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As Uncle Douglas stood in the porch a noble looking officer upon a large white horse stopped a moment and said: "How do you do to day, Col. Gray? Will you tell the young men that the enemy is advancing, and to rejoin their commands at once?" His voice was as gentle as a woman's, but as clear as a silver bell. Col. Gray answered, "Certainly, Gen. Ashby!" and, turning, repeated the order to a young girl on the porch, who was saying a few last words to three or four young cavalrymen gathered around her, and the order was instantly obeyed. The handsome young captain bent to whisper one parting word, the gay high private held one instant the little hand that trembled in his, there was a spirited summons from the luncheon table, packages were hastily thrust into haversacks, sabers clanked, and the group mounted quickly.
Ashby paused to accept the glass of rich milk Nellie brought to him. As he returned the glass to her, she standing near to say a farewell word to the chieftain they all loved
their Chevalier, "without fear and without reproach" he bent till the long ostrich plume touched his saddle bow and said, so softly that only she and the young captain who stood near her could hear: "I suspect that fellow of trying to get through the lines to obtain information a little more frequently than is necessary, and if the Yankees catch my best scout, I shall know who is to blame." Nellie blushed deeply, and Capt. Hilary laughed gayly as, once more pressing the girl's little hand, he mounted his gallant steed and sat ready to ride with his chieftain.
Ashby was an idol with his men, and he looked every inch the gentleman and soldier that he was. He sat his horse as if he were a part of it. His broad hat shaded a noble white forehead, his dark eyes glowed with untamable spirit, and the long black beard that fell down to his breast gave added dignity to his appearance. Brave as a lion and gentle as a woman, he was reckless in battle, but as courteous and magnanimous to prisoners
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