Through gardens hushed, past vacant houses we marched, and each blank window filled us with alarms.

The only sounds which came to the ear were flames, from which a continual haze was thrown.

“De’il ta’e their damn impertinence,” swore our Corporal; and we had almost give up the chase and returned to our fallen comrade when the smoke along the street for one moment lifted; and we saw the enemy detachment marching unaware past, one block along.

We did not have to be told; but as Corporal Craigie hissed, we lowered our muzzles — and, his signal given, fired.

There was a great noise of shot, but none hit; and they turned, startled, and fired at us — as we struggled to reload.

The smoke blew past.

They rebel dogs were gone, as were they fetched away by sorcery.

The Marines rushed before us on the cross-street, following upon the rebels’ heels.

We stood in confusion; and might have continued in that way for longer, had not a door thrown itself open, and a rebel appeared before us.