But the lazy flakes had increased in number, and the canopy of cloud was still being drawn across the heavens.

He gave the word to his men to be as silent as possible, not to let any weapon rattle or fall, and then they entered the gorge in two files separated by the creek, the narrow ledges affording room for only one man on either side.
Dick kept his outward calm, but the great pulses in his throat and temples were beating hard.

Reed was just ahead of him, and on the other side of the creek the sergeant led, with Shepard following.

Large flakes of snow fell on his face and melted there, but they were welcome messengers, telling him that the cloak for the movement would not only remain, but would increase in extent.
After the first curve the stream took a sharp descent, but the land on either side widened a little, permitting two to walk abreast.

The valley and the slopes encircling it were now entirely shut out from their view, but they heard the crackling of the rifles in greater volume than ever.
Colonel Winchester, true to Lee and Jackson's plan of grand tactics, had opened an extremely heavy fire on the enemy, as soon as his flanking column had disappeared in the gorge.
"I 'low the signs are good," whispered Reed.