about noon
They exchanged a few words and then the united force rode southward through the open woods , with the watchful lad always hanging on their rear . Harry judged that the new troop numbered about five hundred men , and eight hundred cavalry would not march on any mere scouting expedition . His opinion that this was a ride of importance now became a conviction , and he hardened his purpose to follow them to the end , no matter what the risk . It was now about noon , and the sun became warm despite the December day . The turf softened under the rays and the Union cavalry left an immense wide trail through the forest . It was impossible to miss it , and Harry , careful not to ride into an ambush of rear guard pickets , dropped back a little , and also kept slightly to the left of the great trail . He could not see the soldiers now , but occasionally he heard the deep sound of so many hoofs sinking into the soft turf .