The enemy is closing in upon us, and it must be our chief effort to break his iron ring.

Ah, here is my nephew! He may give us further news on these grave matters." Dick saw the entrance darken for a moment, then lighten again, and that gallant youth, Victor Woodville, with whom he had fought so good a fight, stood in the room.

He was still pale and he carried his left arm in a sling, but it was evident that his recovery from his wound had been rapid.

Dick saw the stern face of the old colonel brighten a bit, while the tender smile curved again about the thin lips of the spinster.
Young Woodville gave a warm greeting to his uncle and elderly cousin, and nodded to Slade.

Dick believed from his gesture that he did not like the guerilla leader, or at least he hoped so.
"Victor," said the colonel, "what word do you bring ?" "Grant is advancing his batteries, and they seem to be massing for attack.