In about ten minutes the two riflemen came back up the ravine, and the hidden troopers could hear them talking.
"We'll try some other part of the slope, Jack," said one.
"Yes, that was a bad view," rejoined the other.

"We couldn't tell a thing about the Yankee movements from down there.

We can leave the ravine higher up, and I know a path that leads toward the north." "There's not much good in finding out about 'em anyway.

That fellow Sheridan is going to press us hard, and they have everything, numbers, arms, food, while we have next to nothing." "But we'll fight 'em anyhow.

Still, I wish old Stonewall was here." "But he ain't here, and we'll have to do the best we can without him." Their voices were lost, as they passed up the ravine and disappeared.
Then Dick and his little party came out cautiously, and followed.
"I gather from what those two said that Early's men are depressed," said Dick.
"They've a right to be," replied Shepard.