It is not often that routed troops can turn and put on the defense those who have routed them." "Yes, and they'll be on us in a minute," said Harry.
It was much lighter now, owing to the clearness of the moon and the lifting of the smoke caused by a lull in the firing.

But Harry was right in his prediction.

Within five minutes the Northern artillery, sixty massed guns, opened with a frightful crash.

Once more that storm of steel swept through the woods, but now the lack of daylight helped the Southerners.

Many were killed and wounded, but most of the rain of death passed over their heads, as they were all lying on the ground awaiting the charge, and the Northern gunners, not able to choose any targets, fired in the general direction of the Southern force.
The cannon fire went on for several minutes, and then, with a mighty shout, the Northern force charged, but in a great confused struggle in the woods and darkness it was beaten back, and soon after midnight the battle for that day ceased.
Yet there was no rest for the troops.