THE CHALLENGE I went slowly down stairs, swayed by a conflict of emotions.

Had I indeed gone too far, been too stern and abrupt?
Still it was surely better to err in this direction than to exhibit weakness, and it was only between these two that I had any choice remaining.

What lay between us and our own lines was uncertain--possibly Confederate pickets, surely bands of stragglers, renegades from both armies.

Now that we had waited so long, it would be a desperate chance to attempt to traverse that ravine in daylight.

We were far safer here, hidden away, but must guard well that no knowledge of our presence be scattered abroad.