"It is the South Carolina regiment known as the Invincibles," said Colonel Talbot proudly, as he lifted his cap in a return salute, "although it does not now contain many South Carolinians. Alas! most of the lads who marched so proudly away from Charleston have gone to their last rest, and their places have been filled chiefly by Virginians. But the Virginians are a brave and gallant people, sir, almost equal in fire and dash to the South Carolinians." Stuart smiled. He knew that it was meant as a compliment of the first class, and as such he took it. "I think, sir," he said, "that I am speaking to Colonel Leonidas Talbot?" "You are, sir, and the gentleman on my right is the second in command of this regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Hector St. Hilaire, a most noble gentleman and valiant and skillful officer. We have met you before, sir. You saved us before Bull Run when we were beleaguered at a fort in the Valley." "Ah, I remember!" exclaimed Stuart. "And a most gallant fight you were making. And I recognize this young officer, too. He was the messenger who met me in the fields. Your hand, Mr. Kenton." He stretched out his own hand in its long yellow buckskin glove, and Harry, flushing with pride, shook it warmly. "It's good of you, General," he said, "to remember me." "I'm glad to remember you and all like you. Is General Jackson near?" "About a quarter of a mile farther back, sir. I'm a member of his staff, and I'll ride with you to him." "Thanks. Lead the way." Harry turned with Stuart and Sherburne and they soon reached General Jackson, who was plodding slowly on Little Sorrel, his chin sunk upon his breast as usual, the lines of thought deep in his face. General Stuart bowed low before him and the plumed hat was lifted high. The knight paid deep and willing deference to the Puritan. Jackson's face brightened. He wished plain apparel upon himself, but he did not disapprove of the reverse upon General Stuart. "You are very welcome, General Stuart," he said. "I thank you, sir. I have come to report to you, sir, that General Burnside's army is gathering in great force on the other side of the Rappahannock, and that we are massed along the river and back of Fredericksburg." "General Burnside will cross, will he not?" "So we think. He can lay a pontoon bridge, and he has a great artillery to protect it. The river, as you know, sir, has a width of about two hundred yards at Fredericksburg, and the Northern batteries can sweep the farther shore." "I'm sorry that we've elected to fight at Fredericksburg," said General Jackson thoughtfully. "The Rappahannock will protect General Burnside's army." Stuart gazed at him in astonishment. "I don't understand you, sir," he said. "You say that the Rappahannock will protect General Burnside when it seems to be our defense."