The boy merely ascribed it to the friendly feeling an officer would feel for a faithful aide, but he knew that he had in his colonel one to whom he could speak both as a friend and a protector.

Walking together they talked freely of the enemy who stood before them in such an imposing array.
"Colonel," said Dick, "do you think General Pope is correct in stating that one wing of the Southern army is already retreating through Thoroughfare Gap ?" "I don't, Dick.

I don't think it is even remotely probable.

I'm quite sure, too, that we have the whole Confederate army in front of us.

We'll have to beat both Lee and Jackson, if we can." "Where do you think the main attack will be ?" "On Jackson, who is still in front of us.