seized him.

He believed it was so intense because those beautiful woods there on the slope, where the running water must be, were filled with the Northern riflemen.
Three scouts, sent out by Colonel Talbot, returned with reports that justified his suspicions.

A heavy force, evidently from Patterson's army operating in the hills and mountains, was marching down the valley to join those who had been driven from the fort.

The junction would be formed within an hour.

Harry was present when the report was made and he understood its significance.