The lads in blue were suffering many wounds, but a line of trees and underbrush on the western shore helped them.  Lying there partly protected they loaded and pulled trigger as fast as they could, while the rest of their comrades emerged dripping from the stream to join them.  The Confederates, brave as they were, had no choice but to give ground against such strong defense, and the miner colonel, despite his reserve and his middle years, gave vent to his exultation.

“We can hold this line forever!” he exclaimed to his aides.  “It’s one thing to charge us in the open, but it’s quite another to get at us across a deep and rushing stream.  Major Hertford, take part of the men to the other side of the railroad track and drive back any attempt at a crossing there.  Lieutenant Mason, you and Lieutenant Warner go ahead and see what has become of the train.  You can get back here in plenty time for more fighting.”

Dick and Warner hurried forward, following the line of the railroad.  Their blood was up and they did not like to leave the defense of the river, but orders must be obeyed.  As they ran down the railroad track a man came forward swinging a lantern, and they saw the tall gaunt figure of Canby, the chief engineer.  Behind him the train stretched away in the darkness.

“I guess that our men have forded the river and are holding the bank,” said Canby.  “Do they need the train crew back there to help?”

He spoke with husky eagerness.  Dick knew that he was longing to be in the middle of the fight, but that his duty kept him with the train.

“No,” he replied.  “The river bank, and the road along its shore give us a great position for defense, and I know we can hold it.  Colonel Newcomb did not say so, but perhaps you’d better bring the train back nearer us.  It’s not our object to stay in this valley and fight, but to go into the west.  Is all clear ahead?”

“No enemy is there.  Some of the brakemen have gone on a mile or two and they say the track hasn’t been touched.  You tell Colonel Newcomb that I’m bringing the train right down to the battle line.”

Dick and Warner returned quickly to Colonel Newcomb, who appreciated Canby’s courage and presence of mind.  As the train approached the four cannon were unloaded from the trucks, and swept the further shore with shell and shrapnel.  After a scattered fire the Southern force withdrew some distance, where it halted, apparently undecided.  The clouds rolled up again, the feeble moon disappeared, and the river sank into the dark.

“May I make a suggestion, Colonel Newcomb?” said Major Hertford.

“Certainly.”

“The enemy will probably seek an undefended ford much higher up, cross under cover of the new darkness and attack us in heavy force on the flank.  Suppose we get aboard the train at once, cannon and all, and leave them far behind.”

“Excellent.  If the darkness covers their movements it also covers ours.  Load the train as fast as possible and see that no wounded are left behind.”