In the beginning of the story, you are introduced to an army that is gossiping about a rumor that the regiment would go into battle the next day. The main character Henry Fleming, is in a panic about this rumor, he had envisioned himself in glorious combat ever since he was a child, but now this would be real. However, the next day they find out that the rumor was incorrect and the army would not go into battle, Henry is still afraid so he starts to look at his comrades to see if they are experiencing the same fearful panic that he is. The regiment is then given the order to march forward, while they are marching, the other soldiers are speculating if they will see battle while Henry tries to keep his head down. Henry is still conflicted with
