Leroy went off, and Andy took charge of his horse. By the time he had seen that animal and Firefly cared for, Leroy was back and digging a trench about six inches deep. He cut it in the form of a square just a trifle larger than what the tent would cover. The others of the mess had gone foraging for tent poles. These were easily procured, and fifteen minutes later the canvas was up. It shed the rain into the trenches, and soon the water inside also found its way down into the hollow, and then the ground became fairly dry. But a night there, even with a rubber cloth and blankets, was far from home-like, and many a poor chap caught his death of cold. Andy was glad when morning came and the sun shone brightly through the flying clouds. Four days later found the Montgomery Grays detached from the main body of the troops and on their way to Yorktown. Everything was bustle and excitement, and the youth felt that something was up. Soon the news came that the Union troops had landed at Fortress Monroe and were on their way up the peninsula. By the time Yorktown was reached the Confederates there had already thrown up a long line of breastworks which practically extended across the whole peninsula. On the second day in camp on the outskirts of Yorktown, Captain Montgomery came to Andy with a folded paper. “Arlington, here is an order I wish carried to General Magruder or his representative in the field. The orderlies are all away on other business. You will find Magruder’s command somewhere near Lee’s Mill. Make the most of your time,” and off Captain Montgomery dashed again. Without losing a moment Andy placed the folded paper in his pocket and urged Firefly down the muddy road leading along the rear line of the Confederate forces. His progress was soon barred by a breakdown on the highway and he was compelled to make a détour through a woods. Thinking sooner to gain the point he was seeking, he kept on along the woods until he reached a small clearing, not far from the Warwick River and at a point known as Garrow’s Chimneys, because of three tall, burnt-out chimneys standing there. Just below him were located a long line of rifle pits belonging to the Confederate troops. As he approached the spot, half a dozen rifle shots sounded out from the river, and then came the sudden booming of a cannon. “The Yankees are fording the river!” was the cry. “They are just below Dam No. 1. They are going to break through the line if they can! We’re going to have hot work now!” The remainder of the talk was cut short by a volley from the Warwick. The Union troops were coming true enough. Unable to restrain his curiosity, Andy rode forward to where a slight hill overlooked the stream. Hardly had he shown himself, when spat! a minie ball hit the tree beside him and clipped off a bit of bark. The young Confederate lost no time in returning to cover. CHAPTER XX THE EVACUATION OF YORKTOWN