But Miles has discovered what Davies has done, in this matter of the flanking roadway; and--without knowing, or apparently caring to know, the reason underlying the posting of the two regiments and two guns in its vicinity,--flies into "a terrible passion" because of it; in "no very measured language," gives Davies "a severe dressing down;" and orders him to bring both regiments and guns down to the front. Davies complies, and says nothing. Miles also orders him to continue the firing from his batteries, without regard to the quantity of ammunition. This order, also, Davies obeys--and the firing proceeds, for two solid hours, until another order comes, about 1 o'clock P.M., to stop firing. The fact is, that Miles is not at all himself--but is suffering under such a strain of mental excitement, he afterward claims, that he is not responsible. Miles, however, returns to Centreville about noon; and no sooner is he gone, than Davies at once sends back pioneers to obstruct that road which would bring the Enemy around his left flank and rear, to Centreville. These, work so industriously, that they cut down a quarter of a mile of trees, and block the road up completely. Davies also posts a few pickets there, in case of accidents. It is well he does so. It is not long before the Enemy makes an attempt to get around to his rear, by that road; but, finding it both obstructed and picketed, retires again. Davies does not see the Rebels making that attempt, but catches sight of them on their return, and gives them a severe shelling for their pains. Davies keeps up his firing, more or less-according to the condition of the Enemy and of his own ammunition--until 4 o'clock, when the firing occasioned by the Union flanking movement, six miles to his right, ceases. Then there reaches him a note from Richardson, so badly penciled that he can only make out the one word "beaten,"--but cannot, for the life of him, make out, whether the beaten one is our Right Wing, or the Enemy! Of what followed, he tells the story himself,--under oath, before the Committee on the Conduct of the War--so graphically, that the temptation to give it, in his own words, is irresistible. "I saw unmistakable evidence," said he, "that we were going to be attacked on our Left Wing. I got all ready for the attack, but did not change my front.