"That's a hot place," said Ben Lethbridge.
"We shall all see hot work before the sun goes down to-night," replied Tom. "But let us stand up to it like men."
"That's the talk, Tom!" exclaimed Hapgood.
"I have, uncle; and I have the letter and the photograph in my pocket."
"Good, Tom! After this day's work is over, you can write the lady a letter, and tell her that her socks have been in a battle."
The roar of the guns in Fort Magruder interrupted the conversation. The gunners of the battery in front of them had been driven from their pieces; but it was almost instantly manned by volunteers, and a destructive fire poured into the works. Other batteries were brought up, and the fort was soon silenced. The roar of battle sounded all along the line; the thunder of cannon and the crash of musketry reverberated through the woods and over the plain, assuring the impatient troops that they were engaged in no trivial affair; that they were fighting a great battle, of which thousands yet unborn would read upon the pages of history.
Our regiment closed up its lines, and the gallant colonel gave the order to move forward in the direction of the field works. On, on, steadily and firmly marched the men of Massachusetts, through ditch and swamp, through mud and mire, loading, firing, and charging, as the enemy presented opportunity. The hot work of the day had commenced; for, from every bush, tree, and covert, which could conceal a man, the rebels poured a deadly fire into the ranks of the advancing Federals.
Tom stood as firm as a rock. The doubts and fears which beset him in his first battle had no existence on this day. So thoroughly had he schooled his mind to the fearful ordeal of carnage, that he felt quite at home. He was cool and determined, and continually encouraged those around him by his cheering words as well as by his example.
"Poor fellow!" replied Tom, without taking his eye off the foe in front.
"Stand up to it, my men!" said Tom, firmly, for he had no time then to think of the fallen.
"Forward!" shouted the impetuous colonel, who, if he had never been popular with the men before, was rapidly establishing himself in their good graces by his unflinching heroism. "Forward! double quick! march!"