noon
It was likely that they could not get nearer by three or four miles to Colonel Winchester without being seen . `` Then , '' said Grierson , who had the spirit of a Stuart or a Forrest , `` we 'll ride straight on , brushing these watchers out of our way , and if by any chance their whole force should cross , we 'll just meet and fight it . '' `` The little river is falling fast , '' said the sergeant . `` It 's likely that it 'll be fordable almost anywhere by noon . '' `` Then , '' said Grierson , `` it 'll be all the easier for us to get at the enemy . '' Dick , just behind Grierson , heard these words and he liked them . Here was a spirit like Colonel Winchester 's own , or like that of the great Southern cavalry leaders .