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.
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