The ravine itself was not more than three or four feet deep, but as its banks were thickly lined with dwarfed cedar they were completely hidden unless they should chance to meet the Southern riflemen, coming down the mountain by the same way.
The ravine at one point led out on a bare shoulder of the slope, and looking over the little pines they clearly saw a fire blazing on the crest and waving flags silhouetted before its glow.

Far below, at Fisher's Hill, flags were waving also.
"Quite a lively talk," whispered Shepard.

"I suppose the lookouts are telling a lot about our army." "But it won't make much difference," said Dick.

"By the time they've spelled out from the flags what Sheridan is doing he'll be doing something else." They resumed their climb and the ravine led again into dense forest.
Sergeant Whitley had moved up by the side of Shepard, as they were now near the enemy, and his great scouting abilities were needed.

It was a wise precaution, as presently he held up his hand, and then, at a signal from him, the whole party climbed softly out of the ravine, and crouched among the little cedars.
Now Dick himself heard what the sergeant had heard perhaps a half minute earlier, that is, the footsteps of two men coming swiftly down the ravine.