town of Lancaster, General Bill Werritan had just alighted from a night train from Washington. With him were two of his staff officers. They at once took a carriage to the hotel where the General had left his horses during the Washington trip. As the General alighted from the carriage he clutched the arm of one of his lieutenants and cried in an excited voice, "Listen, what is that sound?"
"I didn't hear anything, General," replied the officer. "What did you think you heard?"
As the soldier spoke, a low, faint rumble floated down the valley to their ears.
"By thunder!" cried Werritan. "That's what it is. It is cannonading. Can Early have reorganized his men again after Lancaster?"
"I don't know, General," returned one of the officers.
"By thunder, I do," returned Werritan excitedly, "It's a surprise attack. Where's my horse? Here, you nigger, bring my horse."
