Even General Chambers and his staff had disappeared over the hill, and every sound that reached us evidenced a warm engagement.
The stream of wounded soldiers flowing back across the pike was thickening, and Federal shells were already doing damage at this distance.
"I thank you for your information," I said civilly, "but we shall endeavor to hold the house." "You mean to fight!" "Yes--if you wish this place you will have to come and take it." He drew back his horse, yet with head turned, hopeful I might say more.
But I stepped back through the window, and as I disappeared he clapped in his spurs, and rode out into the orchard.

A moment later the dismounted troopers spread out into a thin line, covering the front and left of the house, unslung their carbines and began to load.

Something about the way they went at it convinced me they expected no very serious resistance.

A word to my men on that floor brought them to the point threatened by this first attack, and I gave them swift, concise orders--no firing until they heard a signal shot from the front hall; then keep it up while there was a man standing in range; carbines first, after that revolvers, and keep down out of sight from below.

I looked into their faces, confident of obedience, and then ran down stairs.
Here the two sergeants--veterans both--had anticipated everything, and massed their men at the windows facing front and left.