I caught a glimpse of the other's face--it was Miles.

Then, behind us, about us, rose a cheer; something sent me reeling over against the wall, striking it with my head, and I lost consciousness.
I doubt if to exceed a minute elapsed before I was able to lift my head sufficiently to see about me.

Across my body sprang a Federal officer, and behind him pressed a surging mass of blue-clad men.

They trod on me as though I were dead, sweeping their way forward with plunging steel.
Others poured out of the parlor, and fought their way in through the shattered front door.

It was over so quickly as to seem a dream--just a blue cloud, a cheer, a dozen shots, those heavy feet crunching me, the flicker of weapons, a shouted order, and then the hall was swept bare of the living, and we lay there motionless under the clouds of smoke.