The South Carolinians were the finest body of men present, and they were conscious of it.

Eyes always to the front, they marched straight on, apparently hearing nothing, but really hearing everything.
They reached the houses presently and Harry saw the dome of the capitol on its high hill rising before them, but a moment or two later the Guards, with the Palmetto flag waving proudly in front, wheeled and marched toward the railroad station.

There they halted in close ranks and stood at attention.

Although the young soldiers remained immovable, there was not a heart in the company that did not throb with excitement.
Colonel Talbot and Major St.Hilaire were a little in advance, erect and commanding figures.
Other troops, volunteer companies, were present and they spread to right and left of the South Carolinians.

Behind and everywhere except in the cleared space before them gathered the people, a vast mass through which ran the hum and murmur of expectancy.