The Collected Works of Ambrose Bierce — Volume 2: In the Midst of Life: Tales of Soldiers and Civilians

After firing his shot, Private Carter Druse reloaded his rifle and resumed his watch.  Ten minutes had hardly passed when a Federal sergeant crept cautiously to him on hands and knees.  Druse neither turned his head nor looked at him, but lay without motion or sign of recognition.

“Did you fire?” the sergeant whispered.

“Yes.”

“At what?”

“A horse.  It was standing on yonder rock—­pretty far out.  You see it is no longer there.  It went over the cliff.”

The man’s face was white, but he showed no other sign of emotion.  Having answered, he turned away his eyes and said no more.  The sergeant did not understand.

“See here, Druse,” he said, after a moment’s silence, “it’s no use making a mystery.  I order you to report.  Was there anybody on the horse?”

“Yes.”

“Well?”

“My father.”

The sergeant rose to his feet and walked away.  “Good God!” he said.